A Traveler’s Guide to the Best Beaches in Medellin
Medellin is a fantastic city to visit as there are so many things to see and do during your stay. An activity that many people enjoy while on vacation is spending time on the beach. If so, you will find plenty of options available to you. Although there are no beaches close to Medellin, there are many stunning beaches to which you can travel while using Medellin as your base, and each beach in Colombia has something different to offer. There are day trips to the beaches that involve taking the bus or a short flight on a plane, so a trip to the beach is something you can enjoy despite Medellin’s inland location. Here is a traveler’s guide to beaches in Medellin.
Playa Blanca in Isla Baru
Medellin Tourist says that Playa Bianca in Isla Baru is the best beach near Medellin. Although you have to take a 45-minute boat trip from Cartagena to Isla Baru, that is all part of the experience, and it will give you the chance to appreciate the beautiful coastline of Colombia. The waters are pristine, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy on the beach. There are also restaurants lining the beach, so you can spend a full day on the beach and then grab a bite to eat before returning to Medellin.
Carpurgana
The best way to access the beach at Curpagana is to take the night bus, so you can travel overnight while you sleep. As this beach is a hidden gem, it is usually not crowded. Therefore, you can enjoy the sandy beach and clear waters peacefully. While you are at the beach, you can spend some time exploring the area. A popular activity is hiking to the El Cielo Waterfall, and it is also possible to hike to the Panama border.
Rosario Islands
Las Islas del Rosario, which translates as Rosario Islands, is a fantastic place to visit. To get to these islands, you will take a one-hour boat ride from Cartagena, and you will see dolphins in their natural habitat as you sail. The Rosario Islands are a popular destination for enjoying watersports, such as scuba diving and kayaking. You should also take a break from the beach to sample some of the exquisite seafood dishes at the local restaurants.
La Miel
L Miel is just a short way along the coast from Capurgana, but it is a smaller and quieter option. The Crazy Tourist says that it is a great beach to visit if you want to try the local cuisine, as there are small restaurants selling dishes such as fried fish with coconut rice. After spending a couple of hours at the beach, you might enjoy climbing the hill behind the town.
El Valle
The best beach to visit while staying in Medellin if you enjoy wildlife is El Valle. This beach is famous for the marine turtles that lay their eggs on the beach each year between June and October. It is also one of the most dramatic-looking beaches, as it consists of two dark, sandy beaches against a backdrop of dense jungle. There are also activities you can enjoy while at the beach, with fishing and snorkeling being two of the most popular activities.
Nuqui
Nuqui is considered a tropical hideaway as the beach is nestled behind an area of almost impassable jungle. The beach is surrounded by a diverse array of tropical plants and trees, and it is in an area with a strong African influence. Those who visit the beach between June and October can enjoy watching the humpback whales swimming in the Pacific Ocean, as this is where they live during the breeding season. Close to the beach is the Waterfall of Love and some natural thermal springs.
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Many people consider the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona one of the most beautiful places in Colombia. Rocky cliffs and palm trees line the beach, and dramatic rocks jut out of the water. Just off the beach, there are overgrown islands. The sandy beach is a small cove set within this stunning landscape.
Cabo de la Vela
Although it is one of the furthest beaches from Medellin, it is worth spending some time at Cabo de la Vela if you visit the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It differs from most of the other beaches in Colombia as it is not set against the lush vegetation of the jungle. Instead, the beach is in a stark, desert-like location that has no vegetation. The dunes are the most impressive feature of Cabo de la Vela and most people who visit this beach simply lie back to enjoy their surroundings.
Boca Grande
Although it is not the most picturesque of the Colombian beaches, Boca Grande is an appealing beach to visit if you want to experience the culture of Colombia. Therefore, it is worth taking a trip from Medellin to visit this beach. The beach is part of a major seaport that was founded in 1533 by the Spanish, so it has a rich history. There are forts, museums, and interesting architecture around the beach, so you should take some time to explore the local area. The best tie to visit this beach is in the morning when you can enjoy a peaceful swim.
Rodadero
If you prefer lively beaches that offer tourists plenty of things to do, then Rodadero on the Pacific Coast of Colombia is probably the best option. It Is not a place for people that want to lie back and relax, as there is always something going on. There are watersports to enjoy, vendors line the beach, and local drummers play music at night. You can enjoy listening to the drummers while sampling some local cuisine at the restaurants along the coastline. The beach is also close to many cultural activities, so you can fit a range of activities into your trip to Rodadero.
