Top 10 Beaches in El Salvador
This list is a mix of beaches I personally stayed at and explored, along with a few that are high on my list to return to next time. I spent most of my time along El Salvador’s surf coast, using a handful of towns as a base and exploring nearby beaches. Some stood out for their backpacker energy and social vibe, while others impressed me with calmer water, natural pools, or sand you could actually relax on. Together, they give a realistic picture of what El Salvador’s coastline is really like.
1. Playa El Palmarcito ⭐ Did This
Playa El Palmarcito was my favorite beach overall. It’s quieter, more laid-back, and one of the few beaches along this coast with proper sand, which makes a huge difference if you want to sunbathe. One of the highlights here is the natural seaside pools formed along the rocks, making it easy to swim without dealing with strong waves.
JD’s Tip: If swimming, sunbathing, and a slower pace matter to you, Palmarcito is hard to beat.
Natural seaside pools, proper sand, and a slower pace — Playa El Palmarcito was my favorite beach in El Salvador.
2. Playa El Tunco ⭐ Did This
El Tunco earns its spot for the backpacker vibe, not the beach itself. It’s one of the most social places in El Salvador, with surf breaks, hostels, bars, and restaurants packed into a small, walkable area. The beach is mostly pebbles, so sunbathing isn’t really an option, but the energy, sunsets, and people more than make up for it.
JD’s Tip: Come for the community and nightlife — not for laying on the beach.
Pebble beaches, crashing waves, and iconic rock formations — El Tunco isn’t about sunbathing, it’s about the vibe.
3. Playa El Zonte ❌ Missed This
Playa El Zonte is known for its long right-hand surf break and relaxed surf-town atmosphere. It’s quieter and more settled than El Tunco, with a strong sense of community that makes it appealing for longer stays. This is one of the places I’d prioritize next time.
JD’s Tip: A great middle ground if El Tunco feels too busy but you still want some social life.
4. Playa El Sunzal ⭐ Did This
El Sunzal is known for its long right-hand surf break and attracts surfers from around the world. It’s quieter than El Tunco but close enough to visit easily. The shoreline is more rugged, with rocks and pebbles, but it’s a beautiful place to watch the waves roll in.
💡 JD’s Tip: Sunrise and sunset are the best times to be here, even if you don’t surf.
Rugged, pebbly, and made for wave-watching rather than sunbathing.
5. Playa Conchalío ⭐ Did This
Playa Conchalío feels more local and less touristy than nearby surf towns. It’s a good place to slow down, grab simple food, and enjoy the ocean without crowds. While it doesn’t have the buzz of El Tunco, it offers a glimpse into everyday coastal life.
💡 JD’s Tip: Come during the day — it’s quiet and low-key, not a nightlife spot.
A quiet, local beach with space to breathe and the ocean without crowds. Playa Conchalío offers a glimpse into everyday coastal life.
6. Playa Los Cóbanos ⭐ Did This
Los Cóbanos is known for calmer waters and snorkeling, thanks to its nearby marine protected area. I stayed here for one night and quickly learned that everything shuts down after dark. I missed dinner, ended up at a tiny mart, and had chips for dinner — which pretty much sums up the experience.
💡 JD’s Tip: If you’re relying on public transportation, this one isn’t really worth the effort. Better with a car or as a day trip.
Beautiful during daylight, but once the sun sets, everything shuts down fast.
7. Playa Costa del Sol ❌ Missed This
Costa del Sol is known for its long stretch of sandy beach, which already sets it apart from many of El Salvador’s pebble-heavy beaches. It’s a popular getaway for locals, especially on weekends, and has more of a resort-style feel compared to the surf towns along the west coast. The area is less about backpacker culture and more about relaxed beach days.
💡 JD’s Tip: If sand and space are what you’re after — and you don’t care about surf vibes — this is one to consider.
8. Playa Mizata ❌ Missed This
Mizata has been quietly gaining attention for its consistent surf and boutique accommodations. It’s more spread out and feels calmer and more polished than places like El Tunco, making it appealing to travelers who want comfort without crowds. It’s still developing, but that’s part of the appeal.
💡 JD’s Tip: A good choice if you want surf, sunsets, and quiet nights instead of nightlife.
9. Playa Las Flores ❌ Missed This
Las Flores is often mentioned as one of the best surf beaches in El Salvador, especially for experienced surfers. It’s more remote and less accessible, which keeps crowds down but requires more planning to reach. This is the kind of place people go to surf first and do everything else second.
💡 JD’s Tip: Best saved for a return trip if surfing is your main goal.
10. Playa Barra de Santiago ❌ Missed This
Barra de Santiago offers a completely different coastal experience, with mangroves, estuaries, and wildlife instead of waves and surf culture. It’s quieter, less touristy, and more connected to nature, appealing to travelers who want something off the usual backpacker route.
💡 JD’s Tip: Ideal if you’re looking for slow travel and nature over beach bars.
Final Thoughts
El Salvador’s beaches may sit close together on the map, but each one feels completely different once you’re there. Some are social and full of backpackers, others are quiet, local, and best enjoyed slowly. Getting around the coast is easy and affordable, with frequent shuttles connecting most beach towns. Just keep in mind that a large backpack often counts as an extra ticket, which can add up if you move around a lot. Whether you’re chasing surf, sunsets, or sandy beaches you can actually relax on, El Salvador makes it easy to build a beach trip that fits your travel style.
Different beaches, different vibes — El Salvador makes coastal hopping easy.
