Playa del Carmen holidays

Sandy beaches, a shallow sea and hours of tropical sunshine – Playa del Carmen’s sparkling coastline is an ideal getaway. Not only does it have a beach right by the town centre, there’s also lively Playa Mamitas and laid-back Playacar nearby. The atmosphere is relaxed wherever you go, with sunrise yoga to start the day and chilled-out beach bars to end it.

Beyond the seaside, there’s lots for families to do in and around the resort. Visit the three-story aquarium, watch the Papantla dancers in Parque Fundadores or explore the surrounding area by bicycle. At Xplor Park, you can zipline through the jungle or visit Xcaret Eco Park for wildlife encounters, snorkelling and a boat trip down the ‘Paradise River’.

Day trips make it easy to see the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula, such as the Mayan ruins, cenotes (natural sinkholes where you can swim in freshwater) and national parks. Divers, meanwhile, are in for a treat: nearby Isla Cozumel is a hotspot for marine life and spectacular coral formations. Likewise, snorkelers don’t have to float far off the beach to find a range of colourful tropical fish and starfish.

As the sun sets, the city lights up with an eclectic nightlife scene. Take your pick from relaxed outdoor beach clubs, trendy cocktail bars or a carnivalesque nightclub with acrobats spinning above your head as you dance until dawn. Other bars come alive with Cuban bands playing salsa beats or live jazz.