Lists of top ten beaches, the best beaches in the world, and the most perfect beaches are ubiquitous. They’re also completely subjective. To one person, the perfect beach might be defined by glitzy clubs and beautiful bodies, while to another it might mean a completely secluded ribbon of sand that’s virtually impossible to reach.

White sand beaches stretch for miles

To me perfection is defined by sugary fine white sand, pure turquoise water, and plenty of room, so when I first laid eyes on the beach at Playa del Carmen, Mexico, declaring it one of the world’s most perfect beaches was an easy call. Located on the mainland directly across from the island of Cozumel, Playa del Carmen has grown from a sleepy little village where visitors used to saddle up and gallop through the surf to a major tourist destination on the Mexican Riviera. Yet even though this beach attracts hordes of vacationers, it is so wide and long that it’s rarely crowded.

Fishing boats line the shore

Regardless of each visitor’s vision of perfection, Playa del Carmen beaches offer something for everyone. Colorful wooden boats line the shore, ready to take vacationers out for a day of offshore fishing, while bars and restaurants occupy the back beach. In between, beach chairs and canopy beds beckon to sun worshipers while banana boats, Hobie craft, wave runners, and paragliding, snorkeling, and diving provide plenty of choices for the more adventurous.

Even divided families, where some like the beach and others don’t, will love Playa del Carmen, since mile long Fifth Avenue, located just a block off the beach, is home to designer shops, massage studios, and gourmet restaurants. And though it’s highly unlikely, if guests grow weary of Playa, they need only walk down the beach to the ferry terminal and take a quick trip to Cozumel, where they can discover another collection of stunning beaches.

Photo Credit: Top: Barbara Weibel; Bottom: Green Travel
Article by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels