I have been to Mexico 3 times already, and it is only fair that I finally write a post about the best beaches in Mexico. Those who know me, also know that I love hanging by the beach, and that is why I have put together a post on the best beaches in Sardinia. So I thought about doing the same for Mexico, which is a wonderful country to visit, with a rich culture, welcoming people, fantastic food, and spectacular landscapes.
In my 3 times in the country, I was lucky enough to visit some beautiful beaches. I obviously have my favorite ones – some to which I have a special emotional attachment for I have visited them with my sister, or with my ex boyfriend.
So, the following is a list of all the best beaches to visit in Mexico, with some additional tips on where to stay in the area. Also keep in mind that as an Italian, I don’t need a visa for Mexico but can get one on arrival. Other nationalities may need it and they can get a visa online thanks to iVisa.
Tulum is without a doubt one of the best beaches in Mexico
The Best Beaches In Mexico
Tulum Playa (aka Playa Paraiso)
It is undeniable that Tulum Playa is one of the best beaches in Mexico. It is also known as Playa Paraiso, and for a good reason! Imagine a gorgeous white sand beach lined by palm trees, that is so long and wide that rarely gets busy. It is the perfect place to stop over after having visited Tulum archeological site (which is only 500 meters away), one the top places to visit in Mexico.
As with most of Mexico beaches, in Tulum Playa there are nice beach clubs, where it is possible to hire a table, chairs and an umbrella. On site restaurants are usually nice, and there are showers and toilets too. Good beach clubs offer guided snorkeling or swimming in the clear turquoise colored water.
Playa Paraiso is close to Tulum archaeological site – one of the top places to visit in Mexico
Where to stay in Tulum
Tulum is one of the top places to visit in Mexico and has a great selection of accommodation options for all budgets, and of good restaurants. A good hostels is El Jardin De Frida, which also has lovely private rooms and even an entire apartment that can be rented. It has a gorgeous garden, an equipped kitchen, a bar and cozy common areas.
Tulum Naa is a more modest option, but it has good beds, clean bathrooms and it is located near the main intersection, from where it is easy to get on a bus to reach some of the top Mexico tourist attractions such as cenotes, Coba archeological sites, and even some other Mexico beaches.
Azucar hotel is located right on the beach, near Sian Kaan reserve (one of my favorite places to visit in Mexico, not to mention a UNESCO site). The area is a bit harder to reach – when I visited, I had hired a car. It is beautifully isolated, and bungalows are right on the beach (imagine waking up to the sound of waves and being able to directly step onto one of the best beaches in Mexico).
Canibal Royal – Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is home to some of the best Mexico beaches. It really does not matter what kind of beach experience one is looking for – Playa del Carmen has it. The city has five beaches, all offering something a little different.
Canibal Royal is the quietest of the city’s beaches. It is not as easy to get to as the others are. As a result, it is practically unspoilt. There is not even a bar or restaurant, so it is a great place to enjoy a picnic. Easy to see why I think it is one of the best beaches in Mexico.
The two main beaches in Playa del Carmen, on the other hand, have chic beachside lounges where it is possible to sip a sunset cocktail or get busy with a game of volleyball or football. I do love having a sunset cocktail while on holiday, so I know where I will go!
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is one of the most famous places to visit in Mexico, and as such there is a huge offer of accommodation options for any budget. From luxury resorts right by the beach such as Playa Riviera Tendenza, to apartments such as Suites Quinto Sol, to hostels such as Izsla, there’s really something for everyone.
Playa La Entrega is one of the best beaches in Mexico – photo courtesy of Molly (flickr)
Playa La Entrega – Huatulco
Playa La Entrega is a beautiful white-sand beach, with plenty of trees for shade and it can definitely be considered one of the best beaches in Mexico. It is popular with both locals and tourists. It is a good place to get back to the old way of enjoying a beach.
