The Free and Sovereign State of Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave, simply Veracruz, with its wide coasts bathed by the Gulf of Mexico, offers countless beaches to sunbathe, observe aquatic life, practice sea sports and enjoy the dishes of the Veracruz gastronomy.
These are 10 of its best beaches.
1. Costa Smeralda
It is the most important beach area in the state, with a coastal corridor of more than 50 kilometers in which the beaches are linked, competing to offer the most beautiful blue of the Mexican Atlantic and the most exuberant tropical environment. Among the best are La Vigueta, Monte Gordo, La Guadalupe and Ricardo Flores.
Nearby is the beautiful city of Papantla de Olarte, axis of the main vanilla producing center in Veracruz. The fragrant spice from the area bears the denomination of origin "Vanilla de Papantla"
In Costa Esmeralda, you cannot miss a zacahuil, the largest Mexican tamale, a delicacy made with corn dough and pork seasoned with spices and the inevitable chili.
2. Chachalacas
It is a beach with calm waves, ideal for the enjoyment of the whole family, especially children. Its main attraction is a space of large dunes located between the sea and the Actopan River, which empties onto the beach. In this place, young people practice sandboarding, a sport that consists of sliding down the dunes with boards similar to those used in the snow with snowboarding. In the vicinity of Chachalacas there are several archaeological sites of interest such as La Antigua, Cempoala and Quiahiztlán. In the first are the ruins of the home of the conqueror Hernán Cortés, considered the first house of Spanish architecture built in the New World.
3. Anton Lizardo
Just over 20 kilometers from the city of Veracruz, very close to the town of Boca del Río, is the Antón Lizardo beach area, with several beaches for enjoyment and distraction in different ways. Because they are areas touched by the Veracruz Reef System, they are excellent for diving, snorkeling and observing underwater life. You can rent the implements on the spot. The busiest beaches are El Conchal and La Isla del Amor. The bars in the area are particularly popular for their exquisite nibbles, prepared with the fruits of the sea. Another option is to buy the fresh fish and shellfish from the fishermen.
4. Isla de Lobos
This island located north of Tuxpan has beaches with crystal clear waters and coral reef barriers in its vicinity, excellent for diving, both for experts and beginners. It is 75 minutes from the coast, traveling in small boats. Nearby there is a ship sunk more than two centuries ago, in which a beautiful ecosystem has developed, much frequented by more experienced divers.
Three sub-reef systems are distinguished, each one with its own particular appeal: Bajo de Tuxpan, Bajos de en Medio and Bajos de Tanhuijo. The Mexican Navy has a presence in the place and they keep the palm trees and other green areas very well maintained. There is also a beautiful lighthouse to guide boaters.
5. Montepio
Near the mouth of the Col and the Machine, two small rivers that drain into the Gulf of Mexico, is Montepío, the most frequented beach in the Los Tuxtlas region. In the nearby cliffs, sea erosion has drilled caves over the millennia, which were used by pirates and filibusters from the Caribbean to hide and organize their looting of coastal cities. The boat services offer tours to the caves, which many visit with the illusion of running into a Pirate of the Caribbean.
Montepío's sand is an attractive light brown color and on it you can practice your favorite beach distractions.
6. Santa Maria del Mar
About 10 kilometers from Tecolutla, is this beach, warm and in the open sea, so you have to swim with caution. The nearby places are of fascinating beauty and on the beach you can eat at all costs. You can order a specialty of Veracruz food, such as a red snapper or mojarra prepared in garlic sauce, accompanied by a refreshing cocada or a tropical fruit juice, such as the typical tamarind, soursop and guava. Near the beach there are archaeological sites where you can immerse yourself in the talented and enigmatic indigenous past of Mexico.
7. Boca de Lima Bar
It is another beach near Tecolutla, with a beautiful panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico. Nearby is the Estero Lagartos, habitat of some species of reptiles that you may be lucky enough to see. You may also see some great white or moray herons. From Boca de Lima you can go to Barra de Tenixtepec, a place with a good tide for the practice of ocean sports.
When you have enough appetite, order a fillet of fish enchipotlado, prepared with smoked chili, or some seafood in coconut, a delight made with the juice of the pulp of that tropical nut.
8. Tuxpan
It is a warm and shallow beach, so it can be enjoyed with the family in peace. It has rustic cabins (palapas) on the seashore, where you can be in the shade and eat one of the marine delicacies that the local restaurants serve.
Another attraction in the area is the mighty Tuxpan River, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico after crossing the states of Hidalgo, Puebla and Veracruz. Sports and recreational activities such as canoeing and fishing take place on the river.
9. Playa Muñecos
On the highway from Veracruz to Poza Rica is this beach with crystal clear waters, which has a double attraction: it has a sandy area and several rocky sites. In the rocky parts you can observe the biodiversity and the sandy area is ideal for settling in, sunbathing and swimming. It owes its name to a peculiar large rocky promontory that resembles a human figure observing the sea.
10. Hidden Beach
As its name implies, it is a beach almost hidden from the masses, so it is fantastic if you prefer almost virgin places, with few services, but natural to the full. You have to make an effort to get there, but the reward is worth it. You must start from Montepío, walking on foot or on horseback or mule along picturesque paths. Accommodation options are to set up your own camp on the beach or spend the night in one of the nearby villages. The people nearby serve a simple Veracruz food, mainly based on seafood.
We hope you enjoy the beaches of La Puerta de América and that we can meet again very soon to discover another paradise in Mexico or the world.
