There’s loads to like about Mexico — the historic cities, the scorching avenue tacos, the colourful festivals and the limitless artwork. However undoubtedly, what attracts most guests to Mexico, before everything, 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 seashore 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 aspect, rugged cliffs, golden sands and waves worthy of surfers steal the present. And Baja? Assume cinematic desert-meets-sea landscapes peppered with distant fishing villages and miles upon miles of saguaro cactuses.
So, if you happen to plan to plant your ft in among the finest sand this aspect of paradise, you are in the best place. Listed below are eight of the very best seashores in Mexico that deserve a spot in your bucket listing.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
Area: Caribbean coast
Only a 20-minute ferry trip from Cancun, Playa Norte appears like stepping right into a (excuse the millennial reference) display saver. Image shallow bathlike waters in gorgeous turquoise hues and mushy white sand.
This seashore epitomizes “no footwear, no downside,” as loungers line the shore and seashore bars fortunately serve margaritas whilst you float within the calm Caribbean. Sunsets listed here are legendary, because the seashore has western views again to the mainland. Seize a front-row seat, and toast to a different day in paradise.
Want one more reason to e book a visit? Marriott just lately opened an adults-only, all-inclusive resort known as Almare, a Luxurious Assortment Resort on the opposite finish of Isla Mujeres.
Playa Balandra, La Paz, Baja California Sur
Area: Baja Peninsula
Balandra is not only a seashore; it is a panorama. Positioned on the Sea of Cortez, a couple of 40-minute drive north of La Paz, this seashore 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 which you could wade out for what appears like endlessly. Kayaking? Stellar. Sunbathing? Elegant. Snapping photographs? Obligatory. Preserve your eyes peeled for Calandra’s well-known mushroom-shaped rock formation, which is a pure masterpiece like the remainder of this seashore.
Plus, it is simpler than ever to get to La Paz because of 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 a bit slice of golden-sand heaven. The catch? You will must earn it. Entry requires descending a steep set of stairs, however belief us, the reward is price each step.
When you arrive, you may discover calm waves which might be excellent for swimming, snorkeling or making an attempt your hand at beginner-friendly browsing. Small beachside shacks lease out loungers and serve chilly beers, recent seafood and coconut water. Do not miss the ice cream man who pushes his cart of do-it-yourself coconut ice cream alongside the shoreline.
Associated: 10 finest boutique accommodations 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. When 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 seashore is usually backed by personal property, you may must carry every part in with you for the day if you happen to’re not staying at an area resort.
Playa Chacala, Riviera Nayarit, Nayarit
Area: Pacific coast
When you like your seashores chilled out and crowd-free, make your approach to Playa Chacala. Tucked into Riviera Nayarit, this golden-sand seashore has a dreamy small-town vibe. The waves listed here are light, ideally suited for swimming, paddleboarding or lazily bobbing round with a chilly cerveza in hand.
Charming thatched-roof beachside eating places serve among the finest recent seafood — do not miss the fish zarandeado, an area 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 many who recognize a extra rustic, unspoiled stretch of shoreline. This seashore is lengthy, pristine and blissfully quiet, with fewer crowds and fewer buildings — simply miles of sentimental, 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
Footwear are elective on Isla Holbox, the place hammocks swing lazily over shallow turquoise waters and golf carts are the primary mode of transportation. Isla Holbox’s laid-back boho vibe has made it a magnet for vacationers trying to escape the noise of Cancun. You’ll be able to’t go incorrect with any seashore 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. When you go to between Might and September, chances are you’ll spot majestic whale sharks off the island’s coast.
Associated: Boutique beachfront escape in Mexico: A assessment of the Mystique Holbox by Royalton
Playa Mayto, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco
Area: Pacific coast
When you’re craving a distant, off-the-grid seashore expertise, Playa Mayto delivers. Positioned in Cabo Corrientes, about two hours south of Puerto Vallarta, this secluded stretch of shoreline feels worlds away from, effectively, every part.
The seashore is huge, golden and almost untouched, making it the proper spot for solitude-seekers. The waves can get a bit full of life, so it isn’t at all times ideally suited for swimming, however it’s a incredible place to look at the solar because it units in fiery hues over the Pacific. Deliver snacks, an excellent e book and a way of journey.
Close by, you’ll be able to discover the small villages of Mayto and Tehuamixtle, recognized for a few of Mexico’s largest and most scrumptious oysters.
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