CityBuddy
Palacio de la Magdalena
Best time to visit
Early morning or May and September, when the terraces and beaches are far from the biggest crowds. The summer midday sun can be strong, so head out in the morning or late afternoon.
Budget tips
A stroll through the gardens, along the coast and to the lighthouse is completely free. The interior of the castle can only be seen on a guided tour of about 4 euros, and students and pensioners get a discount, while children up to 6 years are free of charge.
Recommended for
Families with children, History lovers, Photographers, Those who love long walks by the sea
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: The summer residence of the Spanish royal family is surrounded by 32 hectares of green areas on top of a small peninsula. The building was financed by ordinary citizens through their contributions, and today its summer occupants are participants of international university courses.
Highlights: King Alfonso XIII loved this place so much that he taught his sons to sail right here, and it was during those summers that the first royal regattas were held in the bay. In the royal chambers there still stand three different bathtubs, each in a different style, intended for the king, the queen and the prince.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, because walking to the lighthouse at the top of the peninsula takes almost an hour.
- The best shot is from the trail on the north side, from where the castle can be seen in full extent above the bay.
- Check the tour schedule in advance, in peak season spots for the interior sell out by noon.
- Save the Bikini and Camello beaches for low tide, when the sand spreads out the most and reveals a walkway around the shore itself.
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