Mexico’s Pacific Coast vs The Caribbean Coast

We’re putting two of Mexico‘s most beautiful coasts head to head, to see which is the more impressive holiday destination. Holidays to the Caribbean Coast are famous for its desert-island landscapes, laid-back atmosphere and vibrant culture – it is a strong contender that sits at the top of the travel wish-lists of many for decades.

However, the Pacific Coast of Mexico is quickly on the rise. Fairly new on the holiday market, the beautiful shores of Banderas Bay alone show the Pacific Coast to be one of the most idyllic and impressive places to travel for that all important week of bronzing and watersports.

Don’t take our word for it, get ready as we put these two coasts to the test to see which should take the top spot on your holiday itinerary.

The best for… families

 

Both coasts boast a range of entertainment opportunities, with kids’ and grown ups’ entertainment guaranteed, but what does that really mean?

For the Caribbean Coast it means the Yucatan Peninsular, with its purpose-built holiday resorts that offer luxury and entertainment hand in hand. Playa del Carmen is a great family-friendly spot, with jungle amusement parks, climbing and cave exploration that’ll have both adults and little ones excited and educated. With plenty of Playa del Carmen All Inclusive deals to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s Pacific Coast has the Sierra Madre Mountains, which boast adventure activities like nowhere else. Included within the list of attractions is an opportunity to go off-road in a 4×4 through the jungle or scuba diving at the foothills.

The best for… partying

 

Holidays are about more than just sitting back and letting the good weather wash over you, many like the chance to get out and about when they’re abroad. Both these resorts offer great nightlife, but which is the better party destination?

Puerto Vallarta, the Pacific Coast’s most artistic and stylish destination, is full to the brim with galleries and live venues which hold trendy cultural nights every week. It’s also the home to some of Mexico’s coolest VIP clubs. All this and more can be found in Malecon alone, which must make the Pacific Coast a clear winner for nightlife.

Not so fast though, Mexico’s Caribbean Coast has Cancun, the obvious choice for nightlife in Mexico. This is the more raging side of evening entertainment, with late night casinos and the loudest, most happening bars in the country. While it lacks the exclusive style of Malecon, it makes up for that with the constant crowds of revellers.

The best for… relaxation

 

A truly great coastal retreat will have both a great party atmosphere and the peace and quiet you need to get away from it all. The Pacific Coast and the Caribbean Coast offer that in their own distinct ways.

The Pacific Coast’s chill scene comes in the form of stylish luxury, with top class hotels, spas and gently creaking marinas. The food and drink is all locally made with the freshest ingredients, so you’ll feel as good on the inside as you do on the outside. Check out Playa de los Muertos, which translates roughly to Beach of the Dead, a coast which could well have got its name from how still and calm all its visitors look.

Over the other side of Mexico, the Caribbean Coast sits coolly next to the Caribbean sea without a care in the world. It’s tough to find a place that doesn’t feel laid-back here, but if you really want to get away from everything, then head to Contoy Island. This hidden gem is a very exclusive destination off the coast which only very few people know about. Well now you do too, surely that’s worth the award for best Mexican coast!

The verdict…

 

It really is a tough one. The truth is that both these destinations offer such unique atmospheres that it really all comes down to you and what you want from a coastal retreat. One thing is clear, wherever you choose to visit, Mexico’s Pacific Coast or the Caribbean Coast, they’ll both leave you fulfilled in just the way a seaside holiday is supposed to.