SkyOvercast with light rain
Santander · Cantabria
Playa Virgen del Mar
Swimming conditions, water quality, sea, tides and facilities
400 mSand
Water16 °CDaily high21 °CUV2High tide04:44Low tide22:33JellyfishNo recent observationsLess favourable conditions · estimate
Swimming statusUnconfirmed swimming flagNo current data
Now
Forecast for 17:00
This is an official forecast for the stated period, not an observation taken at the beach.
Environmental estimate
Conditions less favourable for jellyfish arrival
Forecast wind and the regional coastline orientation are less favourable for jellyfish transport towards the shore. This is a limited-confidence regional physical indicator; it does not confirm the presence or absence of jellyfish at this beach.
Accumulated wind19 km/h · 180°Valid for11/11/2026 16:00
Weather forecast
Hourly and daily outlook
Official municipal forecast and, where available, beach-specific information.
Next hours
Today’s weather
At 17:00, the forecast indicates sky conditions of overcast with light rain and a forecast temperature of 20 °C. This period also has a feels-like temperature of 20 °C, 75% chance of rain and wind S at 20 km/h. For the day as a whole, the published forecast gives a high of 21 °C, water temperature around 16 °C and a maximum UV index of 2.
Next days
Today
High cloud
Low 17°High 21°
MorningHigh cloudAfternoonOvercast with light rain
☂ Rain 100% ↝ S · 22 km/h Gusts 40 km/h Humidity 53–88% ◉ Water 16° ☀ UV 2
Hourly municipal forecast · issued 11/11 14:09
Tomorrow
Clear
Low 16°High 18°
MorningClearAfternoonOvercast with thunderstorm
☂ Rain 100% ↝ W · 30 km/h Gusts 64 km/h Humidity 76–95% ◉ Water 17° ☀ UV 2
Hourly municipal forecast · issued 11/11 14:09
Friday 13
Overcast with light rain
Low 15°High 16°
☂ Rain 100% ↝ E · 25 km/h Gusts 18 km/h Humidity 89–92% ◉ Water 17° ☀ UV 2
Hourly municipal forecast · issued 11/11 14:09
Saturday 14
Sunny intervals with light rain
Low 12°High 17°
☂ Rain 75% ↝ W · 20 km/h Humidity 80–100% ☀ UV 2
Daily municipal forecast · issued 11/11 13:29
Water health
Water quality
The 2026 season does not yet have a final annual classification. The 2025 result is historical; for recent conditions, check the latest test and any published incidents.
View all test results
| Date | Assessment | E. coli | Enterococci |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29/09/2026 | Suitable for bathing | 20 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 08/09/2026 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 25/08/2026 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 11/08/2026 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 21/07/2026 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 08/07/2026 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 23/06/2026 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 09/06/2026 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 27/05/2026 | Suitable for bathing | 42 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 02/09/2025 | Suitable for bathing | 180 NMP/100 mL | 31 NMP/100 mL |
| 20/08/2025 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 05/08/2025 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 08/07/2025 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 17/06/2025 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 28/05/2025 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 31 NMP/100 mL |
| 24/09/2024 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 10/09/2024 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 27/08/2024 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 06/08/2024 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 20 NMP/100 mL |
| 16/07/2024 | Suitable for bathing | 178 NMP/100 mL | 42 NMP/100 mL |
| 04/07/2024 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 18/06/2024 | Suitable for bathing | 31 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 04/06/2024 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 15/05/2024 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 19/09/2023 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 05/09/2023 | Suitable for bathing | 75 NMP/100 mL | 99 NMP/100 mL |
| 23/08/2023 | Suitable for bathing | 87 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 01/08/2023 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 31 NMP/100 mL |
| 11/07/2023 | Suitable for bathing | 10 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
| 26/06/2023 | Suitable for bathing | 20 NMP/100 mL | 10 NMP/100 mL |
View annual history
2025 EXCELLENT EEA2024 EXCELLENT EEA2023 EXCELLENT EEA2022 EXCELLENT EEA2021 EXCELLENT EEA2020 EXCELLENT EEA2019 EXCELLENT EEA2018 EXCELLENT EEA2017 EXCELLENT EEA2016 EXCELLENT EEA2015 EXCELLENT EEA
A sample or annual classification does not override a later incident or operational flag.
