When it comes to vacation destinations in the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen are probably the first places that come to mind, but there is another place that gets millions of visitors. Isla Mujeres is actually one of the most visited destinations in the area, and it is only a short trip away from Cancun. Many tourists make their way to Isla Mujeres for a day trip while vacationing in Cancun or somewhere else nearby, but the charming little island also makes for a great vacation destination on its own.
Isla Mujeres Hotels
There are plenty of places to lay your head at the end of a long day exploring all that Isla Mujeres has to offer. On the island, you’ll find a mix of larger all-inclusive resorts, smaller boutique hotels, and even a lot of Airbnbs. According to Trip Advisor users, the 5 best hotels in Isla Mujeres when it comes to value for money spent are:
- Mia Reef Isla Mujeres
- Ixchel Beach Hotel
- Privilege Aluxes
- Izla Hotel
- Nomads Hotel & Beach Club Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres Beaches
One of the best reasons to vacation in Isla Mujeres is the magnificent beaches that can be found around the island. Despite the fact that Isla Mujeres is only about half of a mile wide and only 5 miles long, there are multiple breathtakingly beautiful spots to enjoy a beach day. In fact, one of the world’s top beaches, Playa Norte, is located in Isla Mujeres, along with Playa Tiburon, Playa Lancheros, Playa Indios, Playa Centro, and Playa Albatros.
Attractions
One of the most sought attractions in Isla Mujeres is Punta Sur, and there is a lot to see in this one little area of the island. Not only does it have a lighthouse to view and sculptures along a path that leads you to the ultimate viewpoint, but it is the very first place in Mexico to receive sun when it rises. Also, being the highest point on the island, visitors can watch the spectacular sunrise from seaside cliffs that offer unbelievable views.
In addition to beautiful beaches and a sunrise like no other, there is plenty to do on the island to keep visitors busy. Of course, visitors can participate in any of the usual water sports and activities, but unique experiences await as well. Garrafon Park offers snorkeling, ziplining, and kayaking in crystal clear turquoise waters, the Underwater Museum of Art features hundreds of underwater sculptures, Dolphin Discovery provides an opportunity to swim with dolphins, Tortugranja is a place to get a glimpse of sea turtles and other reptiles, and at Hacienda Mundaca visitors can learn about a pirate that used the island as a hideaway.
Dining
There is no shortage of restaurants in Isla Mujeres either, offering everything from seafood to traditional Mexican fare. While the island is extremely laid-back, not only are there relaxing seaside casual dining locations but some fine dining options as well. Some of the top restaurants on the island include:
- La Kantina De Los Tacos De Humo
- Marakame Mexican Kitchen
- Ocean’s Isla
- Mahache
- Mango Cafe Isla
In Isla Mujeres, visitors will enjoy a more relaxing experience than in some of the busier vacation destinations in the Mexican Caribbean. The island more resembles the quintessential, charming beach town than many of these other places, yet it is close enough to those cities to get the best of both worlds. Whether you choose to stay in Isla Mujeres, though, or just visit while staying in Cancun, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing this mesmerizing island.
Isla Mujeres was named one of Mexico’s “Magic Towns” in 2015 because of the “magical experience “ the island provides for visitors. That experience is why Isla Mujeres continues to be one of the most visited destinations in the area.
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