El Salvador Beaches

El Salvador's El Puerto de la Libertad region includes the most popular El Salvador beaches, especially when it comes to surfing. In particular, the La Punta break is renowned by surfers worldwide. La Libertad is also noted for its seafood, celebrated during the yearly Gastronomic Festival.​

Located in the La Libertad department, tranquil El Salvador beach El Sunzal (a.k.a. El Zunzal) is quite striking, with black, glittering sands. El Sunzal's waves range from rough to mild; ask around to learn which breaks are the best bet for novice surfers.

El Tunco, named for a rocky protrusion out at sea, is another dark-sand El Salvador beach in the La Libertad department. The often intense breaks attract many El Salvador surfers, while the beach town is a haven for budget travelers.

Many of El Salvador's luxury travelers head to Costa del Sol, a long, straight strip of beige sand lined with oceanfront villas, vacation rentals, and upscale beach homes. The region actually includes three distinct El Salvador beaches: Costa del Sol, San Marcelino, and Los Blancos.

Another oft-visited La Libertad beach, El Zonte is popular with international surfers, Because the beach is more secluded than El Salvador beaches like El Tunco and El Sunzal, the waves are much less crowded.

The busy village of El Majahual is a top El Salvador backpacker destination. While Playa El Majahual isn't the cleanest beach, its sands are vast, and there's always something to do in or around the water.

Playa El Cuco is a quintessential El Salvador beach: dark sands lined with vendor huts and seafood restaurants, shaggy palms, and commendable surfing.

South of La Libertad, Playa San Diego is one of El Salvador's prettiest white-sand beaches, with gentle waves that are much better for swimming than surfing.