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Playa Madera — Walk and Serene Swim Between Town and La Ropa

Nestled between Playa Principal and Playa La Ropa, Playa Madera is a charming and easily accessible beach known for its calm waters, boutique hotels, and cliffside dining terraces. Just a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Pacific Vacation’s Villa Bahía and Villa Encantada, you can reach it by following the Malecón boardwalk from downtown — crossing over the lagoon bridge, passing Playa Principal, and continuing along the scenic ocean pathway. Playa Madera perfectly blends convenience with tranquility, offering excellent swimming, gentle waves, and relaxed seaside cafés with front-row views of Zihuatanejo Bay.

Getting There

From Pacific Vacation, take the same 10-minute walk to Playa Principal, then continue another 5 minutes along the Malecón as it curves around the coastline toward Playa Madera. The path is paved, safe, and lined with tropical greenery, with panoramic ocean views all the way. Guests can also arrive by taxi in about five minutes.

Playa Madera (literally “Wood Beach”) gets its name from the timber that once floated ashore here during the early trading days. Today, it’s a peaceful stretch of golden sand framed by low cliffs and boutique hotels, offering excellent swimming and body-surfing conditions thanks to its gentle, rolling waves. The beach tends to be quiet in the mornings and comes alive in the late afternoon as locals gather to enjoy the sunset.

  • Best for: Swimming, sunbathing, and romantic walks

  • Vibe: Relaxed, local, and scenic

  • Water conditions: Small waves, ideal for confident swimmers

Live Cam — Playa madera

Playa Madera Live Cam offers an excellent view of the entire bay, including Madera’s shoreline in the distance. Check it before you head out to see the weather, tides, and the soft morning light across the water.

Eat | Drink | Relax

Playa Madera may be smaller than La Ropa, but it still offers a few wonderful beachfront restaurants where you can dine right on the sand or just steps from the water. These spots combine local charm, fresh seafood, and relaxed, toes-in-the-sand vibes.

  • Maderas Seafood Grill & Bar – The signature beachfront restaurant of Playa Madera. Tables set directly on the sand with shaded umbrellas, ocean views, and a relaxed but refined menu. Known for grilled mahi-mahi, shrimp tacos, and fresh ceviche, plus excellent margaritas. Perfect for long, lazy lunches with your feet in the sand.

  • La Rana René Bar & Restaurant – A classic local hangout at the southern end of Playa Madera. Simple palapa-style setup serving whole grilled fish, shrimp plates, guacamole, and cold beers. Friendly service and unbeatable oceanfront seating make it a guest favorite for casual beach days.

  • CocoBahía (formerly Coconuts Café) – A newer beachfront spot on the northern end of the beach, offering tropical cocktails, light seafood dishes, and music in the afternoons. A great place to sip a drink while watching the waves roll in or catch the sunset over the bay.

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Swim & Surf Conditions

While Playa Madera isn’t a surf destination like Playa Linda, its consistent small waves make it fun for body-surfing and shortboard practice. Early mornings are calmest, while the afternoon brings slightly stronger sets perfect for a refreshing dip. The ocean floor drops gradually, making it safe for wading near shore.

  • Best time to swim: Morning to early afternoon

  • Wave type: Small beach break

  • Vibe: Quiet, scenic, perfect for relaxation

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The Malecón – Zihuatanejo’s Oceanfront Promenade

The Malecón stretches seamlessly from Playa Principal to Playa Madera, creating a continuous oceanfront walkway that’s one of the most beautiful parts of Zihuatanejo. It’s paved, well-lit, and lined with palms, perfect for a sunrise jog or romantic evening stroll. Along the way, you’ll pass fishermen, local artists, and cozy cafés serving espresso and pastries with ocean views. The sound of the waves against the rocks makes this short walk one of the most memorable in town.

Pacific Vacation Travel Tip

Take the Malecón walk from Playa Principal to Playa Madera just before sunset — stop for a cocktail at Coconuts Café, then enjoy the colors over the bay as lights flicker on across Zihuatanejo. For early risers, morning swims here are calm, warm, and often empty.

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