For many, the quintessential Mexican beach holiday conjures images of crowded sands and sprawling, impersonal resorts. However, savvy travellers can discover a more authentic and soulful experience by venturing beyond these well-trodden paths.
Coastal gems such as Puerto Escondido and La Paz are not mere detours but compelling destinations in their own right, offering a distinctly prettier alternative. To help you decide which Mexican beach town to explore, we’ve picked eight which each have something different to offer.
Among these is a castaway, car-free island on the Yucatan Peninsula's north coast, where visitors can snorkel alongside whale sharks. Another boasts an impressive nine bays and 36 beaches, while one has even been officially recognised by the Mexican government as a 'Pueblo Mágico'.
Puerto Escondido is a former sleepy coffee-shipping village that has transformed into a premier surf destination, but resisted going down the mega-resort route: high-rise chains are strictly banned here. The result is somewhere ideal for adventurous types, but also great for relaxing.
Colourful and carefree Sayulita, on the Pacific coast, is quiet enough to feel refreshingly different to mega-resorts like Cancun or Cabo, but has enough infrastructure for a stress-free vacation experience. It’s quintessential laid-back Mexico, where life unfolds gently, and the atmosphere is welcoming.
