1. Magdalena Peninsula: A Fairy-Tale Forest by the Sea

The Magdalena Peninsula is one of Santander’s most emblematic places, and also one of the most pleasant for walking amid nature and the sea. Its name dates back to the Middle Ages when a small chapel was established here under the care of Saint Mary Magdalene. Surrounded by cliffs and beaches and crowned by the palace of the same name, this park is a perfect spot to enjoy its 25 hectares of trails, lawns, century-old trees, and viewpoints with spectacular views of the bay and open sea.

One of the peninsula’s greatest attractions is its notable tree diversity. A beautiful, varied garden has been established on an ancient holm oak grove, atop limestone rock, where the overall vegetation is truly impressive. Birches, acacias, poplars, alders, maples, ashes, beeches, hydrangeas of various types, oaks, tamarisks, cedars, cypresses, holm oaks, eucalyptus, Canary Island palms, and a wide range of pines are just some of what awaits as you stroll through the Palace gardens.

Along the walk, you’ll find the monument to Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente and small wooden sculptures carved from the trunks of diseased trees. Today, there are over twenty hand-carved wooden figures scattered throughout the park. A must-see for both first-time visitors and returning fans of Santander.

2. Mataleñas Park and 2020 Park: Nature and Tribute in a Privileged Setting

Located in the northern part of the city, Mataleñas Park is a green lung stretching to the cliffs, offering breathtaking coastal views. It’s ideal for exercising, walking, or simply relaxing in a natural environment. Its paths connect to the Mataleñas Golf Course, Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, and Mataleñas Beach, making it one of the most attractive areas in the city for lovers of coastal landscapes.

Adjacent to Mataleñas is 2020 Park, inaugurated in tribute to the victims of COVID-19. This 20,000-square-meter garden features 144 native trees, each representing a person who died in Santander during the pandemic. Designed by landscape architect Luis González Camino, this space invites reflection and remembrance in an atmosphere of serenity.

3. Doctor Morales Park: History and Recreation in the “Cow Park”

Popularly known as “The Cow Park” due to the sculpture paying tribute to this essential animal in Cantabrian culture, Doctor Morales Park is located on the grounds of the former sanatorium of the same name.

With an area of 175,000 square meters, it offers vast green spaces, a pond, children’s play areas, and a skate park. It’s the perfect place to enjoy with the family, play sports, or simply relax in the shade of its trees, including Canary Island palms, Lawson cypresses, and horse chestnuts.

4. Mesones Park: Family Fun Next to El Sardinero

Located near the second Sardinero beach, Mesones Park is a beloved spot for families. Its large grassy areas, children’s play zones, and proximity to the beach make it ideal for combining a day by the sea with leisure in a natural setting.

This park was built on the site of the former Racing football field and is named after Doctor Mesones, mayor of Santander for 21 years. With a large green esplanade and an artificial pond, it’s one of the city’s most popular parks—especially in summer.

5. Las Llamas Park: Biodiversity and Modernity in the Heart of Santander

The Atlantic Park of Las Llamas is one of the city’s most modern and expansive green spaces, covering about 11 hectares. This urban park includes recreational areas, green zones, and a network of paths and walkways surrounding a central wetland. The wetland has become a haven for numerous bird species, some of which use it for nesting or resting during migrations. The park also features children’s play areas, picnic zones, and sports facilities, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

6. Pereda Gardens and the Botín Centre: Art, Scenery, and a Glimpse of the Future

Your visit to the Botín Centre begins in the beautiful and historic Pereda Gardens, which were redesigned during the construction of the building. Thanks to the art center’s project, the park has doubled in size and tripled its green area.

A highlight is the sculptural installation From the Underground by artist Cristina Iglesias. Designed specifically for this space, the piece consists of five gray stone structures enclosing forms made of cast steel that overlap, forming cavities. These are wells that explore the idea of the underground and evoke the tides as they fill and empty.

While visiting, you can also enjoy carefully selected vegetation, including magnolias, holly, palms, cedars, horse chestnuts, pines, boxwoods, yews, lindens, and flowering apple trees. The entire landscape was designed with special attention to light and color, including bluish paving that creates a visual continuity with the tones of the bay. The Pereda Gardens are, without a doubt, a place where art, nature, and architecture come together to offer a unique experience in the heart of Santander.

Santander’s parks and gardens are living proof of the perfect harmony between urban planning and nature. These spaces offer both locals and visitors the chance to enjoy moments of peace, recreation, and connection with the natural environment without leaving the urban core.

The ones we’ve shared here are not the only ones—in fact, we haven’t mentioned one of the most iconic spots: the Piquío Gardens, located between the first and second Sardinero beaches. They are currently under renovation but will be open to the public again in July this year. These gardens are a landmark for enjoying the sea breeze and unique views of the Cantabrian Sea.

That’s it for today’s blog post. What did you think of this journey through Santander’s green spaces? On your next visit to the city, don’t miss out on these green oases that enrich the Santander experience. And if you feel inspired, share your experience with us on Facebook and X using the hashtag #ShareCantabria.

Santander in Cantabria: Simply Irresistible.