Santa Marta: Promenade, Culture and Coast

Santa Marta has several facets that can be given different weight when planning a trip: a sculpture by the bay, gastronomic and architectural impressions in the historic centre, and routes to nearby Playa Grande. The Teatro Santa Marta adds an Art Deco influence to the cityscape. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, consider whether urban culture or a day at the beach should play a bigger part in your stay.

Promenade, Monuments and Architecture

On the waterfront promenade along Santa Marta Bay stands a bronze sculpture of Don Rodrigo de Bastidas, erected in 1928. It was created by Spanish sculptor José Lafita Díaz (1887–1945). The work brings art in public spaces together with a specific historical figure; the date and artist give the monument a clear point of reference if you’re interested in public sculpture.

In the historic centre, the Callejón del Correo is a gastronomic passageway lined with rustic walls and colonial balconies. A description from 2020 mentions its varied lighting. This gives the passage a different character from a visit to a park: Parque Bolívar is home to a monument depicting Simón Bolívar on horseback. Both places add their own touches to a city stroll—one through the design of a passageway, the other through a historic monument.

The Teatro Santa Marta is also an architectural landmark. It is distinguished by understated architecture and simple lines, and is considered a symbol of the Art Deco style in the Caribbean. Together with the monuments and passageway, it offers a range of points of interest for anyone who wants to get to know Santa Marta through more than just its coast, taking in its buildings and public spaces as well.

Taganga and Playa Grande: The Beach and Your Route Options

Taganga is a corregimiento of Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast, in the bay of the same name, and is considered a tourist attraction. Playa Grande is near Santa Marta. A municipal visitor description characterises the beach as sandy, with clear water and kiosks; it also mentions enjoying the scenery and eating seafood as options for visitors.

A municipal description gives a walking route over the hills from Taganga to Playa Grande, taking 30 to 45 minutes. The time may vary in practice. Playa Grande can also be reached by boat from Taganga; the journey takes about five minutes, although this duration may also vary. Comparing the routes gives you two specific differences: the walk over the hills, with its stated duration, and the short, approximate boat ride.

These experiences can give your holiday rental search different priorities. If you’re mainly interested in the sculpture, passageway, park monument and theatre architecture, Santa Marta’s urban side takes centre stage. If you plan to visit Playa Grande, include the routes described from Taganga in your day’s plans.

Discover more destinations: Guamal, Buritaca, Calabazo, Carretal, Santa Marta, Tasajeras, Ciénaga, Fundacion.

For the regional travel overview: Magdalena.