Fodor's Expert Review Palacio de la Magdalena

Built on the highest point of the Peninsula de Magdalena and surrounded by 62 acres of manicured gardens and rocky beaches, this early-20th-century palace is the most distinctive building in Santander. It was originally a summer home for King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia, and it has architectural influences from France and England. Today it is a venue for meetings, weddings, and classes. There are also daily guided visits---call in advance to schedule a tour in English.