What to do in Magdalena

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Magdalena

Types of activities

Where to stay

Magdalena travel guide

Rodadero Beach showing a sandy beach, a hotel and a coastal town

Blanca Beach showing mountains, rugged coastline and general coastal views

Santa Marta Cathedral which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Costa Caribe featuring a coastal town, a high-rise building and swimming

Costa Caribe featuring boating, a coastal town and rugged coastline

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Top places to visit

1. Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona National Natural Park is famous for its paradise-like beaches, exotic wildlife and excellent scuba conditions. The 37,000-acre (15,000-hectare) area is often considered one of the most scenic parts of the world due to its exceptional landscape, formed by a blend of ecosystems and microclimates, with environments such as thorny scrubland and dry, rain and cloud forests. The dry forest of this protected area is one of the best preserved in the country. The park is popular for hiking and tent camping deep in the forest or on the beaches. Look for many types of exotic wildlife and plants as you explore the park.

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Idyllic tropical Caribbean beach in Tayrona National Park near Santa Marta, Colombia

2. Rodadero Beach

Rodadero Beach is a hub of sand, sun and surf on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. Enjoy a range of activities including diving, sailing and paddle boating. This beach is a more active and dynamic option than its nearby rival beach, Playa Blanca. Rodadero Beach has a more Colombian atmosphere with fewer international visitors. The beach first became popular in the 1950s. Now, it is one of the most visited parts of Colombia’s northern coast.

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Rodadero Beach which includes a beach, a skyscraper and boating

3. Parque de los Novios

Parque de los Novios is a spacious plaza next to Santa Marta’s most historic monuments. It is a popular meeting point for couples. In fact, the name translates as the Park of Lovers. Travelers and locals gather in this plaza to watch the sun go down and enjoy a few drinks in the evening. It is a shining beacon of the city’s nightlife and has a relaxed and secure ambiance. Look for a statue surrounded by small fountains erupting from the plaza’s red-brick surface. Take a leisurely stroll around the pedestrianized park in the afternoon without worrying about traffic.

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Parque de Los Novios showing flowers and a park

4. Taganga Beach

Several decades ago, Taganga was a sleepy fishing village. Now, it attracts travelers from Colombia and the rest of the world with its cool breezes, mountainous landscape and proximity to Tayrona National Park. The small area is nestled beside the cliffs of the Caribbean coast. The village is a hotspot for scuba diving and sunbathing and has an animated nightlife. Enjoy one of the many restaurants and bars in Taganga or find a company to arrange a tour of the national park.

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Taganga Beach featuring a coastal town, a bay or harbour and landscape views

5. Blanca Beach

Playa Blanca is a beautiful and tranquil beach nestled in the valley of mountains separating Santa Marta from El Rodadero. It is only accessible via a short boat journey, which means the area is particularly clean and safe. Enjoy the warm and crystal clear ocean water. Look for huts serving fresh seafood caught in the area and vendors offering coconut shell drinks.

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Blanca Beach showing a sandy beach and landscape views

What to do in Magdalena

Discover the most popular places to visit in Magdalena

Rodadero Beach

This dynamic beach is one of the most visited spots in the area. Enjoy a variety of activities: sunbathe, swim, sail, dive and snorkel.

Parque de los Novios

Meet friends and share a few drinks at this plaza in the center of Santa Marta, where you’ll find restaurants, bars and vendors selling snacks.

Taganga Beach

Over just a few decades, this charming fishing village has grown into a traveler’s oasis with restaurants, nightclubs and a picturesque beach.

Rodadero Beach featuring a luxury hotel or resort, general coastal views and rocky coastline

Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum

Take the children to visit the sea life who live at Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum during your holiday to Santa Marta. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Ciudad Perdida

You can find out about the history of Santa Marta when you stop by Ciudad Perdida. Wander the beautiful beaches in this relaxing area.

Venezuela Park

Venezuela Park is just one of the places to see in Barranquilla, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Santa Marta Cathedral

Walk around the cathedral that holds the remains of the city’s founder and claims to be the oldest church in the country.

Roberto Melendez Metropolitan Stadium

Catch an event at Roberto Melendez Metropolitan Stadium during your trip to Barranquilla. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Bello Horizonte Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Bello Horizonte Beach during your travels in Bello Horizonte? Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

Explore areas of Magdalena

El Rodadero

3/5(1 area review)

El Rodadero is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Rodadero Beach and Arrecife Shopping Center.

Riomar

Riomar is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Buenavista Shopping Center and Viva Barranquilla Shopping Center while you're in town.

Historic Center

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Take a trip back in time as you explore the center of Colombia’s oldest surviving city, complete with colonial buildings and collections of indigenous gold and pottery.

El Prado

El Prado is well liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Romelio Martínez Stadium and Villa Country Shopping Centre.

Alto Prado

Visitors to Alto Prado appreciate its bars. A visit to Villa Country Shopping Centre and Romelio Martínez Stadium might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

Bello Horizonte

If you're spending some time in Bello Horizonte, Bello Horizonte Beach and Zazue are top sights worth seeing.

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