When you think about the best “sun and beach” destinations, Riviera Maya, the shining star of the Mexican Caribbean, is always on top of the list. And one of its undisputed highlights is the city of Playa del Carmen. Once a tiny fishing village known as Xaman Há, the place has grown at the accelerated pace of tourism in the area. But that is precisely why it has become an authentic ‘melting pot’: people from the most diverse origins and cultures have transformed the once small village into an eclectic and dynamic city. A place filled with art, culture, great food, beautiful beaches, shopping, mind-blowing nightlife… As exciting as it gets!
- Fifth Avenue, The soul of Playa
- Much more than the beach: Frida Kahlo Museum
- Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the “Chapel of La Quinta”
- A Day at the beach
- Restaurants in Playa del Carmen: The Taste of Barceló
- Within a Stone’s throw: the best attractions near Playa del Carmen
- Playa’s nightlife: fun until the sun comes up
Fifth Avenue, the soul of Playa
If Playa del Carmen is the heart of Riviera Maya, Fifth Avenue is the soul of Playa del Carmen. In its nearly 2.5 miles, this pedestrian promenade is a colorful succession of craft shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, fashion stores, art galleries… The perfect spot to buy that particular souvenir you would love to take back home!
Food deserves a special mention as one of the best examples of the diversity of Playa del Carmen. Both on Fifth Avenue and its surrounding streets, you can find all kinds of restaurants to enjoy an authentic journey through the flavors of Mexico and abroad. Regional Mexican cuisine –including the traditional delicacies of Yucatan Peninsula, such as cochinita pibil and Tikin-Xic fish–, contemporary culinary proposals, food trucks, Italian, Argentine, Mediterranean cuisine, Caribbean flavors, oriental, French, vegan… To die for!
Especially in the afternoon and early night, when the beach starts to empty out, the atmosphere of “La Quinta” begins to live up to its reputation as one of the most lively tourist spots in the world.
Much more than the beach: Frida Kahlo Museum
Playa del Carmen has the “beach” in its name, indeed, but its possibilities go much further. Art, for example, is one of the many attractions that make the city so alluring. So, besides the art galleries found on Fifth Avenue, don’t miss the Frida Kahlo Museum, dedicated to the life and work of one of the most influential Mexican artists of all time. Within its nine rooms, equipped with multimedia tools, video mappings, infographics, and samples of her main works, the museum offers a fascinating journey through each of the most relevant stages in the life of this great artist.
The 3D Museum of Wonders, with extraordinary three-dimensional visual illusions, and the SAYAB Planetary, an eye-catching window to science and the cosmos, are also part of the vast catalog of options that Playa del Carmen has to offer.
Do you want more? The City Theater, with more than 700 seats, presents all kinds of shows throughout the year. And speaking of world-class events, don’t forget that the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival takes place in the city every year. Many of the best musicians of the genre come to play at Playa del Carmen.
Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the “Chapel of La Quinta”
At one end of Fifth Avenue, within the Fundadores Park, there’s a special place linked to the origin of Playa del Carmen: the Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Our Lady of Mount Carmel). This pretty little white church, built by the villagers in the 1960s and refurbished in 2008, has become a much sought-out place for weddings, but it’s also just a nice spot to visit. Its great window behind the altar offers breathtaking views of the park and the ocean. And the colossal bronze sculpture known as Portal Maya, which shows the rich historical, cultural and natural heritage of the Mexican Caribbean, is just across the park.
The Virgin of Carmel Festivities and the Carnival, both associated with this place, are also two good examples of the different lively celebrations that can be experienced in this stunning destination.
