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Best beaches in Mexico
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Holidays
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All-terrain writer specialising in tourism, fashion and trends. A curious soul, traveller, reader and sports enthusiast, keen to discover every corner of the world.
Choosing well where to stay in Cancún determines a good part of your trip, as it is not the same to sleep on the beachfront in the heart of the Hotel Zone, as it is to do so in the city centre or take advantage of the proximity to other Mexican Caribbean destinations like Playa del Carmen or Cozumel. Each area has its own personality, and it is important to be clear about this before booking your accommodation.
If you are wondering which is the best area to stay in Cancún, the answer depends on the type of trip you have in mind: atmosphere and nightlife, tranquillity, diving, or simply a base to explore the entire coast of Quintana Roo.
I have prepared this guide in which I explain some of the recommended areas to stay in Cancún and its surroundings, explaining what each one offers to help you choose and, most importantly, to get it right.
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Area | Ideal for | Strengths |
North Hotel Zone | Beach and atmosphere | Proximity to nightlife and restaurants |
South Hotel Zone | Tranquillity and nature | Less crowded beaches and natural surroundings |
The Centre | Budget-friendly | Lower prices and local atmosphere |
Isla Mujeres | Disconnection | Relaxed pace and calm waters |
Cancún Airport | Stopovers and late-night arrivals | Immediate connection to the terminal |
Playa del Carmen | Atmosphere and excursions | Nightlife and proximity to cenotes |
Cozumel | Diving and snorkelling | Coral reef and crystal-clear waters |
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This selection includes both the Hotel Zone and the city centre as well as other nearby areas that many travellers end up incorporating into their itinerary for Cancún.
If your priority is to have the beach just a few metres away and not give up on nightlife, the North Hotel Zone is, for many, the best area to stay in Cancún. This strip, located at the beginning of Boulevard Kukulcán, concentrates much of the city's clubs, restaurants and shopping centres.
It is the most convenient option if you are travelling without a car, as it is easily accessible by public transport that connects the entire main avenue.
The best part
Its great advantage is having everything nearby: beach, nightlife and a very wide gastronomic offer, without the need to move around too much during the trip.
Location: Boulevard Kukulcán, km 5.5, Cancún Hotel Zone.
Recommended Meliá hotel:
Further south of Boulevard Kukulcán, the South Hotel Zone offers a much quieter atmosphere than its northern neighbour, with less crowded beaches and a bit more distance from the hustle and bustle of the entertainment centre.
It is an interesting alternative if you are looking for where to sleep in Cancún while prioritising rest, without leaving the Hotel Zone itself.
The best part
What is most valued is the combination of a wide beach and a certain calm, ideal for those who prefer a slower pace during their holidays without giving up the comfort of an All Inclusive resort.
Location: Boulevard Kukulcán, km 16.5, Cancún Hotel Zone.
Recommended Meliá hotel:
If budget is an important factor in your trip, the centre of Cancún is the most recommended area, as accommodation and restaurant prices here are much lower compared to the Hotel Zone, while the atmosphere is much more local.
It is also a good starting point if you prefer to get around by public transport, as most routes to the Hotel Zone and other parts of the region depart from here.
The best part
What is most valued is the savings, both in accommodation and food, without losing the possibility of reaching the beach in a few minutes by bus.
Location: centre of Cancún, Quintana Roo.
A little over twenty minutes by ferry from Puerto Juárez, Isla Mujeres is one of the best areas in Cancún if you are looking for a slower pace and much calmer waters than those of the main coast.
The town is easily explored on foot or by bicycle, and the general atmosphere is much more relaxed than in the Hotel Zone.
The best part
It stands out for the calm of the sea and for a much less crowded atmosphere, ideal for those who prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle without giving up being close to Cancún.
Location: Isla Mujeres, off the coast of Cancún.
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For early morning flights, short stopovers or business trips, staying near the Cancún International Airport is the most practical decision, although it may not be the area with the most tourist appeal on this list.
It is also usually a good option for the last night of the trip, to avoid long journeys before catching your flight.
The best part
Its main advantage is the immediate proximity to the terminals, which greatly reduces stress on flights with complicated schedules.
Location: surroundings of Cancún International Airport.
A little over an hour from Cancún, Playa del Carmen has become a regular stop for those looking to combine their stay with more atmosphere, varied dining options and proximity to cenotes and Mayan ruins. It is not in Cancún itself, but it is usually included in the itineraries of those travelling along the coast of Quintana Roo.
Its Fifth Avenue, a pedestrian street parallel to the sea, concentrates much of the area's social life at any time of the day.
The best part
The best part is the variety of beach, nightlife and a strategic location for travelling to other parts of the Riviera Maya without relying entirely on organised excursions.
Location: Playa del Carmen, about 65 km from Cancún.
Recommended Meliá hotel:
Off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is the best area if the main reason for your trip is diving or snorkelling. Its reef, part of the second largest coral system in the world, attracts enthusiasts of all levels every year.
Although it is a little further from Cancún, many travellers dedicate a few days of their stay to visiting the island, either on a day trip or by staying directly there.
The best part
The highlight is the clarity of its waters and the quality of its diving spots, some of the most renowned in the entire Mexican Caribbean.
Location: island of Cozumel, off the coast of Playa del Carmen.
Recommended Meliá hotel:
If it is your first time in the city and you want to have everything nearby, the North Hotel Zone remains the recommended area to stay in Cancún: beach, nightlife and dining a short walk from the hotel.
If you prefer something quieter without leaving the Hotel Zone entirely, the southern part offers less crowded beaches while maintaining the comfort of an All Inclusive resort. And if your idea is to take advantage of the trip to get to know more of the region, both Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are areas worth including in your itinerary, even if they are not within Cancún itself.
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Holidays
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