There are numerous “palapas” (huts with hay roofs) that serve mainly simple seafood. If looking to eat something strictly local (trying local food is one of the top things to do in Mexico), search for tlayudas!
Where to stay in Huatulco
Huatulco has some incredible accommodation options, and they are actually cheaper than what one may think. If treating oneself to a fabulous room is one if the top things to do in Mexico, then Agua Azul la Villa is the place to stay. Hotel Playa del Sol is a good budget option.
Playa de Balandra is one of the best Mexico beaches – photo courtesy of laura ivette de la torre martinez (flickr)
Playa de Balandra – La Paz
Playa de Balandra, in La Paz, is one of the most beautiful Mexico beaches. This is a great place to go when are looking for a nice walk that offers stunning beach scenery. It is a series of shall bays, so the sea is quite unlike anything one may have seen before.
The water in Playa de Balandra looks almost white, something that makes it one of the top places to visit in Mexico for snorkeling.
Where to stay in La Paz
As with the rest of places that offer access to Mexico tourist attractions, the selection of places to stay in La Paz is excellent. Casa Juarez is a superb choice, with incredibly large and cozy rooms. Peace Hostel is a great option for backpackers and budget travelers.
Surfing is one of the best things to do in Mexico and Punta de Mita is perfect for that – photo courtesy of netOrX (flickr)
Punta de Mita – Riviera Nayarit
Punta de Mita is a coral sand beach that is wide enough not to get too crowded. It’s also a fantastic place to go surfing, since there are plenty of long wave breaks, and in most places the water is shallow. It’s easy to see why it is one of the best beaches in Mexico.
There are various restaurants on the beach – just to remind everyone that eating is one of the top things to do in Mexico. They are generally linked to the hotels and resorts that line the beach, and they are known for serving good food.
Where to stay in Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is one of the top places to visit in Mexico. Needless to say, there are some amazing hotels and resorts in the area. Casa de Mita has incredible rooms overlooking the ocean – though it is on the expensive side. Casa Virgilio, in Nuevo Vallarta, is a more budget friendly option (though it is really gorgeous): there’s even a kitchenette to cook some simple food.
Playa Norte, in Isla Mujeres, is one of the best beaches in Mexico
Playa Norte – Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is definitely one of the top places to visit in Mexico. It can be reached on a short ferry ride from Cancun. Any post on the best beaches in Mexico is bound to mention the gorgeous Playa Norte.
Picture a fine white sand beach that is lined with palm trees and where the water is shallow and with little to no current. Yes, it is one of the nicest Mexico beaches.
On very hot days, Playa Norte gets a bit busier. This is because there is usually a light breeze, which makes it a more comfortable place to be than the other beaches in the area – one more reason to name it among the best beaches in Mexico.
Where to stay in Isla Mujeres
There’s a great selection of places to stay in Isla Mujeres, as this is one of the top places to visit in Mexico. Casa Sirena is an exceptional small hotel with gorgeous stylish room and a terrace overlooking the ocean. Posada Paso del Sol is more modest, but it is conveniently located in the city centre, right where all the things happen.
Ensenada – Baja California
Those who enjoy surfing will definitely agree that Ensenada, in Baja California, is one of the best beaches in Mexico. It is located near the border with the USA, so it gets busy at the weekends. The best waves are in the winter months, though the water gets cold then and a wetsuit is necessary to get in.
Where to stay in Ensenada
Ensenada is one of the coolest places to visit in Mexico and has a good range of accommodation options. Typically, those who go opt to stay in holiday homes (which are convenient because it is also possible to cook) such as Ochoa’s House; or for places that have spectacular ocean views such as La Mansion Residency Suites.
Playa Las Gatas – Zihuatanejo
I love snorkeling, and so I can’t help but mentioning Playa Las Gatas as one of the best beaches in Mexico: it is heaven for snorkelers. It is a safe place to learn but it still offers plenty for experienced snorkelers to enjoy. Getting to Playa Las Gatas requires hopping on a water taxi from the Municipal Pier in Zihuatanejo. As a result, it rarely gets overcrowded.
