Best beaches in Mexico

Playa del Amor is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. With its incredible rock formations, it’s a perfect spot for romantics (just ignore the fact it backs onto Divorce Beach). Playa del Amor is situated in popular Cabo San Lucas, and while you’re here you can go swimming or snorkelling. There aren’t any facilities here – so bring your own food and drink supplies.

Appealingly named Dolphin Beach (because you can spot dolphins here!), Playa Delfines is one of the best public beaches in Cancun. While you’ll have to bring your own supplies with you, you can rest up beneath a straw parasol, kids can play at the playground and bigger kids can splash about in the sea.

If it’s the simple life you’re after, you’ll find it at Playa Mazunte. Situated in Oaxaca, this is one of the best sandy beaches in Mexico; but the town itself is just as worth a visit too. The best way to make the most of Playa Mazunte? Kick back on the golden sands beneath a parasol, snack on cheap eats from the beach vendors and sip on a refreshing drink.

The best beach breaks Mexico has to offer don’t come more peaceful than Bahia Balandra. Situated in the north-eastern area of Mexico, it’s closest to La Paz city. In fact, it’s a little like entering paradise, with its tropical fish swimming through the shallow blue waters, rock formations that are well worth exploring by snorkel and white sand beaches. It’s worth getting here earlier to avoid the swell of visitors, but as there aren’t any beachside facilities it’s not quite as crowded as some of the other beaches in Mexico. If you need to stock up on supplies, La Paz is a 15min drive away.

Tulum is a great place to visit in its own right, but if you’re solely on the hunt for beach breaks in Mexico, then this is a great place to base yourself. Playa Ruinas is one of the most captivating, as it features Mayan ruins dating back to the 13th century that look over the sea. Neighbouring Paradise Beach is just as worth a visit, if just for a few snaps.

Isla Mujeres is located 13km off the coast of Cancun; while you’re on the island, a visit to Playa Norte makes for one of the most picturesque beach holidays in Mexico that you could hope for. With near-white sands and brilliant blue waters, it’s a popular destination for many travellers – be it couples, friends or families. Better still, there are lots of restaurants, hotels and beachside bars to choose from, so it’s worth getting here early before everyone else arrives! If you’re browsing Mexico holidays, it’s well worth considering staying around Playa Norte, thanks to its convenient accessibility and striking beauty.

Isla Holbox is one of the quietest beaches on this list. This island is located in the state of Quintana Roo – the same state as Playa Norte (above) – and takes 30min to reach from Chiquila (by ferry). Word doesn’t seem to have got out about this undervisited beach just yet and you’ll probably find yourself wanting to keep that secret to yourself; there’s not much traffic or beach facilities which simply adds to its charm. It’s a very photogenic spot, which is partly thanks to its lack of crowds and well-placed hammocks and swings. Isla Holbox is a popular spot for divers – whale sharks have been spotted here before. But if you’d rather stick to the shallows (or just dry land) then there’s plenty of space to sprawl out and chill out.