Water quality
The latest microbiological sample was taken on 29/09/2026. The available annual classification for 2025 is excellent; this is a historical assessment, not confirmation of today’s conditions.
Beach at a glance
What it is like
Playa Virgen del Mar lies in isolation among rocks, beside the chapel of the same name and beneath a cliff frontage. It is a golden sandy beach 400 metres long and 40 metres wide, with moderate occupancy and moderate waves. The rocky setting is its most recognisable feature within Santander’s coastline. Access is by car via the CA-231, with more than 100 parking spaces; it offers showers, foot-washing facilities, catering and adapted facilities.
Length400 mApproximate size of the beach
Typical width40 mPublished average width
CompositionSandPredominant material
Sand typeGoldenPublished texture or colour
SettingIsolatedLevel of development
Coastal settingCliffsSurrounding landscape
Access typeBy carPublished access options
Available facilities
Facilities
Facilities and comfort
Confirmed facilities include showers, foot showers, bins, a cleaning service and food and drink.
Activities
Published information identifies the nearby Santander - Puerto Chico marina.
Access and safety
Accessibility and safety
Accessibility and transport
Accessible accessPublished accessible access
ParkingMore than 100 spaces
BusIntercity bus, Santander - Soto de la Marina
Safety and assistance
LifeguardsLifeguard staff and equipment · Emergency number 112
First aidPublished first-aid post
Safety signageOfficial beach safety signage
Nearest health facilityHospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla · 5 km
Access and accessibility
Accessibility information confirms step-free or accessible access. Travel options include parking, a bus connection and access from CA-231.
Location
Directions
Practical ideas for your visit
Near this beach
Eat, have a drink, stay or park nearby without spending time searching.
Where to eat
near Playa Virgen del MarDrinks and cafés
near Playa Virgen del Mar
1
Bambara TavernAvenida de la Virgen del Mar 160, Santander
103 mapprox.
2
El ChiringuitoAvenida de la Virgen del Mar 150, Santander
136 mapprox.
3
Navajeda Sport TavernPub in Santander
1.2 kmapprox.
4
La ParraPub in Santander
1.2 kmapprox.
5
BalloomAvenida del Marqués de Valdecilla 60D, Santa Cruz de Bezana
1.7 kmapprox.
Where to stay
near Playa Virgen del Mar
1
Hotel Chateau La RocaAvenida de José María de Pereda 6, Sancibrián
1.5 kmapprox.
2
Hostería Las PalmerasCalle El Somo 114, Santander
1.6 kmapprox.
3
Apartamentos La CanalAvenida de San Juan de la Canal 16, Soto de la Marina
1.6 kmapprox.
4
La Marina SunsetAvenida de San Juan de la Canal 37B, Santa Cruz de Bezana
1.7 kmapprox.
5
Hotel Costa San JuanHotel in Santander
2.1 kmapprox.
Parking
near Playa Virgen del MarAbout these results: distances are calculated in a straight line and each link opens the stored point, rather than a name search. Position does not imply an editorial recommendation or guarantee opening times or availability.
A few kilometres away
Nearby beaches
Santa Cruz de Bezana
Playa San Juan de La Canal
1.4 kmfrom this beach
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Santa Cruz de Bezana
Playa de Covachos
2.9 kmfrom this beach
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Piélagos
Playa de la Arnía
3.2 kmfrom this beach
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Santander
Playa de la Maruca
3.3 kmfrom this beach
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Playa de Rosamunda
3.6 kmfrom this beach
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Playa del Bocal
4.3 kmfrom this beach
View conditions and facilities →