Playa Las Gatas has yet to get over commercialized – one more reason it is one of the must see Mexico beaches. However, there are still several very good seafood restaurants that offer nice food and spectacular views.
Where to stay in Zihuatanejo
If having a room with a view is one of the nicest things to do in Mexico, La Casa Que Canta is the place to stay. It is pricey, but worth it. Bungalows Arena Dorada are more budget friendly, but still have all the amenities for a proper beach vacation.
Troncones – Guerrero
Troncones is a three-mile long beach that is at the same time a surfer’s paradise and very popular with eco-tourists. It easily is one of the best beaches in Mexico. The good thing about it is that it is perfect for relaxing but also for great activities.
I generally prefer active holidays with the chance to spend a bit of time on the beach too, and Troncones is a great destination for that. For example, here it is possible to enjoy a ride across the sand or a hike in the mountains behind the beach. After an active day, being able to relax in one of the tidal pools is heaven.
Where to stay in Troncones
The choice of places to stay in Troncones is a bit more limited. I guess it reflects that it isn’t as touristy as the rest of the country, though I still think it is one of the nicest places to visit in Mexico. There is a good hostel (Troncones Point Hostel) and a few more expensive options, such as Lo Sereno.
Hotbox beach is one of the best beaches in Mexico – photo courtesy of dronepicr (flickr)
Holbox Beach – Holbox Island
Holbox is beach perfection – needless to say, one of the best beaches in Mexico. It is a natural, relatively unspoilt spot, that one is bound to love. It is within easy walking distance of nearly everywhere in the town.
Easy to see why Isla Holbox is one of Mexico tourist attractions: it puts together amazing Mexico beaches which are fully equipped, with the convenience of a small town with restaurants, a fishing pier and dock.
Where to stay in Holbox
As all the other places to visit in Mexico, the selection of places to stay in Holbox is fantastic. Casa Punta Coco is a very stylish place, at literally one minute from the beach. However, it is an adults-only place. Casa Las Tortugas is family friendly and just as beautiful.
Can Mexico beaches get any better than this? – photo courtesy of polpolux (flickr)
Xpu-Ha Beach – Riviera Maya
Xpu-Ha Beach is a perfect white sand beach. It isn’t very well known yet, so it is quite quiet. To me, it has to be one of the top Mexico beaches. It offers old school charm, and is a real tropical paradise. It is the kind of place where it is possible to play football, volleyball or just chill out in one of the local beachside restaurants.
Where to stay in Xpu-Ha
One of the coolest things to do in Mexico is staying in eco-lodges. Serenity Eco-Luxury Tented Camp is a great option in Xpu-Ha. There’s also a glamping site (I tried glamping in Slovenia and loved it!), and several all-inclusive resorts, such as Barcelo Maya Colonial.
Sayulita – Nayarit
Sayulita, in Nayarit, has a reputation for being a quiet, beautiful beach during the day, to then become quite a lively place after nightfall. Big parties and raves are frequently held here. It definitely is one of the best beaches in Mexico for people who are keen to party.
However, it is very popular with surfers in the winter months when the waves are a bit bigger. It is easy to hire boards, and book surfing lessons. So whether looking for some quiet time to surf and relax, or for some fun at night, this is one of the top Mexico beaches.
Where to stay in Sayulita
As all good places to visit in Mexico, Sayulita has some great accommodation options. If I have a chance, I like to stay in bungalows like Aurinko. Otherwise, I love boutique hotels such as Hotel Boutique Oz Sayulita.
I believe Akumal is one of the best beaches in Mexico
Akumal – Riviera Maya
Akumal is one of the best beaches in Mexico for snorkeling. Easily accessible from either Playa del Carmen or Tulum, it is a long, white fine sand beach famous for the fact that beautiful marine turtles live in the area and they are easily to spot when swimming. I wholeheartedly recommend to follow a guide though, because these animals should never be disturbed.
