Ultimate Beach Directory | Zihuatanejo–Ixtapa, Mexico
Nestled along the tranquil bay of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, our coastline offers a natural harbor cherished by sailors, swimmers, and sunseekers alike. The bay shelters five iconic beaches—each with its own personality and charm. From the bustling Playa Principal, the heart of town life, to the laid-back sands of Playa La Madera, the world-famous Playa La Ropa, the secluded Playa Las Gatas, and the hidden gem Playa Contramar—every shore invites you to experience a different rhythm of paradise. Together, they form one of the most breathtaking stretches of coastline in all of Mexico—and indeed, the world.
Discover the sun-kissed shores of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa — from tranquil hidden coves to lively surf beaches and island escapes. The Pacific Vacation Ultimate Beach Directory helps you plan the perfect beach day, complete with beachfront dining, activities, distances from our villas, live webcams, and interactive maps.
interactive beach map
Use this interactive map to discover every stretch of sand near Pacific Vacation’s oceanfront villas—from the calm coves within Zihuatanejo Bay to the world-class surf breaks and hidden island beaches just beyond. Each pin reveals travel times from the villas, along with notes on swimming, snorkeling, or surfing conditions, so you can plan the perfect beach day with ease. Whether you prefer paddleboarding at Playa La Ropa, snorkeling at Playa Las Gatas, or catching waves at Troncones and La Saladita, this map is your insider’s guide to the coastlines that make Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa one of Mexico’s most breathtaking seaside destinations.
Beach Overview Table
This table highlights the most popular beaches in the Zihuatanejo–Ixtapa region, organized by distance from Pacific Vacation’s villas. You’ll find estimated travel times, access details, and quick notes on what makes each beach unique—from calm swimming coves inside the bay to open-ocean surf spots and island getaways. Use it as a quick reference to plan your next seaside adventure.
Beach | Area | Est. travel from StayPV | Things To Do |
|---|---|---|---|
Playa Contramar | Zihuatanejo Bay | On-site / steps | Snorkeling cove; rocky-sandy; immediately in front of villas. |
Playa Principal (Municipal) | Zihuatanejo Bay | ~10 min walk | Town beach; boats; market vibe; calm bay water. |
Playa La Madera | Zihuatanejo Bay | ~3 - 5 min drive / ~18 - 20 min walk | Low-key; gentle waves; beginner-friendly on small days. |
Playa La Ropa | Zihuatanejo Bay | ~6 - 10 min drive / ~25 min walk | Iconic long beach; swimming, SUP, kayaking; restaurants. |
Playa Las Gatas | Zihuatanejo Bay | ~8 - 10 min to pier + 5 - 10 min water taxi | Reef-protected cove; access by water taxi from town pier or footpath from La Ropa. |
Playa El Palmar (Ixtapa) | Ixtapa | ~15 - 20 min drive | Ixtapa main beach; strong open-ocean waves; resorts & services. |
Playa Linda | Ixtapa / Surf | ~20 min drive | Consistent beachbreak; water-taxi point to Isla Ixtapa nearby. |
Las Escolleras (Ixtapa Marina Jetty) | Ixtapa / Surf | ~20 - 25 min drive | Jetty/reef break; better on south swells; for confident surfers. |
Playa Larga | South Coast | ~25 - 30 min drive | Long open-ocean beach; powerful shorebreak; quiet restaurants. |
Playa Blanca | South Coast | ~30 min drive | Continuation of Playa Larga; wide sands; relaxed dining spots. |
Barra de Potos | South Coast / Surf | ~35 - 45 min drive | Village + lagoon; beachbreak with occasional long lefts; boat tours. |
Pantla (Rivermouth) | North Coast / Surf | ~25 - 35 min drive | Rivermouth beach; shifting sandbars; intermittent surf. |
Troncones | North Coast / Surf | ~35 - 45 min drive | Surf town; beach & reef breaks; day-trip friendly. |
La Saladita | North Coast / Surf | ~45 - 55 min drive | Famous long, peeling left point; longboard heaven; lessons & rentals. |
Isla Ixtapa - Playa Varadero | Isla Ixtapa | ~20 min drive to Playa Linda + 10 min boat | Arrival bay on the island; restaurants; calm water. |
Isla Ixtapa- Playa Coral | Isla Ixtapa | ~20 min drive to Playa Linda + 10 min boat | Clear water; snorkeling reef; usually calmer conditions. |
Isla Ixtapa -Playa Cuachalalate | Isla Ixtapa | ~20 min drive to Playa Linda + 10 min boat | Quiet beach on the island; easy swimming. |
Explore More
Want to dive deeper? Check out our feature pages for some of Zihuatanejo’s most popular beaches—like Playa La Ropa, Playa Las Gatas, and Playa Contramar—to discover the best spots for swimming, dining, and unforgettable ocean views. Each page includes insider tips, photos, and must-try local experiences.