Cantabria, Spain

Playa de los Bikinis

Playa de los Bikinis is a well-known beach located in the eastern part of Santander, a city in northern Spain. It is situated on the Península de la Magdalena, and access to the beach is granted through the Magdalena Palace. The name "Playa de los Bikinis" was inspired by the foreign students from the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo, who began wearing bikinis on the beach in the 1960s, a trend that was previously unobserved in Spain.

The beach stretches over 650 meters in length on the south side of the peninsula, with an average width of 35 meters. The shoreline is faced by two islands known as Torre (Tower Island) and Horadada. The beach is surrounded by an urban area and features a promenade.

Playa de los Bikinis is characterized by its fine, golden sand and calm waters. The terrain is rocky, and there is also a grassy area where visitors can sit and relax. The beach is typically less crowded compared to other beaches in Santander, making it a preferred spot for young people and tourists.

The beach is equipped with several amenities to ensure the comfort and safety of its visitors. These include showers and lifeguard services. There is also a Red Cross station for emergencies, and the nearest hospital, Marques de Valdecilla, is located just 3 kilometers away in Santander. Other facilities such as toilets, telephones, and trash bins are available, along with cleaning services.

Discover places to stay near Playa de los Bikinis and enjoy its fine golden sand and calm waters.

For those visiting by car, a parking area is provided approximately 200 meters from the beach. There are also signs indicating the way to the beach. Additionally, the beach is accessible by public transportation, with a bus service available. The closest transportation route is the S-20. The beach is also equipped for disabled access, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beautiful location.

What to do at Playa de los Bikinis?

Amenities

Playa de los Bikinis amenities include parking, toilet and shower.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the clear water and the unique, rocky landscape of the beach, with some noting its historical significance as the birthplace of the bikini revolution. The beach's location on the Magdalena Peninsula and its less crowded nature compared to other beaches in Santander are also appreciated. However, some visitors find the beach to be just borderline okay.

Where to Stay near Playa de los Bikinis?

If you’re visiting Playa de los Bikinis, consider staying in the city of Santander, which offers a variety of accommodations and is only a short distance from the beach. Most visitors explore the cultural and historical attractions of Santander and include the beach as part of their itinerary.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Playa de los Bikinis?

Latitude: 43.4673718 / Longitude: -3.7684297

Playa de los Bikinis is located in Cantabria. The following map of Playa de los Bikinis shows the exact location.


Nearby destinations:

Playa de los Bikinis: Weather Today

📅 Sunday, September 6, 2026
Today offers a decent, though somewhat brisk, day at Playa de los Bikinis for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere by the water. You can expect a mix of sun and clouds, creating comfortable conditions for relaxing on the sand with a maximum air temperature of 31.4 °C. Be aware that the UV Index is 6.15, so remember your sun protection. The wind will be noticeable throughout the day, and with wave heights reaching 1.6 m, the water will be quite active rather than calm. At 22.1 °C, the sea is refreshing for a dip if you are comfortable with slightly choppy conditions. While it is a generally pleasant time to be outdoors, the breeze and moving water mean it is less ideal for a quiet, relaxing swim.
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Air

Low / High21.8°C/31.4°C
Feels Like (High)32.4°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature22.1 °C
Wave Height1.6 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance5%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:44/20:41
Sunshine Hours10.9 hrs
UV Index6.15
Cloud Cover58%
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Wind

Speed22.3 km/h
Gusts37.4 km/h
DirectionW

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