Where to stay in Akumal
Akumal is located close to some of the most famous Mexico tourist attractions, so there’s an excellent choice of places to stay. Unico is a fantastic place to stay for those that have a budget to splurge. People with a more limited budget can opt for Maya Eco Village.
Other Places To Visit In Mexico
The fact that Mexico has 6,000 miles of coast means that the above is just a taste of the type of beaches one can find in this beautiful country. However, there are many stunning and beautiful places to visit in Mexico that are not just beaches. Some of these hidden gems are mentioned here.
Personally, I find it is always nice to mix things up a bit and visit some beautiful archeological and natural sites (it is a fact that Mexico tourist attractions go well beyond its amazing beaches) as well as spending time on the beach.
There are some incredible places to visit in Mexico, but it is undeniable that Mexico beaches are among the top Mexico tourist attractions.
Have you ever been to Mexico? What did you like the most about it?
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Great list! I’ve only been to a few of these, have many more now on my list!
It’s so easy for you to go there anyways!!
Awesome comprehensive list! Can’t believe I missed so many of these gems during my last visit. I am excited to check some more of these out next time I go 🙂
You’ll likely find me there, enjoying a margarita on one of the best beaches in Mexico. You’ll have to check them all 😉
We’re planning a trip to South America soon, and the thought that’s been nagging me the most is the safety factor. I mean I have heard that the crime rate at the touristic areas have decreased since the bad rap that Mexico got all those years ago, but it’s still hard to shake the association. Did you find safety being an issue at all during your travels?
Hi Angela, thank you for your comment. Latin America is actually huge and varied in terms of culture (there’s an abyss between the culture of Mexico and that of Uruguay, for example), climate, environment, food… I have never had any issues in any of the countries of Latin America that I have visited (pretty much all of them!). Interestingly, whenever my friends or followers and I have this sort of discussion, I end up saying that the only country in the world where I have regularly felt unsafe is England, where I have lived for 8 long years. I’d say, you have to be careful wherever you are. Some places in Mexico know a lot of drug trafficking, but the regular tourist hardly notices that. Just keep your wits about 🙂
I guess if you think about it, safety is always relative, not to mention a lot is just about having luck (good or bad). You’re right, just be responsible I guess. Thanks!
True. All in all I think we have to watch out pretty much anywhere we go.
Great suggestions, and so beautiful! The two that I want to visit most are Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox. I guess I have a thing for Islas! 😉 One of my most favourite quiet beaches is in Xcalak, at the very southern tip of the Yucatan peninsula. It takes a really long time to get there and you have to rent a car, but if you want to “get away from it all” and not see many gringos it’s definitely the place for you!
I heard of it. I wanted to go last time I was in Mexico – they say it truly is one of the best beaches in Mexico!
Canibal Royal is a beach club and restaurant/bar in Playa del Carmen. It’s not a hidden beach. Just FYI!
Thank you!
Last year I went to Mexico and these beaches are really beautiful.Thanks for sharing this list of beaches, it might be helpful for someone like me.
How about a beach with deep water and large swells to swim in… no one ever mentions such beaches.
Mismaloya, down the coast to Yelapa, and one of Ixtapa’s beaches are deep water with wave pool-like swells.
Any others? How is the water in Huatulco?
Thank you so much for the tip Nicolas. I will check them out next time I visit Mexico 🙂
I am looking for a great vacation package preferably including airfare I am traveling with my 70 year old sister in law we are both active we enjoy laying on the beach would like a hotel that provides chairs and umbrellas good restaurants and tours something mid-priced we would also consider a cabana if it was full service just something different and exciting and a warm place to be for 5 days any
Looks like you need a good travel agent for that! I am based in Italy so I don’t think I can recommend any from here.