1. Playa Palancar Cozumel Beach Club – The most wonderful thing about Playa Palancar is that it feels like a private beach. It is quieter than most beaches in Cozumel and presents both a great diversity of activities and a peaceful environment. Order a Margarita in one of the beach bars. The seafood here is fabulous. Try the local specialties: the Ceviche, a seafood dish marinated in citrus juice with chili, and the fillet with the garlic sauce, a grilled fish with garlic. When you’re in the mood for a little activity, rent a snorkel gear and swim from the beach, or take a snorkeling tour at a distance from the nearby reefs or “el cielo” beach On the beach there is a wide variety of water activities available, such as kayaking by the sea, Paddle board or take a parachute tour.
2. Playa Chen Rio – Playa Chen Rio is a gorgeous white sand beach that is situated along the coast of the island of Cozumel. The beach itself lies on the southeastern shore of the island in an area that can only be reached by car, motorbike, or bicycle. The name Chen Rio comes from a combination of Spanish and Mayan languages with “Chen” meaning “little” in Mayan and “Rio” meaning “River” in Spanish. It got this name because of the river system that runs along the coast of the island. Much of Cozumel’s Eastern shore is wide open to the Caribbean Sea, so swimming is not great because of the large waves. That being said Playa Chen Rio offers good swimming and there are even some small pools that are separated from the open sea by a barrier of rocks. Along the beach, there are also waterfront restaurants and beach clubs which are excellent places to grab some food and drinks.
3. Playa Pública San Martín – Long stretch of wild, unspoiled white sand beach with a restaurant and bar. Stunning views across the Caribbean on the windward east side of the island.
4. The Plaza – San Miguel’s city center, lined with little shops, cafes and restaurants.
5. San Miguel Church – San Miguel Church, an iconic symbol in downtown Cozumel, stands as a testament to the island’s rich history and enduring Catholic faith. Consecrated on February 14, 1947, with construction commencing in 1945, the church has become a spiritual anchor for locals and a point of interest for visitors. Cozumel holds historical importance for believers in the Catholic faith. On May 6, 1518, a mere three days after the Spanish arrived on the island, Father Juan Diaz conducted the first documented mass on Mexican soil.
6. Mercado Municipal – A great way to get to know a place and its people is by visiting the local market, and the same is true in Cozumel.
The island’s Municipal Market – or Mercado Municipal – is not big and the architecture is nothing special, but the produce on sale and the smiles of the vendors are well worth a look. Open every day, you’ll find fruit, vegetables, tortillas and tortilla dough, meat, fish and a whole range of other goods on sale.
7. Playa Mezcalitos – One of the first beaches (or last depending on which direction you’re coming from) you come to when you cross to the east side of Cozumel via the ‘transversal’ road that bisects the middle of the island is Mezcalitos. Owned by Manuel Marin-Foucher Lewis (Mr. Mezcalito) since 1979, this well-worn watering hole and beach has seen it’s share of hurricanes and tourists, yet it still keeps on ticking. The entrance to the ocean here is mostly rocky, but if you walk a little bit past the ‘Naked Beach’ sign you’ll find a few spots where you can enter the water with a bit more sand under your toes. The ‘Naked Beach’ sign here is mostly for novelty purposes. You’ll see folks taking pictures with it (with or without clothes), but the beach itself is not truly a naked beach. That having been said, if you walk past the sign and out of view, no one will bat an eye if you shed a few pieces of clothing and enjoy the beach ‘au naturale.’
8. Plaza Central – Nestled at the heart of San Miguel de Cozumel, Benito Juarez Park, also known as Central Plaza, is the vibrant central plaza and a cultural nucleus of the island. This major tourist destination exudes a low-key vibe, attracting both locals and tourists who gather to soak in the charm and energy of this lively square. The Square Park serves as the central hub of San Miguel de Cozumel, around which much of the city’s activities and attractions are organized. Plaza Central is conveniently located close to the cruise docks, making it an accessible and popular gathering place for cruise ship passengers. The lively atmosphere, coupled with nearby restaurants, bars, and shops, makes it an ideal starting point for exploration. Parque Benito Juárez offers a serene escape with benches, tree planters, and a delightful lighted fountain. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the surroundings. A distinctive feature of Main Square is the box-shaped clock tower, adding a touch of historic charm to the square. The park is adorned with statues of significant Mexican figures, including President Benito Juárez and General Andrés Quintana Roo.
9. El Cedral – El Cedral de Cozumel is one of the places you should not miss, because it is a small town that has gone through different eras such as: Mayan and Spanish era. This construction is the oldest in Cozumel. This community has one of the oldest vestiges of the island, in which we can still see much of its architecture and traces of paintings on walls dating from 800 BC. Also, El Cedral has one of the most significant traditions, a fair commemorating the day of the Holy Cross and the arrival of the 21 families that took refuge on the island of Cozumel during the Caste War in 1848.
10. Mi Mexico Lindo Tequila Tour – Free tour about the tequila process since the harvest to the bottle, tequila manufacturers for the last 5 generations. You can sample 7 different tequilas straight and infused. Purchase is optional. We have 8 stores throughout the island. Cozumel, Mexico.
