Panama has the most amazing variety of beautiful beaches and coral islands to enjoy, in every style -- sophisticated sun worship, alt-chill, snorkelling coral reefs, scuba diving, surfing Pacific rollers, and simple, close-to-nature, life by the sea.
The Pacific coast has miles of secluded sandy nature beaches and a huge number of pristine islands and islets, as well as off-beat surf beaches and more developed stretches of coastline towards Panama City.
Choose Las Perlas archipelago or the Gulf of Chriqui for island adventure and relaxation staying at upmarket boutique hotels.
Or for the heart of traditional Panama, the Azuero Peninsula, with sleepy fishing villages, stunning sunsets, sport-fishing and world class surf breaks.
Playa Blanca with its white-sand beach offers large resort hotels with all the amenities a relatively short drive from Panama City.
The Caribbean coast has a laid-back, tropical vibe and is home to some of Panama's most idyllic coastal scenery. The Bocas del Toro archipelago, with its forest-swathed islands and islets dotted amongst the turquoise waters of the marine national park is a great choice for those looking to do water-based activities such as snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving. There is a wide range of accommodation options and amenities here too.
For an escape from the modern world, the paradisiaical palm-fringed, white-sand islands of San Blas are home to Panama's largest indigenous group, the Kuna Yala. Guests are invited to stay on coral islets in small simple lodges owned and run by the Kuna community.
The historic and picturesque harbour town of Portobelo, approximately 2hrs drive from Panama City, has rainforest backed beaches with emerald waters and a classy retreat hotel in close proximity.