Cancun has approximately 24 kilometres of beaches, strung along an S-shaped strip of land along the southeast coast of Mexico. The sand in Cancun has a unique property – no matter how hot the temperature, it’s always cool on your feet – to the extent locals even joke that it’s air-conditioned.

Take a dip, relax under the sun, or take part in the adrenaline fuelled watersports at Playa Las Perlas, Playa Langosta, Playa Tortugas and other beaches on the Northern side of the peninsula. Among the popular beaches on the eastern side are Playa Ballenas, Chac Mool and Playa Delfines – the latter being a great sport for surfing!

Holidays to Cancun are ideal throughout the year, even in January and February, making it an excellent escape from the miserable UK winters. Plus, the waters are warm enough to swim in all year round unlike many other countries, and in late August and early September you’ll feel like you’re slipping into a warm bath.

From September to December you’ll enjoy temperatures in the late twenties and early thirties, January to March sits just below this, and from April to August the temperatures increase back into the thirties.

Another great thing about a year round warm climate in Cancun is the cheap deals to Cancun you can bag!

Shopping trips

There’s plenty to do on holiday in Cancun, especially for those who have a weak spot for a bit of retail therapy. Cancun holidays have something to fulfill the heart’s desire of every kind of shopper, from bargain finds in flea markets to expensive designer gear in luxury shops. If the latter is what you’re after, browse the chic designer stores and elegant boutiques of Cancun’s glitzy malls, including Plaza Las Americas and Plaza Kukulca.

La Isla Shopping Village is another great spot where you’ll find more than 150 stores set amid Venetian-style canals. This major shopping hub also features an interactive aquarium where you can swim with sharks and dolphins. Now that’s cool! Even if you’re just interested in widnow shopping, it certainly a sight to see.

Although, have you really been on holiday to Cancun if you don’t bring back a souvenir? Search for Mexican souvenirs at the Coral Negro Flea Market and at Market 28 in downtown Cancun, or you can stock up on food and fresh produce at Mercado 23. See what goods you can get with a little bit of fun haggling.

Captivating history

Once a sleepy fishing village, there are now stunning sea-view apartments and glamorous All Inclusive hotels in Cancun surrounded by a wealth of attractions, making Cancun holidays truly magical.

As well as all this glamour and style, you’ll find plenty of fascinating history,  as thousands of years ago Cancun was home to the ancient Maya civilization. Many of the temples and buildings they left behind are within easy reach of the city – easily accessible with the local affordable buses.

Wander around Chichen-Itza, an UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Wonders of the World. The ruins are spread across four square kilometres and include platforms, temples and El Castillo – the Pyramid of Kukulkan. Another must-see Mayan archaeological site is Tulum, an ancient fortress city that overlooks the ocean. See the cliff-top Castillo, the Temple of the Descending God and other old structures.

There’s lots of excursions and guided tours that you can book in Cancun so you can take advantage of the scenic and historical charms. Maybe you’ll enjoy it via a jungle trek, on four wheels or on foot. Plenty of these tours can all be booked online, prior to your holiday, so this can be an easy way of ensuring your cheap holidays to Cancun stay within budget.

Thrilling nightlife

Cancun’s reputation as a party destination is well deserved. Live bands and international DJs pump out tunes at full volume in nightclubs and music venues until the sun comes up. Before you hit the dance floors, start your evening off with a cocktail in a downtown or beachfront bar. Then, dine on sizzling fajitas and fresh Caribbean seafood in one of the resort’s many restaurants. Dining options range from casual to upmarket, so there’s something for whatever vibe you’re feeling, and however much you want to spend.

Afterwards, let the spirit of the night take over your body at Coco Bongo nightclub, famous for its acrobat shows and themed nights. Other popular night spots that draw in the crowds include Dady’O and Mandala.

If you’re looking for relaxation by day and party scenes by night, a Cancun holiday is certainly for you. But, you can avoid the party areas if that’s not quite what you’re looking for, so don’t fret, there’s plenty of options.

Family fun

Cancun doesn’t scrimp when it comes to holidays for families and family attractions to suit all. In addition to the glorious beaches, there’s a host of activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and especially children.

Snorkel, cycle and take on the rope swings and zip lines at Xel-Ha, an ecological fun park in Tulum. A day here would be full of everything from getting up close and personal with nature, to zooming across the waves on a speedboat, and even hitting the water slides. It is recommended to book your tickets and activities in advance, but this can all be done online, and there’s a few deals and discounts when your building your itinerary. What’s more, they offer transfers to and from the park with your ticket price too – for those staying in Riviera Maya, Cancun and Playa Del Carmen.

Enjoy the thrill of a 4×4 tour through the jungle environs south of Cancun. Walk among crocodiles, and pet and feed local wildlife on a guided tour of Crococun Zoo, in Puerto Morelos. Or study Mayan artefacts at the Maya Museum. A family holiday to Cancun can be whatever you like, quiet and relaxing, educational and cultural, or packed full of activities and excursions. Whatever suits you and your budget.

Underwater adventures

Beneath the waves in Cancun is a world of great beauty and diversity. Beginners and experienced divers can see a wealth of tropical fish and coral reefs. Dive sites also include the wrecks of Barrera and Anaya, two navy minesweepers.

Snorkel or scuba dive at MUSA – the Underwater Museum of Art – where more than 500 life-size sculptures are fixed to the sea floor. All the works of art are made of special materials designed to promote the growth of coral life. You can also view the pieces from above thanks to a ride on a glass-bottomed boat.

Browse our cheap Cancun holidays today and see for yourself all the wonders Cancun has to offer.