Mexico is a place where it is as easy to spend a morning among temples and ancient civilizations as it is to spend an afternoon amid beaches and palm trees.
A country with a rich history that is full of cultural delights, beautiful traditions and delicious food, if you’ve been dreaming of a breath-taking Mexican beach break, then look no further than our guide below to give you all the inspiration you need.
Wherever you decide to take your incredible beach trip in Mexico, you’ll be sure to be greeted by sensational beaches, pristine waters, an atmosphere that will soothe your soul and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Cancun
Cancun is made up of two distinct regions; the more traditional downtown district, El Centro, and Zona Hotelera, a long stretch of high-rise hotels, nightclubs, beachfront shops and restaurants. Cancun is a popular destination for students away from their university studies during the spring break season but, whatever your reason for the trip, you can be sure that the beaches of Cancun will wow you.
The award-winning Playa Delfines boasts a glorious white sand front with lush greenery dotted around and the luxurious colours of the sea seeming to go on forever, while Playa Tortugas is known for its peaceful atmosphere and clean beaches, and is commonly regarded as a locals beach spot, which is always a good sign.
Playa Chac Mool, listed online as one of Cancun’s best beaches, is a flawless beach with white sands and turquoise water with whitewashed waves that gently reach the shoreline. It is a beautiful place to rest, and the scenery is gorgeous. If you’re looking for a central beach then the main beach of Puerto Morelos is located in the center of the town, by the Pelicanos Restaurant. Just off the town square it also boasts a pretty sea life-laden reef ready and waiting to be explored. Away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, Playa Forum offers all the classic white sand and lovely water you’d expect from Cancún.
Playa del Carmen
Playa Del Carmen is a stunning beach resort on the Yucatán Peninsula Riviera in Mexico, on the Caribbean shoreline and has many beautiful beaches. It is renowned for the beaches and coral reefs lined with palm trees with the Quinta Avenida pedestrian thoroughfare running parallel to the street, with many stores, restaurants, laid-back bars and nightclubs.
Catalonia Playa Maroma is situated in the Punta Maroma region of the Mayan Riviera, in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and Parque Fundadores offers a beach and park for kids alongside this sculpture park where traditional Mayan dancing still takes place.
Zenzi Beach Club on Calle 10 and the Playa del Carmen beach is one of the best, if not the best, beach in Playa Del Carmen, for breakfast, lunch or drinks with live music and a great atmosphere. If you want to unwind with a massage, soak up the heat and experience the beautiful turquoise water as well as the facilities of Mamitas Beach Club, while listening to great music, then head here. Otherwise Coco Reef will offer you the chance to experience the spirit of a true Mexican beachfront city from the second you arrive, with crystal clear waters and divine sand underfoot.
Tulum
Tulum is situated on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, on the Yucatán Peninsula and is renowned for its well-preserved beaches and ancient Mayan port town ruins. The main building is a massive stone structure known as El Castillo, situated on a cliff above the white sand beach and bright turquoise shoreline. The area boasts plenty of great beaches such as Playa Ruinas, which sits underneath Mayan ruins and boasts soft sand as well as the sight of the blue Caribbean sea.
Playa Paraiso is one of the best-ranked beaches in Mexico and was voted the 21st best beach in the world by Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice for the second year running, while another iconic spot in Tulum is the public beach in Las Palmas, which offers a serene stretch of sand and gentle turquoise waves. Visitors to the popular public Akumal Beach are blessed with many amenities and they can snorkel and swim with tortoises, while Secret Beach is situated in Sian Ka’an Biosphere where nature runs wild and seems as majestic as ever.
