Take a Mexican beach break and find out just what it’s like to feel the sun on your skin and the wind in your hair. With such a rich heritage, Mexico is the perfect location for a beach break, so dive in and see
what’s on offer.
Everyone has heard of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. There are off the beaten track locations that offer a slightly different experience to the adventure traveller, or someone who doesn’t like the norm, and wants luxury and exclusivity; along with culture and the perfect spot to sunbathe.
History, geography and interesting facts
Let’s start with a little background – The official name for Mexico is the United Mexican States. Mexico has 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
As the 11th most populated country in the world, the fact 117 million people live there is no surprise. It’s also not surprising that Mexicans love football and hosted the World Cup in 1970 and 1986.
Mexico has 68 official languages, but Spanish is the most widely spoken. More people speak Spanish in Mexico than speak it in Spain.
Ironically the Mexican beer called Corona is the best selling Mexican beer throughout the world. Even in a pandemic this light coloured beer has held its own! Beer and guacamole go together: Mexicans eat more avocados than anyone else anywhere! Avocados are worth more in some parts of Mexico than gold.
So now you know a few exciting facts, let’s look at what Mexico has to offer the sunseeker.
Holbox Island – Yucatan Peninsula
For sunseekers that want to go it alone try the Island of Holbox, just over 8 miles off the Yucatan Peninsula this small island offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of mainland Mexico.
The Yucatan Peninsula is in the south-east of Mexico, and the landmass separates the Caribbean sea from the Gulf of Mexico. Holbox island can only be reached by boat and has only small rustic cabins on the shoreline and a few necessary facilities.
Riviera Nayarit
If this is too remote why not try Rincón de Guayabitos, a small, laid-back town on the Pacific coast, situated further north than the celebrity hot spot Punta Mita on the Riviera Nayarit.
The beach at Rincon de Guayabitos is white and pure; the sea is clean and calm. It’s a firm favourite with the locals, but even at the weekend in high season, it’s not that busy.
Oaxaca The State and city
Staying with the Pacific coast, the state of Oaxaca has many gorgeous beaches away from
the effects of mass tourism. San Agustinillo is a village that sits between the touristy
beaches between Zipolite and Mazunte.
San Agustinillo remains a fishing village, and this is part of its charm. A working town offers
authenticity, and San Agustinillo has this by the bucket load. There are small hotels and
family-run restaurants where the food is fantastic.
The sea on this part of the coastline favoured by surfers and, therefore, can be rough: this may be why the beach is not as busy as the others.
Oaxaca is a UNESCO listed city full of colonial architecture and ancient sites. Staying here offers the opportunity to experience Mexico in all its glory. Trouble-free transfers to all the surrounding beaches mean you can combine your trip.
Costa Maya
Costa Maya runs along the coastline from Tulum to Xcalak, on the Caribbean sea. The small coastal town of Xcalak is very close to the border with neighbouring Belize. The village lies within a National Park and on the Great Maya Reef.
As you would expect, diving, snorkelling and fishing are the main advantages of staying in Xcalak. Off the usual tourist trail, the beaches are golden, and the sea is calm.
Low-key beachfront hotels offer low-rise bungalow style accommodation. Miles away from anywhere, this village is mainly off the grid; meaning that the hotels and restaurants rely on solar power – which isn’t a problem as it’s sunny all year round.
Baja California Sur
The Santa Rosalia River joins the sea at Mulege. Mulege is on the Gulf of California across from the mainland. A historical town sitting on an inlet, the water is warm and gentle; it rarely rains in this part of Mexico, but because of the River the city sits in lush vegetation.
The opportunity to combine culture and a beach holiday makes Mulege a great choice.
As you can see, Mexico is more than sombreros and tequila: it has sun, gorgeous beaches and glorious heritage. A riot of colours and flavours await the intrepid traveller, so what are you waiting for?