Best Beaches in Playa Del Carmen The best ones and which ones to visit

Although they occupy a small strip of the coastline, making it possible to visit them on foot, the beaches of Playa del Carmen are very different from each other. And they have changed a lot in recent years. The famous city of Riviera Mayano Mexicohas been transformed in general.

When I was here for the first time, in 2010, it was a relatively quiet small town, with very empty beaches. When I returned in 2020, everything had changed.

Many were full, with much more structure and the Fifth Avenue shopping center had transformed into something much more trendy, full of designer stores. But even so, the city has not lost its charm.

But after all? What are the best beaches in Playa del Carmen and what is the difference between them? That’s what we’re going to talk about in this post to help you plan for the days you’re here.

BEST BEACHES IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN

As I anticipated, there aren’t many beaches in the city, but the differences between them these days are stark. While one may be paradisiacal and peaceful, the other has already been taken over by tourists and bars or beach clubs.

So, if you don’t want to know all the beaches, it’s worth checking the details in this post to find the ones that suit your profile. Below you can see the map of these beaches that we will talk about:

Another important thing is to talk about the sargassum in this region of the Riviera Maya and Cancún, which are algae that can compromise some beaches. At the end of the post we have a topic just about that! But let’s go to the beaches.

PLAYA PLAYACAR

It is known as such because of the condominium in front of it, which has the same name. Of the beaches of Playa del Carmen, it was the one that we think it’s the most beautifulalthough it has little structure.

It is close to the pier where they leave boats to Cozumel. The main beach bar is the Mr. Frogs, but precisely because of its proximity to the pier, it ends up being in a not-so-pleasant area. But it can serve as a support point.

The further you get away from there and you start to find the charming houses facing the sea, the more beautiful Playacar becomes. The water is crystal clear and at low tide it is usually very calm.

Precisely because there are practically no options for bars or restaurants, if you are going to spend the day here it is worth bringing some snacks or drinks. In convenience stores it is very easy to find Styrofoam and coolers for sale, in addition to these establishments having cold drinks at a good price.

But if you want a beach bar, you can walk along the sand for about 2km until you reach the Beach Club Riu Lupita, which has a good structure. Around him there are still resorts as Royal Hidway e Viva Wyndham Mayawhich are recommended accommodation options there.

On this beach there are still many seasonal houses (see options here), but if you want a resort closest to the city centera good option is Playacar Palace All Inclusive. Right on the sand, close to the pier and very beautiful!

CENTRAL BEACH OR LOS FUNDADORES

This is probably the best known of Playa del Carmen’s beaches, as it is the most central. It is very close to Founders Parkyes Fifth Avenue and also from the same pier that divides it with Playacar.

Due to the location, it is possibly also the most democratic, as it has bars and restaurants for all budgets. But many people also bring their own towels, sarongs or beach chairs and find their place on the sand.

The only thing is that I don’t really like the beach itself. There are some rocks and during the algae season it tends to be badly affected. You beach clubs most famous feet in the sand are the Inti and the Fusion Beach Barthis one is a little simpler and cheaper.

For those who just want to have a beer or a drink facing the sea without having to pay dearly for minimum consumption or to rent a sun lounger, a tip is the La Tarraya Restaurantwhich is very simple, but has great prices.

If you want to stay on this central beach, there are several hotels facing the sea. Some of the ones we visited and liked the most were the apartments for rent in The Lighthouse group (like the Oceanfront Apartments and the Penthouse) It’s from Enchanted Moonin addition to the Ikonik The Carmen Hotel.

10 STREET BEACH

It is practically the same beach as the previous one, as it is on the same shore as Praia Central. A Playa da Calle 10 is small and extends to Calle 16.

While still beautiful, this is one area that disappointed me. When I came for the first time in 2010, it was a very pleasant region, but now in 2020 I have seen that a large part of it has been transformed into boat dock and it is not difficult to find accumulation of algae with a strong odor.

Right on the border with Praia Central is the beach club Lido, which is quite famous and is always full. It’s a good option to spend the day here.

I would avoid the region Playa Palms Beachwhich is a good hotel and great value for money, due to the fact that the strip of sand in front of the establishment has been transformed into an exclusive area for boats.

PLAYA MAMITAS EM PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Passing the second pier, right in front of the Hilton All Inclusive, you will arrive at one of the most popular beaches in Playa del Carmen among young people today, Playa Mamitas. On the days we visited it was very full.

What attracts so many people, besides the pleasant sea bathing, are some of the beach clubs hottest (and expensive) in the city, like the Coralina (do Grand Hyatt Resort) e o Koolwhich is a more familiar option for those in a group.

If you want an option that is a little less expensive, but no less popular, the Mamita’s Beach Club It could be a good option, as there is usually a DJ and beach beds right on the sand.

Anyway, around here you feel that there seems to be a dispute between the beach clubs and the people who arrive without commitment with their sarongs or beach chairs. The security guards make a lot of ugly faces. If this is your case, just walk a little further to find an empty area so you don’t have a headache.

Playa Mamitas also has some of the best resorts in the urban area of ​​Playa del Carmen, including the Panama Jack All Inclusive, Hilton All Inclusive e Grand Hyatt Resort (see more hotels in the city).

PLAYA COCO REEF

Practically a continuation of Playa Mamitas, this beach is much emptier and has much of the coast is deserted. The reason and the name come precisely from the fact that it is opposite The Reef Coco Beach Resort.

It has a structure beach club for guests and there is also the option of opting for an all-inclusive package. But if you’re not staying, it’s worth bringing a towel, as well as drinks and snacks. Shops are not that close, but there are options accessible on foot.

To get there, you can follow Quinta Avenida until you reach Calle 48 and then turn right towards the beach. There is a small sandy path leading to the beach.

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SARGAÇO NAS PRAIAS OF PLAYA DEL CARMEN

You may have never heard of sargassum, but they are algae with a very bad odor that usually infest the beaches of the Riviera Maya and Cancún a few times a year. It’s difficult to predict, but they usually take a break, especially in winter (know more).

We were in the region in January and found practically no sargassum on the beaches of Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Tulum or Cozumel. It’s a bit of a matter of luck, but it’s always worth knowing best time to travel there to have less chance of having this unpleasant surprise.

Rafael Carvalho

A native of Minas Gerais, a fan of chicken with okra and good beer, he currently lives in São Paulo. He has a degree in Radio and TV, a postgraduate degree in Journalism and has worked with Digital Content for over 16 years. He has worked for companies such as SBT and Jovem Pan FM. Passionate about traveling, he founded Esse Mundo É Nosso and travels around Brazil and the world all year round, always looking for tips to share.