The places, most named first
From the 7 guides that rank for "best beaches in colombia"
Named by 4 of 71. Tayrona National ParkHolds many beaches in one park; two days of beach hopping is suggested.Strong currents stop swimming at many beaches; Cabo San Juan and Piscinita are the swimming ones.
Named by 3 of 72. PalominoA relaxed backpacker town that works as a base for a couple of days.The beach has been shrinking from erosion, so low tide is the better time to visit.
Named by 2 of 73. Cabo de la VelaSits at the northernmost part of Colombia, with kilometers of beach beside the Guajira desert.Not necessarily good for swimming, but kitesurfers like it.
4. Playa BlancaReachable as a day trip from Cartagena, with white sand and turquoise water.Gets very busy on weekends and in December and January; go early in the day.
5. Isla Grande (Rosario Islands)Biggest of the Rosario Islands, a short speedboat ride from Cartagena, with no motor traffic.Suggested stay is at least two days to explore and relax.
6. Playa BuritacaA wild, mostly empty beach with strong waves, good for sunrise or sunset.Other empty beaches and river mouths for swimming sit nearby.
7. Costeño BeachKnown for a good beach break and surf hostels, a place to unwind for a few days.Only the surf hostels offer food or drink; there are no separate restaurants, bars or stores.8. San Andrés, Providencia and Santa CatalinaRemote islands near Nicaragua with quiet beaches, stingray swims and coral reef snorkeling.Reef visibility reaches about 30 meters, and the pace is slow.
9. Isla BaruRated as one of the best beach spots in Colombia for turquoise water and white sand.
10. Rincón del MarA small fishing village with a calm pace, white sand and coconut trees, away from crowds.
11. San Bernardo archipelagoTintipán and Múcura are the islands named, now popular but still calm.
12. Punta GallinasA bay shading from deep blue to turquoise, best seen at sunset.
13. Bahía ConchaCalm water and white sand, with camping and hammock areas but no lodging buildings.
14. NeguanjeLargest beach in Tayrona with calm clear water, suited to snorkeling and diving.
15. Playa CristalReached by an 8 minute boat ride from Neguanje or 40 minutes from the Santa Marta highway.
16. Playa GrandeA 25 minute walk from Taganga along the sea, or 5 minutes by boat from the dock.
17. Playa ChengueSmall beach of fine white sand, reached by boat or a hard road, so few people visit.
18. Playa de CamaronesAbout 20 minutes from Riohacha, in a flamingo sanctuary with lagoons.
19. Pilón de AzúcarHoney-colored sand, about three hours from Riohacha, with a 15 minute climb up the rock.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name December to March and July to August as the best time to visit Colombia.
Questions people ask
- What are the best beach towns in Colombia?
- One page names Palomino, a relaxed backpacker town that works as a base for a couple of days.
