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.
Explore Playa. Then come home to Casa Olivara.
Check availability → Airbnb
Welcome to Playa del Carmen
Located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen is one of the Riviera Maya’s most versatile destinations.
What makes Playa different is the combination of a tropical coastline, restaurants, local neighborhoods, experiences and easy access to some of the region’s most popular destinations.
The city can be the destination itself or your home base for exploring the Riviera Maya.
Where Is Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen sits along Mexico’s Caribbean coast between Cancun and Tulum, making it a practical base for travelers who want to explore different parts of the Riviera Maya while still having a place to return to at the end of the day.
The city is also internationally connected through Cancun International Airport, making it accessible for travelers arriving from the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
What Is Playa del Carmen Like?
There is no single way to experience Playa del Carmen.
You can spend the morning at the beach, have lunch at a local restaurant, walk along Quinta Avenida, take a ferry to Cozumel, visit a cenote or simply slow down by the pool.
The municipality is also actively promoting Playa del Carmen as a destination built around a wider variety of experiences rather than only the traditional sun-and-beach model.
The Beaches
The beaches around Playa del Carmen have different personalities, and the right beach depends on what you are looking for.
Some travelers prefer a beach close to the center. Others prefer quieter northern areas.
Xcalacoco is particularly relevant for travelers staying in northern Playa del Carmen and is a natural beach option to include when staying around Casa Olivara.
Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
Some of the most popular ways to spend time in and around Playa del Carmen include:
- Exploring Quinta Avenida
- Spending a day at the beach
- Visiting cenotes
- Taking the ferry to Cozumel
- Exploring Riviera Maya parks
- Dining around the city
- Planning day trips toward Tulum and other destinations
The city’s tourism strategy increasingly highlights experiences tied to nature, gastronomy, culture and local life.
Where Should You Stay?
Where you stay can change the way you experience Playa del Carmen.
Travelers who want nightlife and immediate access to the central tourist area may prefer downtown. Travelers looking for a quieter residential environment may prefer areas farther north.
For families and small groups, an apartment with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and a kitchen can offer a different type of stay than a traditional hotel room.
Staying at Casa Olivara
Casa Olivara is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom ground-floor apartment in La Selva Residences, designed for up to six guests.
The primary bedroom has a king-size bed, while the second bedroom has two double beds. The apartment also includes a fully equipped kitchen, living and dining areas, fast Wi-Fi and access to the shared amenities of La Selva Residences, including five family pools, padel, pickleball, a sports court, playground, pet park and barbecue areas.
For travelers who want to explore the Riviera Maya during the day and return to a quieter residential environment, Casa Olivara can serve as a comfortable home base.
How Many Days Do You Need?
A three-day trip can cover the basics.
Five days gives you more flexibility to combine Playa del Carmen with beaches, cenotes and a day trip.
A week allows you to slow down and explore more of the Riviera Maya without making every day feel rushed.
The ideal length depends on your travel style, but Playa del Carmen works particularly well for travelers who want a combination of local experiences and day trips.
Start Planning Your Playa del Carmen Escape
There is no single perfect itinerary.
The best trip is the one that gives you enough time to experience Playa del Carmen without constantly watching the clock.
Ready to start planning?
