🏖️ The Best Beaches in El Salvador
El Salvador has over 300 km of Pacific Ocean coastline, offering some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America. Whether you're a beginner or advanced surfer, looking for relaxation or adventure, you'll find what you're looking for.
1. Playa El Tunco
The iconic surf spot! El Tunco is El Salvador's most famous beach. A surfer village with a bohemian vibe, oceanfront bars and restaurants.
🏄 Ideal for: Surfing, nightlife, international meetups
📍 Location: La Libertad Department (1h from San Salvador)
2. Playa El Sunzal
Right next to El Tunco, El Sunzal is a world-renowned surf spot with consistent and powerful waves.
🏄 Ideal for: Experienced surfers
💰 Budget: On-site restaurants, various accommodations
3. Playa El Cuco
On the east coast, El Cuco offers quiet beaches, calmer waters and a family atmosphere.
🏖️ Ideal for: Families, swimming
🦀 To do: Taste fresh seafood
4. Playa Las Flores
A surfer's paradise with world-class waves and few tourists.
🏄 Ideal for: Intermediate to advanced surfing
🏡 Accommodation: A few boutique hotels
5. Playa Costa del Sol
Long black sand beach, perfect for walks and sunsets.
🌅 Ideal for: Relaxation, bird watching
🚗 Access: Easy from San Salvador (1h)
6. Playa El Espino
Wild and preserved beach, ideal to escape the crowds.
🌴 Ideal for: Nature, tranquility
🐢 Bonus: Turtle nesting area
7. Playa San Diego
Popular family beach on weekends with palapas (beach huts) for rent.
👨👩👧👦 Ideal for: Salvadoran families and tourists
🍽️ Services: Many restaurants
8. Playa El Zonte
Developing surf village with an active local community and innovative social projects.
🏄 Ideal for: Surfing, community engagement
💡 Unique feature: Bitcoin Beach (world's first Bitcoin town)
9. Playa Mizata
Isolated surf spot with powerful waves and few people.
🏄 Ideal for: Advanced surfers seeking tranquility
🏕️ Style: Camping and ecolodges
10. Playa Barra de Santiago
Natural estuary with mangroves, bird watching and spectacular sunsets.
🦅 Ideal for: Ecotourism, fishing
🚤 Activities: Boat tours in the mangroves
🌊 Practical Tips
| Best time | March to October for surfing, November to February for swimming |
| Safety | Avoid leaving valuables unattended |
| Transportation | Car rental recommended or local buses |
| Accommodation | From $15 (hostel) to $150+ (hotel) |
🎯 Which beach to choose?
- For surfing: El Tunco, El Sunzal, Las Flores
- For families: El Cuco, San Diego, Costa del Sol
- For tranquility: El Espino, Mizata, Barra de Santiago
- For partying: El Tunco, El Zonte
El Salvador is a world-class surf destination that remains affordable and authentic. The beaches offer incredible diversity for all tastes!