There’s rather a lot to like about Mexico — the historic cities, the scorching avenue tacos, the colourful festivals and the countless artwork. However undoubtedly, what attracts most guests to Mexico, at first, are its show-stopping seashores. With almost 6,000 miles of shoreline break up between the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Sea of Cortez, Mexico serves up a sandy buffet that appeals to everybody. Whether or not you are a sun-worshipper, a wave-chaser or a seaside bum solely in it for the tacos and sunsets, there’s one thing right here for you.
However not all seashores are created equal, and Mexico’s choices fall into three distinct classes: the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Baja Peninsula. The Caribbean seashores function powder-soft white sand and Tiffany-blue turquoise water. Over on the Pacific facet, rugged cliffs, golden sands and waves worthy of surfers steal the present. And Baja? Suppose cinematic desert-meets-sea landscapes peppered with distant fishing villages and miles upon miles of saguaro cactuses.
So, when you plan to plant your toes in a few of the finest sand this facet of paradise, you are in the fitting place. Listed here are eight of one of the best seashores in Mexico that deserve a spot in your bucket checklist.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
Area: Caribbean coast
Only a 20-minute ferry trip from Cancun, Playa Norte looks like stepping right into a (excuse the millennial reference) display saver. Image shallow bathlike waters in beautiful turquoise hues and smooth white sand.
This seaside epitomizes “no sneakers, no downside,” as loungers line the shore and seaside bars fortunately serve margaritas when you float within the calm Caribbean. Sunsets listed below are legendary, because the seaside has western views again to the mainland. Seize a front-row seat, and toast to a different day in paradise.
Want another excuse to guide a visit? Marriott just lately opened an adults-only, all-inclusive resort referred to as Almare, a Luxurious Assortment Resort on the opposite finish of Isla Mujeres.
Playa Balandra, La Paz, Baja California Sur
Area: Baja Peninsula
Balandra isn’t just a seaside; it is a panorama. Situated on the Sea of Cortez, a couple of 40-minute drive north of La Paz, this seaside seems like a surrealist portray, with sandbars peeking up from shallow aquamarine waters framed by dramatic desert hills.
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The water right here is so calm and shallow you could wade out for what looks like ceaselessly. Kayaking? Stellar. Sunbathing? Elegant. Snapping images? Obligatory. Preserve your eyes peeled for Calandra’s well-known mushroom-shaped rock formation, which is a pure masterpiece like the remainder of this seaside.
Plus, it is simpler than ever to get to La Paz due to Alaska Airways’ new direct route between Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX) and La Paz Worldwide Airport (LAP), launched in November.
Associated: Tijuana to Los Cabos: Exploring Mexico’s Baja California from prime to backside
Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Area: Pacific coast
Hidden in a quiet cove in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Playa Carrizalillo is just a little slice of golden-sand heaven. The catch? You may should earn it. Entry requires descending a steep set of stairs, however belief us, the reward is value each step.
When you arrive, you will discover calm waves which might be excellent for swimming, snorkeling or attempting your hand at beginner-friendly browsing. Small beachside shacks hire out loungers and serve chilly beers, recent seafood and coconut water. Do not miss the ice cream man who pushes his cart of selfmade coconut ice cream alongside the shoreline.
Associated: 10 finest boutique lodges in Mexico
Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
Area: Caribbean coast
Playa del Carmen could also be buzzy and bustling, however tucked away at its southern edge lies Playacar — a quieter, extra refined stretch of the Riviera Maya shoreline. The sand right here is pillow-soft, and the water is that iconic Caribbean blue.
Playacar is primarily fronted by upscale properties and all-inclusive resorts — like Viva Azteca by Wyndham — giving it an unique really feel. In the event you’re staying close by, that is the proper place to flee the crowds, catch some solar and take pleasure in people-watching.
It is a fast stroll to the bars and eating places of Quinta Avenida, however seeing because the seaside is usually backed by non-public property, you will should convey all the things in with you for the day when you’re not staying at a neighborhood resort.
Playa Chacala, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit
Area: Pacific coast
In the event you like your seashores chilled out and crowd-free, make your technique to Playa Chacala. Tucked into Riviera Nayarit, this golden-sand seaside has a dreamy small-town vibe. The waves listed below are light, superb for swimming, paddleboarding or lazily bobbing round with a chilly cerveza in hand.
Charming thatched-roof beachside eating places serve a few of the finest recent seafood — do not miss the fish zarandeado, a neighborhood specialty the place the native catch is butterflied, marinated with spices and grilled.
Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Area: Pacific coast
Playa Blanca in Zihuatanejo is pure magic for individuals who recognize a extra rustic, unspoiled stretch of shoreline. This seaside is lengthy, pristine and blissfully quiet, with fewer crowds and fewer buildings — simply miles of soppy, golden sand and the Pacific waves rolling in.
It is prime for lengthy walks, flying kites or just absorbing the peace. Beachside palaces dish up recent ceviche and ice-cold coconut water. Zihuatanejo has lengthy been a quieter different to Ixtapa, and Playa Blanca is a dramatic instance.
Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo
Area: Caribbean coast
Sneakers are non-obligatory on Isla Holbox, the place hammocks swing lazily over shallow turquoise waters and golf carts are the principle mode of transportation. Isla Holbox’s laid-back boho vibe has made it a magnet for vacationers seeking to escape the noise of Cancun. You’ll be able to’t go fallacious with any seaside right here — they’re all pristine and dotted with colourful fishing boats, light waves and shorebirds.
Do not miss the possibility to paddleboard or kayak. The water is calm and clear sufficient to see marine life gliding beneath you. In the event you go to between Could and September, you might spot majestic whale sharks off the island’s coast.
Associated: Boutique beachfront escape in Mexico: A evaluate of the Mystique Holbox by Royalton
Playa Mayto, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco
Area: Pacific coast
In the event you’re craving a distant, off-the-grid seaside expertise, Playa Mayto delivers. Situated in Cabo Corrientes, about two hours south of Puerto Vallarta, this secluded stretch of shoreline feels worlds away from, nicely, all the things.
The seaside is huge, golden and almost untouched, making it the proper spot for solitude-seekers. The waves can get just a little full of life, so it is not all the time superb for swimming, however it’s a incredible place to look at the solar because it units in fiery hues over the Pacific. Convey snacks, a superb guide and a way of journey.
Close by, you’ll be able to discover the small villages of Mayto and Tehuamixtle, identified for a few of Mexico’s largest and most scrumptious oysters.
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