Barra de Santiago Beach is a beloved beach among Salvadorians for its long stretch of black volcanic sand and calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and taking in sunset views.
El Zonte is a small surf town just a few kilometers north of El Tunco that’s quickly making waves on the tourism map.
El Zonte
El Zonte is one of El Salvador’s premier beach towns for anyone interested in surfing, relaxation and delicious seafood restaurants. Situated in La Libertad, this sleepy beach town features some of the country’s best waves attracting surfers from across the globe.
Sunzalita in the west offers challenging waves for experienced surfers while La Bocana on the eastern end creates fast, powerful barrels; additionally there is also an accessible beach break right of rocks which offers more manageable waves for novice surfers.
El Zonte is best visited between November and March when its waves are at their most impressive, when whales and dolphins may also be present in abundance. During this season it’s not unusual to spot these marine life inhabitants!
El Zonte stands out among many fantastic beach spots due to its natural beauty and rustic charm. Boasting black sand beaches, towering cliffs, and calm waters – El Zonte makes an excellent spot for spending a relaxing day under the sun!
The beach is an ideal setting for watersports enthusiasts, offering clear waters suitable for kayaking and paddleboarding as well as calm conditions ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Furthermore, its stunning surroundings provide ideal photo-ops.
If you want to give surfing a try, El Zonte provides numerous locations offering lessons. Most hotels include surf lessons in their packages; however, independent surf schools offer lessons at more reasonable rates.
After spending so much time surfing, it can be necessary to relax a bit. El Zonte offers two great yoga spots that will help stretch out those sore muscles. Both studios can be found near the turtle hatchery in the western section of town; although their yoga may not be as luxurious as in San Salvador, the atmosphere remains casual and tranquil.
El Cuco
El Cuco Beach in the Department of San Miguel offers stunning shorelines of dark sand, calm waves, and an idyllic atmosphere – ideal for relaxation with family or friends. Popular activities on El Cuco include playing soccer/volleyball/volleyball/jogging/running and swimming.
El Cuco offers more than just beaches – there is also an array of restaurants and small shops. A mainstay in its cuisine, many restaurants serve fresh seafood; in addition, several bars provide refreshing beverages and light snacks – some may cater more towards tourists while others provide great meals at reasonable prices.
One of the top activities in El Cuco is visiting its beach at night. The sunsets here are absolutely beautiful, making for an idyllic way to spend an evening. One of El Salvador’s premier beaches shouldn’t be missed!
El Cuco is best explored from November to April during its dry season, when temperatures average 27oC on average and sea conditions allow for easy swimming.
Playa El Sunzal is another outstanding beach in El Salvador and widely considered one of the country’s premier surfing beaches, thanks to its consistent, long waves. Surfers of all levels flock here and it may well have been where El Salvador first produced surfable waves! It is even believed that Playa El Sunzal may have witnessed its first surfed wave originating there!
Reaching El Sunzal is easy. You can drive, take a bus or taxi. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, along with your camera or cell phone as El Sunzal provides some beautiful photography opportunities. Note that as it’s not well lit during the evening hours, so bring a flashlight or headlamp as well for night time explorations of this beach.
El Tuco
El Salvador may be best-known for its volcanoes, civil war, pupusas and coffee; but what really sets this Central American nation apart are its magnificent beaches. Not only are its Pacific Ocean beaches popular surfing spots but they also provide stunning sunset views and beachscapes that look straight out of a movie. Furthermore, El Salvadorian villages that guard these beaches are known for their friendly hospitality and coastal seafood cuisine – which make El Salvador truly remarkable!
Playa El Tunco in La Libertad is one of the country’s premier surfing beaches for visitors looking to surf, with some of the finest waves around and an active party scene on weekends.
Visit this stunning beach between May and October for optimal surf conditions; this time frame sees larger swells making surfing simpler. However, the weather remains beautiful all year long, offering opportunities to watch sunset or sample delicious seafood dishes.
For some additional adventure, visit Tamanique Waterfalls nearby – just a short hike from here – which are an impressive site in themselves, while their walk through the forest adds another breathtaking element.
One of the great aspects of this beach is that it remains completely untouched, which allows guests to simply unwind on the sand and admire the beautiful views. Just keep in mind that its surface can become hot when sun hits; therefore, be sure to wear comfortable footwear and bring sun protection.
This stunning beach is ideal for those seeking an escape from the crowds and want to bask in nature’s splendor. With golden sands and tranquil waters, it is a favorite among families for their holiday trips and those eager to discover Tecapa-Chinameca volcanic mountains and other natural attractions nearby.
One drawback of this beach is its distance from San Salvador; however, those interested in surfing will certainly appreciate making the journey!
El Majahual
Majahual Beach in La Libertad is an idyllic escape, where visitors can rest under shaded umbrellas and appreciate its welcoming waves. It takes its name from Nahuatl for “water of the sea”, making this popular with both local tourists and surfers.
Dark sand beach set amid towering cliffs and lush vegetation is one of the few beaches in El Salvador where sunbathing can take place without interruption by other beachgoers. If swimming is your preferred pastime, simply go down the stairs of the pier to take advantage of its calm waters.
Beach 79 may not have the pristine beauty of other beaches on this list, but its tranquil setting is still an enjoyable way to escape San Salvador’s hectic city life.
Along with offering an idyllic retreat, El Salvador also boasts incredible waves for surfing – perfect for both novices and experts alike – making this destination one of the top spots to learn the sport.
There are various beach sports available in this region, from snorkeling and diving to windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. For those not inclined to get on the water themselves, simply enjoy walking along the shore or visiting some shops and restaurants for an enjoyable beach experience.
El Tunco has become an iconic destination in El Salvador, drawing visitors from all over the globe. Renowned for its exquisite beaches, relaxing atmosphere and luxurious accommodations; El Tunco also has a vibrant nightlife scene; restaurants serving delicious seafood dishes can also be found there.
While most beaches in Mexico are lined with private ranches or properties, El Espino Beach is open and public access. While peak season may make it busy at times, this public beach offers an ideal place to unwind and relax. Furthermore, Jiquilisco Bay Ramsar site protects this wetland area.
El Salvador offers something for every type of beachgoer – from serene spots where you can find peace and solitude to vibrant shorelines perfect for celebrating life and fun beach activities! Check out our guide of El Salvador beaches to discover some of its top offerings and begin planning your trip today.
