Guide to Playa Del Carmen

'Want to chill out Mexican style? Playa del Carmen hits the spot with its villagey atmosphere and perfect, tropical beaches.'

How does this sound? Hit the beach to sunbathe, swim and snorkel to your heart's content. Enjoy a lazy lunch of fajitas washed down by a chilled beer. Sink into a refreshing siesta before returning to the sands to drink frozen margaritas as the sun fills the sky with orange, pink and purple. If that hasn't got you packing for Playa del Carmen, we don't know what will. Perhaps knowing that this upscale resort is less in-your-face than neighbouring Cancun? That as well as offering exciting entertainments, it knows how to leave you to your own devices too? The beauty of Playa is that it mixes its bliss-inducing beaches with a deliciously laid-back vibe – perhaps a remnant of its time as a backpackers' haunt. This is where to come to kick off those shoes and go with the flow without any over-showy distractions muscling in on the act. How about donning that wetsuit to see the awesome coral reefs? Heading into town to scout around the craft stores for a colourful hammock to take home? Or enjoying an al fresco supper of freshly made tacos and tequila under a star-speckled sky? Whatever takes your fancy, Playa obliges. And just for good measure, it throws in other treasures too. For instance, if you want to step back in time to ancient Mexico, the haunting Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza are well within reach. If you crave a night on the tiles, no worries either. Playa's friendly bars answer your call with late nights and foot-tapping mariachi music. In fact, whatever you want to do, Playa will do it - just the way you like it.

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Playa Del Carmen hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Playa Del Carmen include Playacar Palace, Real Playa Del Carmen and Sandos Caracol Beach Resort And Spa.

More Mexico Caribbean Coast holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Mexico Caribbean Coast? Our Mexico Caribbean Coast holiday destinations include Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Playacar, Riviera Maya and Tulum.

Beaches

Coco Beach at the far end of Playa del Carmen is a beautiful long stretch of powder with calm seas. Playa Tucan in Playa del Carmen has plenty of facilities including a pool, sunbeds, bar and restaurant. The further north from the resort you travel, the quieter the beaches, and you may even be lucky enough to have a whole one to yourself.

Eating out

Playa del Carmen boasts a huge choice of restaurants and bars serving everything from Mexican to Italian to Thai to fast food. While you're here, you really should try as much local food as possible. Tacos are crisp, fried tortillas, stuffed with either chicken or beef, and topped with grated cheese, cream or guacamole. Guacamole is well known around the world, but you'll find nothing to beat the original Mexican version of mashed avocado, tomato, garlic and lime juice.

Nightlife

Evenings in Playa del Carmen can be a vibrant affair, with music bars, discos, late night restaurants and hotel-based entertainment on offer. Mexicans love their music, and the sounds of the country will follow you as you dance your way from bar to bar.

Shopping

Fifth Avenue is the shopping haven in Playa Del Carmen. It is where you will find shops with from everything from traditional Mexican shops selling ceramics and pottery to beautifully designed Mexican clothes. Fancy taking a stroll in the evening? Then Fifth Avenue is the place to be, it comes alive with late night shopping for those of you who cannot get enough!! Those of you who want to take it easy then stop for a tequila or a traditional Mexican cocktail Tequila Sunrise and listen to the many Mariarchi bands that play along the Avenue.

Local information

There are Mayan ruins to be explored at Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza was a thriving centre of Mayan culture in the 7th and 8th centuries, and again between the late 10th century and the end of the 12th century. At its height, it supported over 35, 000 people, and nowadays this well restored site awes thousands of visitors to the Yucatan. If you are lucky enough to visit during the Spring or Summer equinoxes, you'll see the shadows creating a serpent which appears to climb the pyramid of El Castillo, but at any time of year you can visit the largest ball court discovered in Mexico, the Temple of the Jaguars, the Platform of Skulls, and a large statue of a human, which keeps watch over the many other ancient structures here.