El Tunco , El Salvador
Credit : Dave Primov
El Salvador
Credit : benkrut
BY DUANE WELLS
San Salvador — the rather exotically named capital of El Salvador — has a buoyant cultural heritage , scenic volcanic landscapes , and a definitive coffee culture . Just beyond the city lies a coastline dotted with beautiful beaches , many of which are favored by elite and casual surfers . Though San Salvador is not directly on the coast , it is an ideal base from which to explore some of the best beaches in the country , all of which are within a short drive .
La Libertad , one of the most famous beach towns in El Salvador , is located less than an hour away from San Salvador , making it a popular day trip destination , particularly for anyone looking to experience the country ’ s highly regarded surf culture . With inexpensive local hotels catering to surfers and loads of seafood markets , it ’ s not hard to understand why San Salvador and , consequently , La Libertad have become a favorite jumping-off point for exploring the beaches of El Salvador .
Meanwhile , Playa El Tunco , a small beach village located just over four miles from La Libertad , has become a surfer ’ s paradise in recent decades . Widely considered the surfing capital of El Salvador , Playa El Tunco is known for its rocky coastline , black sand beach , and consistent waves . These attract surfers from all over the world and travelers who simply want to experience the bohemian vibe of the locale ’ s beachfront bars , restaurants , hotels , and hostels .
A stone ’ s throw from El Tunco ( about an hour ’ s drive from San Salvador ) lies El Sunzal , widely believed to be the birthplace of surfing in El Salvador . Celebrated for its vast area , which can accommodate dozens of surfers , and the consistency of its waves , which do not stop breaking even for even a single day of the year , El Sunzal can also be a more tranquil escape perfect for swimming , sunbathing , and general frolicking underneath the Central American sun .
Likewise , Costa del Sol , a natural jewel in La Paz — the central area of El Salvador — is a similarly relaxing escape , albeit of an entirely different hue . Unlike the rock formations and cliffs that characterize the eastern and western beaches of the country , this area is surrounded by a striking valley and the immense Jaltepeque estuary , where intricate and impeccable mangroves are bountiful . With white sand beaches and plenty of restaurants , hotels , and private houses for rent , Costa del Sol offers much to satisfy the appetites of a wide range of visitors . Between the mangroves — which are ideal for paddleboarding , boating , sailing , and waterskiing — and the marinas — from which guests can take to the open sea for a day of fishing dorado , tuna , wahoo , sailfish , and marlins — it can be said that Costa del Sol offers the most fulsome seaside experience proximate to San Salvador .
Lastly , Las Flores Beach is in San Miguel , less than an hour away from San Salvador . Due to its remote location and the unspoiled nature surrounding it , Las Flores is known as “ The Wild East .” It promises escape , authenticity , and gentle waves that are perfect for all levels of surfers .
The fact that there are many other beaches near San Salvador to explore , like El Zonte and Punta Roca , each offering its unique qualities and amenities , underscores the reason the city of San Salvador has begun to develop a reputation as a hidden gem , still largely unspoiled by hordes of tourists and the other knock-on effects of over-tourism . However , secrets always have a way of coming out and judging from the buzz about the beaches of San Salvador ; this secret is out .
GETTING THERE
Avianca offers daily nonstop flights from Dulles International Airport ( IAD ) to El Salvador International Airport ( SAL ).
WINTER 2024-25
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