Mexican resorts are mostly located in two tourist areas - Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit. There are not so many differences between them: clean sandy beaches, an almost unchanged climate throughout the long 300-day season, good service even in small towns and the availability of historical attractions, many of which are left from the Indian tribes who lived here.
At the same time, a number of resorts have specializations or specific features. For example, Cancun is an all-inclusive holiday destination, and therefore the most popular. Puerto Vallarta is protected from the winds by mountains. Tulum is famous for its antiquities. And in Akumal you will not find big waves. However, tourists come to many beaches of the region precisely for the waves: surfing is very popular here.
List of major resorts in Mexico
The most popular seaside resorts in Mexico. Photos with names and descriptions!
Cancun
The most popular resort in Mexico is suitable for both lovers of measured relaxation by the water and for tourists who prefer adventure. The beaches are snow-white, and different parts of the coast provide all kinds of entertainment. You can rent a board and take surf lessons or swim with red turtles. In Xcaret, it is worth visiting the historical sites that have remained here from the time of the Mayan civilization. There is the Shel-Ha nature reserve nearby.
Playa del Carmen
A small city of the Yucatan Peninsula with a developed tourist infrastructure. The southern part - Playacar - is the main beach area. Hotels are found both on the coast itself and in residential areas. Fifth Avenue is a pedestrian street with shops, restaurants, musicians. From Playa del Carmen, excursions to Chichen Itza and other popular tourist destinations start. Relaxation is measured, although evening entertainment is also available.
Puerto Vallarta
Located in the largest bay on the Pacific coast of the country called Banderas. Nearby there are mountains, which creates a barrier for the winds and adds color. The beaches stretch for tens of kilometers. The season lasts about 300 days a year. Attractions - the temple of Guadeloupe, the bell tower of which is visible from almost anywhere in the city, the botanical garden and the island of Rio Cuale with its art galleries and archaeological museum.
Tulum
The only known fortification of the Mayan Empire. The area around is an open-air archaeological museum. The small port is surrounded by mountains from the land, and from the sea - by inaccessible rocks. Convenient observation platforms and staircases are provided. In addition to structures directly off the coast, tourists are interested in religious objects of a bygone civilization: the temple of frescoes, the temple of the descending god, the temple of the sea, the temple of the wind god.
Cozumel island
The largest island in Mexico. Located near Playa del Carmen. The coral reefs of Cozumel are ideal for diving enthusiasts. Another entertainment is diving under water on the Atlantis ship. The vessel is designed for 48 seats, each passenger has his own window for observing the inhabitants of the ocean. Tourists should also visit the temple of the goddess Ischel, the 5-kilometer reef of Palankar and Chankanaab Park with its flooded statues.
Cabo san lucas
One of the most elite resorts. It is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean from the west and the Sea of Cortez from the east. The main city beach - Playa Medano has a length of 3 km. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay. And there is no infrastructure at the "Lovers' Beach", but there are birds and sea lions. El Arco - a rock, part of which is made in the form of an arch - an important landmark in Mexico.
San Jose del Cabo
Between this city and Cabo San Lucas, there is a 33-kilometer white beach. Among the entertainment: golf courses, hiking, boat trips on the sea of Cortez, diving and fishing of various types. The False Cape and its abandoned lighthouse are worth a visit. The main attraction of the local marine reserve is Pelican Rock. San Jose del Cabo has a church dating from the early 18th century.
Acapulco
The city is located in a picturesque bay surrounded by mountains. Not so long ago, it was the main resort in Mexico, but gave way to the rapidly developing Cancun. At the turn of the 90s and 2000s, the infrastructure was updated, new hotels appeared. Akapulno is now experiencing a rebirth. Entertainment - jumping off the cliff of La Quebrada, which is illuminated in the evening, visiting the San Diego fortress, the cathedral and the botanical garden, beach parties.
