Lonely PlanetNov 1, 2026
Panama's Top 10 Beaches
With legendary swells on one side of the country and stretches of sand perfect for a book and an umbrella on the other, Panama is poised for a beach vacation.
24 things in this story
- Playa BlancaSightbeach with best all-inclusive resorts
- Isla FarallónSighttiny island accessible by boat or jet ski
- Playa Blanca Beach ResortHotel
- Hotel Riu Playa BlancaHotel
- The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort PanamaHotel
- Elsewhere
- Guna YalaNeighborhoodPanama City, Panamagoverned by the Guna Indigenous group
- Museo de la Cultura GunaMuseumPanama City, Panamafor guided tours on Guna history and culture
- San Blas ArchipelagoSightPanama City, Panama365 islands with powder-soft sand and clear waters
- Cayos ZapatillaSightBocas del Toro, Panamatwo uninhabited islands shaped like shoes
- Isla Bastimentos Marine ParkSightBocas del Toro, Panamapark containing Cayos Zapatilla
- Nivida Bat CaveSightBocas del Toro, Panamacavern filled with nectar bats and underground lake
- Starfish BeachSightBocas del Toro, Panamashallow, translucent waters perfect for swimming
- Isla ColónSightBocas del Toro, Panamamain island with Starfish Beach
- Playa VenaoSightPenínsula de Azuero, Panamastretch of blackish volcanic sand, popular for surfing
- La Cascada waterfallSightPenínsula de Azuero, Panamawaterfall accessible by hiking
- Extreme Surf ShopPlacePenínsula de Azuero, Panamasurf school at El Sitio Hotel
- El Sitio HotelHotelPenínsula de Azuero, Panamalocation of Extreme Surf Shop
- Isla Iguana Wildlife RefugeSightPenínsula de Azuero, Panamaclear, shallow water packed with fish
- Playa El PalmarSightPlaya Coronado, Panamawhite-sand beach popular with families
- Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine ParkSightChiriquí, Panamacollection of islands perfect for underwater world
- Volcán BarúSightChiriquí, PanamaPanama's highest point
- Isla ContadoraSightGulf of Panama, Panamaisland once accounting center for pearls
- Playa LargaSightGulf of Panama, Panamalongest stretch of sand on the island
- Playa de las SuecasSightGulf of Panama, PanamaPanama's only legal naturist beach