The ten best beaches in Ecuador, all paradisiacal corners bathed by the Pacific Ocean, some famous for their lively nightlife and other almost virgin paradises, immersed in impressive natural landscapes.
1- Los Frailes Beach (Province of Manabí):
One of the most idyllic beaches of Ecuador, a hidden place in the Machalilla National Park, with calm waters and white sands, surrounded by extraordinary natural scenery, where forests, cliffs and other rock formations intermingle.
Another of its attractions are its hidden access trails, a shorter one with a walk that requires no more than 30 minutes, and a second longer than about 2 hours. The latter is the most famous, going through a dry tropical forest, with trees of strange shapes, passing through viewpoints that allow panoramic views of the park and other beaches.
2- Canoa Beach (Province of Manabí):
Another of the paradisiacal beaches that hides the Province of Manabí, an extensive beach of white sands surrounded by cliffs and vegetation, with great waves ideal for surfing.
Among its attractions are also the paragliding jumps from the cliffs on the edge of the beach, walks through its forest areas and restaurants where you can enjoy fish and seafood.
3- Manta (Province of Manabí):
Port city seated in a beautiful bay, famous for its beaches surrounded by coconut trees, some known for their lively entertainment and others for its tranquility. Among the most famous, there is El Murciélago Beach, an urban beach with soft waves and fine sands, bordered by the "Scenic Boardwalk", a walk on the edge of the sea where restaurants, handicraft markets, bars and recreational spaces congregate.
In the city itself, Tarqui Beach also stands out, with a lively atmosphere similar to El Murcielago Beach, while in its surroundings you can not fail to mention the quieter beaches of San Mateo, San Lorenzo, Santa Rosa, Liguique and Santa Marianita. last one recognized as one of the best beaches in Ecuador for kitesurfing.
4- Puerto Cayo (Province of Manabí):
Quiet fishing village known for its white sand beaches and intense blue waters, with constant waves that commonly congregate athletes who come to surf and other water sports. In front of the beach is the Pedernales Islet, a privileged dive site for diving and snorkeling in a blanket of white coral.
In their surroundings you can find beautiful natural scenarios, among which are wet and dry forests, mountains and trails that are interned by waterfalls. It is also considered a strategic point for the sighting of humpback whales that arrive between June and September.
5- Atacames Beach (Province of Esmeraldas):
Considered the largest beach in Ecuador and the closest to Quito, a spa with extensive gray sands and medium waves, surrounded by coconut trees and shading cane numbers where you can enjoy an aperitif.
This is also one of the best beaches in Ecuador if you are looking for fun, with a vibrant nightlife during the weekends and a lively walk along the sea, with numerous beach bars, outdoor music and restaurants with a terrace.
6- Beach of Same (Province of Esmeraldas):
One of the most exclusive beaches in Ecuador, a dream scenario surrounded by hills and vegetation, with fine sands and calm waters, protected by the bay that embraces them.
Nearby is the town of Súa, site famous for the sighting of humpback whales from June to September, immense cetaceans that in this period migrate from Antarctica to Ecuador.
7- Mompiche Beach (Province of Esmeraldas):
Another of the beaches of Ecuador that fascinate for their natural scenery, a beach of fine sand and big waves, surrounded by lush landscapes of tropical forest.
The town that borders the beach is another of its charms, a fishing village with houses of hemp and wood, simple and local restaurants with tourist services. It is also noteworthy that its waves are among the most extensive in Ecuador. which is one of the favorite destinations of surfers.
8- Salinas (Province of Santa Elena):
This city is considered one of the most important spas in Ecuador, with beaches that are always popular and extend over 15 kilometers, some like Chipipe Beach with a gentle wave for bathing and others like Playa de San Lorenzo, with big waves, ideal for surfing. It is also remarkable Playa Chocolatera, with gray sands, considered the best beach in the area to practice water sports.
Salinas also stands out for its recreational offer, with numerous restaurants, hotels, bars and discos, along with beautiful natural attractions, such as the arrival of humpback whales between July and September, which can easily be seen entering only a few meters into the ocean, through small boats.
9- Montañita (Province of Santa Elena):
Without doubt one of the most famous beaches of Ecuador, a spa surrounded by hills and vegetation at the foot of the sea, with golden sands and huge waves, known as one of the most important surfing destinations in South America.
Another of its attractions is its vibrant nightlife, concentrated dozens of bars on its main street with lively parties that do not die before dawn.
Also typical of the town are the constructions in rustic style with hemp and straw, where inns, informal restaurants, craft fairs and surf shops are mixed, where reggae music is a constant with the symbols with peace symbols.
10- Galapagos Islands (Province of Galapagos):
Islands of dreams known for their biodiversity, site where the most paradisiacal beaches of Ecuador are located, with white sands and warm waters, immersed among impressive natural landscapes.
Although each island of the Galapagos hides idyllic beaches, it is not possible to mention: Tortuga Bay in Santa Cruz Island, whose white sands bring hundreds of sea turtles to lay their eggs, the beaches of Isla Isabela, where sea lions and iguanas rest on the seashore and the red sands of the beaches of Isla Rábida, where it is possible to dive among sea lions, rays and dolphins.
Ayampe is another amazing beach just 30min north of Montañita