El Salvador is a country with a coastline bathed by the Pacific Ocean and a great variety of beaches, coves and shores that attract local and foreign tourists in search of sun, sand and sea. From the most popular to the most remote beaches, each one offers its own charm and natural beauty.
The Most Beautiful Beaches, Coves and Coasts in El Salvador
Barra de Santiago
Barra de Santiago
beach is located in the department of Ahuachapán, on the southwest coast of El Salvador. It is a virgin beach 25 kilometers long, surrounded by mangroves, rivers and lagoons, and is located within the Barra de Santiago Natural Reserve.
Los Cobanos Beach
Los Cobanos beach is a natural paradise located on the Pacific coast of El Salvador, about 80 km southwest of the capital, San Salvador. It is famous for its natural beauty and for being one of the best diving destinations in the region.
El Zonte Beach
El Zonte Beach is a beautiful black sand beach located on the Pacific coast of El Salvador. With its perfect waves for surfing, this beach is known for being one of the best surfing spots in the country.
Atami and El Palmarcito Beach
Atami is an exclusive beach resort that has all the amenities to make your vacation unforgettable. The resort offers direct access to the beautiful El Palmarcito beach, a white sand beach with turquoise waters that stretches for more than a kilometer.
El Tunco Beach
This beach is one of the most popular in El Salvador, known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent surfing. Here you will find a variety of bars and restaurants offering local and international cuisine. It is also a starting point to explore other nearby beaches such as Sunzal and El Zonte.
El Sunzal
Playa El Sunzal is a black sand beach with crystal clear waters and a length of approximately 2 kilometers. It is known for its surfing waves, which attract surfers from all over the world. The beach has a large number of services, including surf stores, restaurants and bars.
La Libertad
Playa La Libertad is a beach of golden sand and crystal clear waters located in the department of La Libertad, just 35 minutes by car from the capital, San Salvador. It is a very popular beach for surfers, but it is also ideal for swimming and relaxing. It also has a vibrant and friendly atmosphere with tourists.
Costa del Sol
Playa Costa del Sol is one of the most popular beaches in El Salvador, and is located about 60 kilometers south of the capital, San Salvador. This white sand beach with calm waters is known for being a relaxing and family-friendly tourist destination. It also offers a wide range of activities, from boat rides to water sports.
Jiquilisco Bay
Jiquilisco Bay is a coastal paradise in El Salvador. It is an area of mangroves and sand dunes that is home to many species of birds, fish and sea turtles. Jiquilisco Bay beach is known for its calm waters, natural beauty and rich marine fauna.
El Cuco Beach
Playa el Cuco is a beach approximately 3 km long located on the east coast of El Salvador, about three hours from San Salvador. This beach is famous for its waves, which makes it a popular destination for surfing, but also offers relaxation options for those who simply want to enjoy the sun and sea.
El Tamarindo Beach
Playa El Tamarindo is an unspoiled beach of golden sand located on the Pacific coast of El Salvador, about 75 km east of San Salvador. With crystal clear waters and an impressive rock formation known as El Tamarindo, this beach is a popular destination for surfers and nature lovers.
Tasajera Island
Tasajera Island is an island located in the Gulf of Fonseca, on the Pacific coast of El Salvador. It has an area of approximately 12 km² and is located about 50 km south of the capital city of San Salvador.
Lake Coatepeque
Lake Coatepeque is a crater lake located in the department of Santa Ana, in western El Salvador. It is located at an altitude of 746 meters above sea level, has a maximum depth of 115 meters and an area of 25.3 km².
What to do and see in El Salvador
El Salvador is a country with a rich culture, stunning natural beauty and a wide variety of tourist attractions. From dreamy beaches to ancient Mayan ruins, you’ll find something for everyone here.
If you are planning a trip to El Salvador, be sure to include the following places and activities in your itinerary:
Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador.
This impressive church is the religious and cultural heart of the Salvadoran capital. Built in 1977, it is a masterpiece of modern architecture with its distinctive glass dome. It is also an ideal place to enjoy live music and other cultural events.
Explore the Mayan ruins of Joya de Ceren.
Known as the “Pompeii of the Americas,” Joya de Cerén is an archaeological site that offers a unique glimpse into daily life in a pre-Hispanic Mayan village. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located near the city of San Salvador and is a must-see for history lovers.
Enjoy the beaches of El Salvador
The country has some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America. From the popular El Tunco beach to quieter ones like Mizata beach or La Libertad, there is a wide variety to choose from. In addition, water sports such as surfing and scuba diving are very popular on these beaches.
Explore Montecristo National Park
This park is home to one of El Salvador’s last remaining cloud forests. With a wide variety of flora and fauna, and an impressive waterfall, it is the perfect place to enjoy nature and adventure.
Visit the Route of the Flowers
This scenic route is one of El Salvador’s most popular tourist attractions. It runs through several picturesque villages, where you can find local handicrafts and typical food. In addition, on weekends, there are farmers’ fairs and live music.
Best Vacation Destinations in El Salvador
San Salvador
The capital of El Salvador is a vibrant and exciting place that offers a wide variety of tourist activities. Highlights include its modern architecture, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Antiques Market, the National Theater and the Museum of Art of El Salvador. In addition, San Salvador is an excellent starting point to explore other tourist destinations in the country.
Route of the Flowers
This scenic route passes through several picturesque villages on the slopes of the mountains of El Salvador. Here you will find a wide variety of local handicrafts, typical food, waterfalls and viewpoints. Some of the most popular towns are Juayúa, Nahuizalco and Apaneca.
Montecristo National Park
This park is home to one of the last remaining cloud forests in El Salvador. Here you will find a great variety of flora and fauna, as well as beautiful views of nature. You can also go hiking, bird watching, camping and visit the El Salto waterfall.
La Libertad
This coastal city is one of the most popular in El Salvador, thanks to its wide range of tourist attractions. Here you will find a wide variety of hotels, bars, restaurants and water activities. It is also home to the country’s largest port and an excellent starting point for exploring other nearby beaches.
El Boquerón
This active volcano is one of El Salvador’s main tourist attractions. Here you will find hiking trails, breathtaking panoramic views and the opportunity to see the volcano’s crater up close. In addition, near the volcano you will find several picturesque towns such as Santa Tecla and San José Villanueva.
Suchitoto
This charming colonial town is one of the oldest in El Salvador. Here you will find cobblestone streets, colonial houses, historic churches and a relaxed atmosphere. It is also an excellent starting point for visiting the Suchitlán Lagoon and activities such as kayaking and bird watching.
