Mexico is one of the most visited vacation destinations in the world due to its nice climate, amazing beaches, and affordable prices. As such, there are a lot of tourists in the popular Cancun, Tulum, and Tijuana. While those places are very beautiful and tourist, they are not the perfect ones for a chill-out vacation without a lot of noise and crowds. Here are 10 secluded coastal towns in Mexico for a relaxing retreat.
10 Yelapa, Jalisco
Yelapa is a fabulous place, so isolated that one feels like being on a tropical island in the South Pacific. For a long time, service signals could not reach this destination which allowed for total isolation. It is a small city south of the Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive resorts, between the jungle and the waters of the Bay of Banderas. The tranquility and privacy of Yelapa make it ideal to come and get inspired by the sea, the jungle, and the mountains surrounding it.
- Interesting fact: Yelapa is a favorite place of Bob Dylan
9 Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
Isla Mujeres is a must-visit Mexican destination. It is a small city on the island of the same name, located very close to the Yucatán Peninsula. It is a city where cars are not used a lot, and the main method of transportation is through small vehicles called golf cars. Isla Mujeres is recognized for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and Caribbean vibe, where travelers can enjoy a true disconnection.
The carnival of Isla Mujeres is a must-see event for the tourists enjoying a holiday there at the end of February-beginning of March. It is a 5-day celebration full of colors, music, and joy.
8 Mazunte, Oaxaca
Mazunte is an old fishing village on the southern coast of Mexico and has an exceptional nature. It is surrounded by beautiful tranquil beaches where turtles come to lay their eggs. The small city has a hippie vibe. Someone in town would always be eager to give visitors yoga and meditation classes or to offer massages for quite an affordable price.
One of the most popular festivals there is Mazunte Jazz Festival, taking place the last weekend of November.
7 Huatulco, Oaxaca
Bahías de Huatulco is one of the best destinations in Mexico for its security and tranquility. The south part of the state of Oaxaca offers large beach strips and amazing landscapes, far from the overcrowded tourist resorts. Bahia de Huatulco is also popular with its delicious cuisine, friendly locals, and Huatulco National Park.
If tourists want to witness numerous turtles crossing the beach, they should visit between June and November.
6 Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo
Puerto Morelos is a small fishing village located very close to the Cancun International Airport. It is a preferred destination for travelers who would like a more relaxed Mexican vacation away from crowds but with a good connection to big cities. Puerto Morelos rarely gets crowded, with the exception of the time of the town fishing tournaments held in summer. The village, part of the Mayan Riviera, has amazing sites to offer, such as the Ruta de los Cenotes - bodies of water that are connected to each other through the longest underground river system in the world - the Mayan Aquifer.
When in Puerto Morelos, visitors should try the local craft beer called la Cerveza Pescadores.
5 San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California Sur
This is a city in the southern part of the state of Baja California, with wildly-recognized architecture, golden beaches perfect for surfing, and an amazing animal world that inhabits this region. San Jose del Cambo can easily be labeled as one of the art districts of Mexico since one can find there museums and galleries where with works both from contemporary Mexican artists and foreign ones.
Visiting the local Mexican markets is a great idea to get to know the local cuisine better. Taking a stroll to the local market in San José del Cabo is a suggestion for every foodie on a trip to Mexico
4 Bacalar, Quintana Roo
Bacalar is a small city founded by the Mayans in the 4th century AD. Its location is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. The beautiful lagoon in its surrounding is a little piece of paradise and is ideal for anyone who would like to go diving, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. If tourists feel more adventurous, they can go to discover the underwater caves of the Blue Cenote nearby and the Mayan archeological sites in the jungle.
The city offers an interesting piracy museum and a curious temple called San Joaquin.
3 Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
Another magical town, part of the Mexican state Baja California Sur. Todos Santos has so many springs that, in the past it was one of the biggest agricultural centers in Mexico for the cultivation of sugarcane. It has charming streets, beautiful golden beaches looking towards the Pacific, a high number of galleries, and it holds numerous local festivals. One of the most widespread legends of Todos Santos is the song “Hotel California” by “Eagles” which was allegedly inspired by a hotel in the city with the same name.
If tourists visit during the last week of February, they will be able to enjoy the famous reggae festival in the city when different reggae groups perform at San Pedrito beach.
2 Sayulita, Nayarit
Sayulita is the dream getaway for surf enthusiasts and lovers of eco-tourism, nature, tranquility, and Bohemian lifestyle. It is a city, part of the Riviera Nayarit, that is full of maritime life, cliffs, rivers, and lagoons. Many artisans, artists, and surfers come to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of this town also because of the year-round good weather with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. The best beaches to visit there are Kestos Malpaso, Muertos, and Patzcuarito.
Visiting during the Sayulita Festival from January 30 to February 3 can make tourists fall in love with this city even more. It is a festival where one can watch projected short films and movies, try local drinks and cuisine, and attend great concerts on the beach.
1 Barra De Potosi, Guerrero
Located on the so-called Mexican Riviera, Barra de Potosi is another piece of paradise similar to the other towns on this list. What one can find in this small seaside town is tranquility, excellent restaurants with very good seafood dishes, a famous wild lagoon with a large biodiversity, and the Playa Larga. This beach is approximately 16 kilometers of an almost virgin coastline with a line of palm trees along its entire length and a variety of wildlife.