A day at the beach
If you travel to Riviera Maya, you do it, logically, for its beaches. And Playa del Carmen is one of its “classics”: fine white sand, turquoise blue waters, a hammock under the palm trees, a shady parasol and a comfy lounge chair, the splendorous sun above… Practice water sports, from kitesurfing or paddle surfing (SUP) to diving and snorkeling. The transparent waters of the Caribbean and its magnificent coral reefs, filled with marine life, make this place an underwater paradise. Enjoy a good read in the shade of a palm tree. Pamper yourself with a margarita and a shrimp cocktail in a restaurant while watching the waves roll. Get carried away by the music and the good vibes of a beach club. Regardless of the type of plan, a beautiful stretch of fine white sand bathed by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean is waiting for you in Playa del Carmen.
Beaches in Playa
Both in the urban center and in the surrounding areas, in Playa there are different types of beaches. Such as those with the distinctive Blue Flag for meeting the highest quality standards: Playa 88, Punta Esmeralda, and Xcalacoco, among others. There is also Playa Fundadores, the first inclusive beach in Mexico. And who hasn’t heard of Playa Mamitas, one of the beaches with the best atmosphere in the whole area? Take a pleasant stroll along the oceanfront and discover this sandy paradise!
Xpu Ha, a natural paradise
Nearby natural jewels, such as Punta Maroma, to the north, or Paa Mul and Xpu Ha, to the south, are also great options to enjoy an unforgettable day at the beach.
A few miles south of Playa del Carmen and next door to the astonishing Barceló Maya Grand Resort, Xpu Ha is a true natural paradise and one of the most beautiful beaches in Riviera Maya. Bring your own beach gear or enjoy the different beach clubs you can find in the area. In any case, you’ll definitely have a great time!
Restaurants in Playa del Carmen: the taste of Barceló
Mexican specialties, Asian flavors, Italian classics, lavish buffets, lively snack bars… Are you ready to order?
When in Playa del Carmen, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many options that the properties of Barceló Hotel Group offer you in the area:
- Royal Hideaway Playacar – Adults Only – This exclusive all-inclusive hotel has 6 restaurants serving international cuisine with à la carte options. The outstanding Chef’s Table experience at the Las Ventanas restaurant, the only restaurant on the Yucatan Peninsula that offers this intimate interaction with the chef, is a genuine highlight. Spices, inspired in authentic Mexican flavors; Palazzo, the true taste of Italy; Azia Avant Tai, a journey to Koh Samui and Chiang Mai through traditional Thai cuisine; The Grill, with an outstanding selection of fish, seafood, and the best meat cuts; as well as The Deck, a great snack spot by the main pool, are the other delicious choices waiting for even the most demanding palates.
- Occidental at Xcaret Destination – Right next door to the world-famous eco-park Xcaret (enlace a Xcaret), this outstanding all-inclusive resort is also foodie In its 11 restaurants (buffet, steak house, fish & seafood, Mexican, sushi & Asian specialties, Mediterranean, etc.), guests have the option of choosing a light snack, an informal or gourmet meal, or even a candlelight dinner for the most romantic couples, among many other possibilities.
- Allegro Playacar – As one of the best holiday hotels in Playa del Carmen, this startling property also offers superb food choices. In its 4 restaurants and delicious pizzeria, you can experience everything from authentic Mexican cuisine to tasty Italian specialties, from the edgy flavors of the Far East to a wide range of international cuisine and themed dinners. And don’t forget to stop by the Snack & Grill, just by the pool, to grab a fun bite within a wide variety of light snacks.
Within a stone’s throw: the best attractions near Playa del Carmen
As they say colloquially, “a stone’s throw” away from Playa del Carmen, there are several attractions that you can enjoy between beach days. Nature, Maya culture, adventure… Just a few miles from the city, there are great options for all tastes.
Among the most sought-after attractions in the area, the different natural & theme parks are always in the top places. These incredible spots provide all kinds of experiences, from close contact with local flora and fauna to different adventures and cultural activities. There are more than a dozen throughout the Riviera Maya; here is just a brief sample:
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Xcaret, the ancient Polé
This eco-archaeological park, located about 6 miles south of Playa del Carmen, is set on a beautiful natural cove. A place that in pre-Columbian times was a major Maya commercial port known as Polé. Today, its visitors can appreciate the archaeological remains of the old port but also enjoy more than 50 natural and cultural attractions. Swimming in underground rivers, visiting the Coral Reef Aquarium and the sea turtle area, and enjoying the Xcaret Mexico Spectacular –a great show dedicated to Mexico’s history and traditions, with more than 300 artists– are just a few of options.
