Best Beaches in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen’s coastline is not one single beach experience.
Different areas offer different surroundings, levels of activity and reasons to visit.
Xcalacoco Beach
Located in northern Playa del Carmen, Xcalacoco is particularly convenient to consider when staying in the northern part of the city.
Mamitas Beach
Mamitas is one of the better-known beach areas near the central tourist zone.
It fits travelers who want to combine beach time with easy access to the downtown area.
The municipality has also used Mamitas as the setting for tourism initiatives such as “La Ruta del Mar,” which highlights Playa del Carmen’s relationship with the sea through cultural, educational and recreational experiences.
Playa 88
Playa 88 is another beach option to include when exploring the northern-central stretch of Playa del Carmen.
Playacar Beach
Playacar offers a different beach setting connected with the southern part of Playa del Carmen.
Which Beach Should You Choose?
Instead of asking which beach is “the best,” ask:
Do you want to stay close to downtown?
Would you prefer a quieter northern area?
Are you planning a family day?
Do you want to combine your beach day with restaurants and shopping?
The answer will determine which beach makes the most sense for your itinerary.
Make the Most of Your Stay
Casa Olivara gives guests a residential base in Playa del Carmen from which to explore different beaches rather than having to stay at one location for the entire trip. Its current listing places the home minutes from Xcalacoco Beach and highlights access to La Selva’s shared pools and recreational amenities.