Mexico has a multitude of beach destinations. Some were Mexican towns that gradually gained popularity as tourist destinations and others were conceived as resort towns from the outset. These popular Mexico beach destinations offer powdery sand and crystalline water along with an abundance of tourist amenities and attractions.If you’d rather spend your beach vacation somewhere that’s just as gorgeous but not so crowded, you may prefer to visit one of Mexico’s less well-known beach destinationsFor sheer variety of resorts, nightlife, shopping, and activities, Cancun can’t be beat. It’s also got beautiful beaches (especially since the 2009/2010 beach reconstruction project). Some may avoid it because of its reputation as a party destination and spring break-type revelry, but families will also find plenty of options here.

Cancun is divided into two distinct areas. “Ciudad Cancun” which is also referred to in English as “downtown Cancun,” is a somewhat typical Mexican town on the mainland where the majority of Cancun residents, most of whom work in the tourism industry, make their home. There are economical hotels, markets and restaurants in this area

The Cancun hotel zone is located on a 15 mile-long sandbar in the shape of the number 7, just off the mainland and connected by causeways on either end. Just one road, Kukulkan Boulevard, runs the length of the hotel zone. Tourist infrastructure such as restaurants, upscale shopping and nightlife are concentrated in this area. The body of water between the hotel zone and the mainland is called

the Nichupte Lagoon.The top activity in Cancun is enjoying its beautiful beaches, either by just lazing around

with a cold drink, taking a languid stroll, or getting active with the number of water sports activities on offer, including swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, para-sailing, snorkeling.

Cancun’s international airport (Airport code CUN) is the main point of entry. It is located just 6 miles from the hotel zone and receives flights from major international airlines as well as charters. See our Cancun airport guide for information on how to get to and from the airport.

The ADO bus station in downtown Cancun is the main spot for catching long distance buses to destinations along the Riviera Maya and elsewhere in Mexico.