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Xel-Há, where the water is born
About 30 miles south of Playa del Carmen, there’s another breathtaking natural setting: the Xel-Há park. Formed around another beautiful cove that the ancient Mayas knew as “the place where the water is born” or Xel-ha, this park offers multiple attractions. The water activities in its mangroves, rivers, and cenotes are the main draws. Nevertheless, the trails in the jungle that surrounds the cove are also very amusing. So, just enjoy a fun zip-line ride over the water or discover the colorful marine life snorkeling in the cove. You’ll love every moment in the sustainable paradise for the whole family!
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Cenotes, swimming in the veins of the Earth
Formed by the water erosion of the typical limestone of the Yucatan Peninsula, there are more than 6000 of these natural sinkholes in Riviera Maya. Some of them close to Playa del Carmen. Many of these ancient underground rivers whose roofs have collapsed or semi-collapsed, forming spectacular pools or ponds, allow visitors to swim, dive or snorkel. Admiring their rock formations, checking out the different species that inhabit them, and looking at mesmerizing colors of their waters are all highly recommended experiences. And don’t forget to pause for a second and feel the mysticism that infuses each cenote. It’s quite something!
Of course, visiting Playa del Carmen is entering the ancient Maya World and its many archaeological sites. Again, only a few of the most important are highlighted here:
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Tulúm, on the waters of the Caribbean
Some 40 miles south of Playa del Carmen is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the Mexican Caribbean: Tulum. This ancient walled city that the Mayans built right on the shore of the Caribbean Sea is a true visual spectacle. Its more than 60 structures, headed by the imposing “Castle”, highlight the historical importance of this commercial port and coastal surveillance point. Simply seeing the silhouette of its temples outlined against the blue sea makes the visit worthwhile.
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Cobá, the city in the jungle
Located about 70 miles from Playa del Carmen, right in the heart of the jungle, the ancient Maya city of Coba was one of the most powerful capitals in the Yucatan Peninsula. In its heyday, between 500 and 900 AD, the city came to occupy more than 30 square miles and counted close to 50,000 inhabitants. Nowadays, it’s estimated that there are about 6,500 building structures in the area, including the pyramid of Nohoch Mul, which at 138 feet high is the tallest in the Yucatan Peninsula. In any case, a site that you have to visit.
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Chichén Itzá, la gran capital
For those who really want to contemplate all the splendor of the ancient Maya civilization, a visit to Chichén Itzá, the illustrious capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, is essential. The distance to the site (about 110 miles from Playa del Carmen) can be discouraging, but to contemplate the imposing Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Sacred Cenote, the Ball Game, or the El Caracol observatory is well worth the effort. It is not a coincidence that Chichen Itza is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
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Cozumel, an underwater paradise
One more of those essential visits “a stone’s throw away” is Cozumel, the island located right in front of Playa del Carmen. A half-hour ferry ride connects both ports and allows you to discover this wonderful place where time seems to halt. World-famous as a diving destination but also full of options for all tastes, Cozumel is a natural paradise where you can also enjoy an authentic Caribbean atmosphere.
Playa’s nightlife: fun until the sun comes up (or more!)
The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is just legendary. Obviously, there are all sorts of bars and clubs on Fifth Avenue, some with live music, others with fun entertainers. Some more play charming Caribbean music or electronic rhythms. Multiple options make the night an endless party. But the real “nightlife” that you just can’t miss is in the big clubs on Calle 12 (12th street): Palazzo, Mandala, Rakata, La Vaquita, Abolengo.. and, of course, the mythical Coco Bongo, the most famous club in Playa. So, be ready to party until de sun comes up… and sometimes even way past sunrise!
