Mexican Beaches

Photo by Christian Betrisey
© All Rights Reserved

Savvy North American snow-birds fly south to Mexico when winter closes its icy grip on their habitat. So do Euro-Snowbirds, who flock to Mexico's beaches in equally large numbers. What's going on here? It would seen the rest of us are missing something. And indeed we are.

Mexico's a sleeper destination, and not because the folks here are supposed to have a fondness for siestas. The naturally attractive Mexico beaches have become a magnet for those looking for a little sunshine and warmth at bargain prices. Destinations range from mega-party resorts to backwater villages where time seems to have paused in another era.

You may want to start in Acapulco, Mexico's original beach resort mecca. On Condesa Beach you can soak up the sun and watch some of the loveliest forms on the planet stroll by. Then move on to Puerto Vallarta where you can continue to party city-central, or shift your moveable feast south along the coast to Las Animas, Mismaloya or Yelapa, all at various stages in their development and all more laid-back and less costly than PV.

For the young and restless there's Cancun, the current spring break capital of the Western Hemisphere. If you come here in spring, it's likely you've got fun and frolic in mind and you won't be disappointed. In addition to the best Mexican beaches, this destino has more sizzling nightspots than most major cities. But, if you get partied out, head south along the coast to Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Akumal where the serenity of these areas is only surpassed by their immense beauty.

For the more adventurous, who want to drop out 'a la sixties', head over to Zipolite on Mexico's southern Pacific coast where members of the counter culture gang (aka the loyal opposition) hang their hammocks in local posadas for a buck a night - no electricity or hot water included - and next morning savor frosty cervezas on the beach - lazing under shady palms 'au naturel'. Be the first to join the movement, write a volume of radical poetry or even the definitive 21st century novel...but don't forget to write your 'mum'.

Click Photo to Enlarge Photo © Lenk Altman - Istockphoto.com