Zihuatanejo
The fourth largest city in the state of Guerrero. Forms a single resort area with Ixtapa. There are only 10 km between them. Among the entertainment are surfing, horse riding, scuba diving, sport fishing. There are beaches where there are no waves at all. Along the Playa Palmar beach, there is an avenue with shops and restaurants for every taste and budget. The top of the promenade offers breathtaking sea views.
Ixtapa
The resort town grew out of a fishing village. Some of the landmarks of the Aztecs have survived. In the center of the beach area, there is a huge water park. There is an opportunity to play golf, with the Sierra Madre mountain ranges in the background. Ixtapa is not uniformly built up: one-storey residential buildings are replaced by high-class hotels. Themed shops and restaurants with a predominantly fish menu are found on every corner.
Punta Mita
Peninsula with an area of 600 hectares. The holiday season lasts all year round. The Marietas Islas National Park is fifteen minutes away by boat. Archaeological excavations have been carried out in Punta Mita and evidence has been found of prehistoric human settlements in the area. You can explore the research sites on your own or as part of an excursion. There are several cozy bays, and beaches stretch along the entire Pacific coast.
Isla Mujeres
The northernmost point of Mexico. From here to Cancun 13 km. The area of the island is 8673 hectares. The area is famous for its seafood restaurants. There is an airport. 4 beaches are rarely completely full, so the rest is comfortable at any time of the year. In the south of Isla Mujeres stretches the territory of the Garrafon National Park. Entertainment - chair lift, swimming with dolphins, visiting the menagerie.
Mazatlan
The resort is nicknamed the "Pacific Pearl". The main beach is Cerritos. There are not many hotels nearby, but there are open-air restaurants, or you can arrange a horse ride on the sand. Surfers prefer Brujas beach. Its waves are huge and suitable for professionals. And Camaron Beach stretches alongside dense buildings. For this reason, it is the most crowded. A nearby attraction is the pyramid at Cholula.
Puerto Aventuras
The city differs from other resorts in its closeness. There is round-the-clock security, which allows tourists to walk calmly and not be afraid of accidents. Street vendors sometimes don't close their shops and carts even at night. Suitable for families with very young children. There is a beach club, restaurants with cuisines of different countries are open. Golf lovers will appreciate the 9-hole course.
Holbox
The island belongs to the territory of the Yum-Balam biosphere reserve. The Yalau Lagoon is home to some 140 species of birds, including pink flamingos and pelicans. There is a bird island where you can swim by boat, but you cannot land. Holbosch vacation is measured: watching whale sharks, long beaches, small cafes with local cuisine. There are no ATMs on the skeleton, as well as noisy entertainment.
Manzanillo
One of the centers for the extraction of shellfish. It is worth coming here not only for relaxing on the beach, but also to taste traditional seafood dishes. Port is actively in use.The Fairy tourist complex was built right on the coast. For him, the Moorish style was chosen, which is not typical for these places. They also try to make new buildings similar to make the city look stylish and unified composition.
Puerto Morelos
It has retained the charm of a port city, although it has long become primarily a tourist destination. In Puerto Morelos, you cannot find buildings higher than 3 floors - building such is prohibited by law. Coral reefs off the coast are located a maximum of 2 meters from the surface of the water. Fishing is prohibited near them, so this section of the reef is the largest of the untouched in Mexico. There is a botanical garden, a zoo, and a crocodile farm in the district.
Akumal
Located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. The central beach has the most developed infrastructure and many hotels. Divers have chosen the northern beach. Snorkeling and diving are popular here. The beach with the name "Jade" is a place for walking, although you can also swim here. The almost complete absence of waves in the vicinity of Akumal, as well as the clean sand, attracted 2 species of sea turtles that are found along the entire coast.
Puerto Peñasco
Located 100 km from the US border, it is popular with American tourists. Resort liners cruise, offering a multi-faceted cultural program or a carefree all-inclusive vacation. More than 40 hotels of different price categories have been opened in the city. At night, the city near the coast glows no less brightly than during the day. Visitors are offered fishing tours for several days on the high seas.
