All photos courtesy of Goats On the Road
When we as North Americans think of Mexico, what typically comes to mind are the pristine beaches surrounding Playa del Carmen and Cancun in the Yucatan Peninsula. Those beaches are gorgeous and popular for good reason, but what about some of the lesser-known sandy stretches that this country has to offer?
San Pancho
We lived in San Pancho for two months and really loved this little town and its long, sandy beach. This is a surfing town, so the water isn't ideal for swimming, but it's still possible to go for a dip. Depending on the time of year, it's also possible to see whales and dolphins from the shoreline! If you're not a surfer, you can still enjoy lazing on the beach, or walking from end to end, along with the sunsets. Every evening, people from the town flock to the beach to watch the sun dip down in the sky and touch the ocean. This is a magical place, it's no wonder why so many expats have decided to move here.
Playa Carrizalillo, Puerto Escondido
Located in the State of Oaxaca, the beaches at Puerto Escondido are often overlooked by tourists, which is a shame. Although this is a surfing town, the little cove of Playa Carrizalillo is completely protected and safe for swimming. The sand is golden and the water is clear. There are four small shacks on the beach serving drinks and basic snack food, and some chairs and umbrellas for rent. Apart from that, this is a quiet spot.
Isla Holbox
Located about 40 miles away from Cancun is this little undeveloped gem. Isla Holbox (pronounced "hol-bosh") has just enough going on to make it a comfortable place to spend 5 nights or so, yet isn't busy, loud, or overcrowded like its neighbor on the mainland. People here get around on the sandy roads by way of golf cart and motorbike. The water here isn't the turquoise color like it is in the Yucatan, because the Caribbean Sea mixes with the Gulf of Mexico, giving it a darker (but still beautiful) color.
Isla Mujeres
The "Island of Women" is located just a quick, 20-minute boat ride from Cancun and (in our opinion) is a more enjoyable place to spend your holiday. The north coast here is where you'll find most of the accommodation and restaurant options, as well as the white sand beach of Playa Norte. The water here is turquoise blue and completely clear, while the sand is silky soft.
Progreso
Needing to get out of the big city of Merida? This beach is just a mere 25 miles away! The sand here is soft and golden, while the sea can be light or dark depending on the day. This is the Gulf of Mexico, so don't expect Caribbean waters, but do expect clear, calm, clean seas, perfect for swimming. There are numerous restaurants here, as well as palapas and beach chairs available - they're free if you purchase a drink. Progreso is where the Merida residents go to relax on weekends and spend the summer months, making this a great place to interact with Mexican people.
Which beaches would you add to this list? Share with us below!
Topics From This Article to Explore
