CityBuddy
Parque de Mataleñas
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon in spring and early autumn, when the light is most beautiful and the wind is weakest. Weekdays are far quieter than weekends.
Budget tips
Entry is completely free and the park is open throughout the day. Bring your own water and a snack, as there are no kiosks inside the park itself.
Recommended for
Families, Photographers, Nature lovers, Walkers
Plan your visit
1.5-2 hours
About
Quick facts: It stretches over about 30 hectares above the Cantabrian Sea and hides within it the remains of military bunkers from the 1930s. Along the cliffs runs a promenade that leads to the lighthouse with a view over the bay, and the interior is adorned with pine forests and running trails.
Highlights: Hidden in the rocky slopes towards the sea are concrete bunkers overgrown with moss and grass, so they look like a mysterious strategic playground that almost no one notices. At the top of the cliff, the lighthouse hides a small contemporary art gallery with works donated by the painter Eduardo Sanz, a real surprise for visitors expecting only a classic lighthouse.
Insider tips
- Put on sturdy footwear, the trails along the cliffs are uneven and steep in places.
- The best photo is from the bench by the lighthouse during the golden hour before sunset.
- Skip Sunday noon when there are the most families; head out before dawn for complete solitude.
- Follow the trail south to the beach; the descent is steep, but the reward at the bottom is worth the effort.
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