Xpu-Ha
The resort's beaches stretch along the entire coast. The sandy strip is wide. On the one hand, it is framed by water, and on the other, by tourist infrastructure. You can stay not only in hotels, but also in bungalows right on the shore. In the city itself, visitors rarely get out, so it is not crowded there. There are pedestrian streets with shops, although restaurants with local cuisine and green areas where you can hide from the heat of the day are more in demand.
Puerto Escondido
The resort is called a surfer's paradise because of the huge waves in the area. The tourist flow is not particularly reduced even in the local rainy season, which falls on August and September. The city is conditionally divided into two parts: tourist and residential. Sikatela stands out among the beaches. Here is the symbol of Puerto Escondido - an outstretched arm protruding from a pile of boulders. The resort is also famous for its language schools.
Progreso
One of the most popular beach destinations for Mexicans, there are few foreign tourists. The streets are lined with small hotels, cafes and souvenir shops. The pier 6.5 km long was built back in 1947. There are still not many in the world that surpass it in length. Seagulls and pelicans are not at all afraid of people and are already accustomed to begging for food. The area is home to Mayan archaeological sites.
Santa Maria Huatulco
It is part of the Huatulco National Park. There are 36 beaches in the municipality of the same name. The temperature on the coast practically does not change throughout the year. Accommodation is possible in hotels and villas right on the beach. The beaches are divided into sectors: each has something special. There is a diving club, camping grounds, bars come right up to the water line. The city park attracts tourists during the heat of the day.
Puerto Angel
A tourist village that has grown into a full-fledged resort. There are many hotels, including luxury ones. Paved paths lead directly to the beach. One of the best beaches is Mazunte, which is rarely crowded. The ocean in this area is restless, but the water is light and clean. A strip of light sand is framed by palm trees. Sea turtles swim here, which are not at all afraid and do not shy away from people.
Rosarito
The eponymous beach of the resort is a place for young people to hang out. Especially large "troopers" here are tourists from the United States who come for the weekend. Rosarito is noisy even at night: parties around large bonfires and gatherings in open bars are commonplace. The beach infrastructure includes numerous rental points for everything you need for recreation, entertainment establishments, restaurants and sports grounds.
Sayulita
The resort is popular with hipsters and holders. There are many savage travelers pitching tents right on the coast. Among the entertainment - hiking, horseback riding, jeep excursions inland, fishing from boats. There are art galleries, installations are arranged in the open air. Regional music festivals are held. Particular attention is paid to ecotourism.
San Felipe
The area is famous for its ebb and flow. Water can recede hundreds of meters. The beach area is covered with nightclubs and semi-open bars. There are sports grounds, a golf club, campgrounds. The Mexican Mardi Gras Carnival, Blues Festival and Arts Nights are held annually. The off-road competition is well worth a visit. One of the races ends right on the beach of San Felipe.
Bucerias
Part of the Pacific coast called the Riviera Nayarit. The beach of the city stretches for 29 km without interruption. The resort has developed largely thanks to the Canadians, who are now the backbone of visitors. One of the features is the large bazaar, which offers tourists to purchase textiles and regional contemporary art. The restaurants offer mostly local cuisine, while the hotels are dominated by small complexes and villas.
Veracruz
Port city, strategically very important for the country. In addition, the tourism sector is developed here. In February, the carnival is held, which is considered the second most spectacular and scaled in Latin America after a similar holiday in Rio. The main architectural landmarks are the Carranza lighthouse, the harbor fortress and the government palace. The Xiko crater stands out from the natural beauty.
La Paz
A city in the northwest of the country. The most comfortable beaches are El Tecolote and Pichilinge. The Holy Spirit Islands and Serralvo are great for diving. And the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve is ideal for hiking and ecotourism. Man-made attractions - Museum of Natural History, Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin of Lapasse and Library de las California.
