The Spanish costas have been one of the most popular vacation destinations for years. The Spanish coast is very diverse and therefore has much to offer. Where in the North of Spain the coast is rugged and has a very green hinterland, the costas in the Southeast of Spain consist mostly of white sandy beaches and clear blue seawater.

The Spanish word for coast is Costa. For years, the Spanish costas have been one of the most popular beach destinations in Europe. The coast of the Spanish peninsula is a whopping 4964 kilometers long. Portugal's location on the Iberian Peninsula has caused the Spanish coastline to be divided into two parts. One is the southeast coast of Spain, most of which faces the Mediterranean Sea. The southeast coast is also divided into 12 costas. The second part of the Spanish coastline is located on the north side of Spain on the Atlantic Ocean, this part is divided into 6 costas.

Costa Brava

In the far north of Spain lies the Costa Brava. Costa Brava also means the "rugged, wild coast. This costa is about 200 km long and is a popular vacation destination especially with young vacationers. South of the Costa Brava in Catalonia is the Costa Dorada and consists mostly of well-known seaside resorts and small fishing villages. The Costa del Azahar is located on what means the 'Orange Blossom Coast', is 120 km long and owes its name to the many orange fields in the area

Further south is the Costa de Valencia and the Costa Blanca. The main city on the Costa de Valencia is Valencia, this along with Barcelona is one of the few cities that have a city beach. The Costa Blanca is a 250 km coastline located south of Valencia and is best known for its beautiful bays with white sandy beaches. This costa gets its name from the many almond trees that grow in this region. Even further south we encounter the Costa Calida, "the warm coast." This region is also home to the largest natural pool in the world, "Mar Menor.

One of the costas not yet overrun with mass tourism is the Costa Tropical. This costa owes its name to the many tropical fruits that grow here. The Costa Tropical is located in southern Andalusia and is a paradise for peace seekers, nature lovers and because of the clear water also for diving enthusiasts.

Costa del Sol

South of this tropical paradise is the Costa del Sol. This costa is very popular with tourists and here you will find many busy places often used by winter visitors. The Costa del Sol characterizes itself by its beautiful beaches, warm weather and wide boulevards. Besides the busy places, there are also fishing villages.

Thus, on the southern coast of Spain one finds many winter destinations. In contrast, for those who like active beach vacations, the Costa Verde is an ideal destination. Located in northern Spain on the Atlantic Ocean, Costa Verde has extensive beaches interspersed with rocks and cliffs that extend into the sea. Because this region also experiences occasional showers in summer, there is plenty of greenery. In the immediate vicinity of the Costa Verde are some beautiful cities and also the mountain peaks of the Picos de Europa. Therefore, the Costa Verde is the ideal destination for hikers, climbers or cyclists who want a great diversity of nature at their fingertips.

Home to some of the finest landscapes in Europe Spain is definitely a top destination for both beginners, intermediate and advanced triathletes looking for a different sort of physical challenge. Most Triathlons happen between February and September throughout the year. The weather in Spain varies massively between these times but below I have highlighted a few events which are sure to be an eye stopper for those looking to get into doing a triathlon or semi professionals alike.

Types of triathlons

Triathlons are usually split into the following types:

Sprint Triathlons – 750m Swim, 20KM Bike, 5KM Run
Olympic Triathlons – 1.5km Swim, 40KM Bike, 10KM Run
Long Triathlons–1.9KM Swim, 90KM Bike, 21.1 KM Run
Ultra long – Known commonly as the ironman

As you can see the distance varies massively. Nowadays there are slight variations on these such as Cross Triathlons, triathlons over a rougher terrain such as a beach, forest, mountains etc. These are sometimes more physically enduring than an Olympic triathlon on road because it requires you to focus significantly more regarding which direction and speed you are travelling in, and as the terrain requires more effort these are very difficult. They are however a great place to start from if you are looking to get into triathlons.

There are several brands and organizations when it comes to triathlons in Spain. Most are part of the Federation of Triathlons in Spain. The most common in Spain are: Gescon Chip – offer a broad range of duathlons, triathlons, aquathlons and cross sprints etc. all over Spain. Easy to sign up, cheap and all information is uploaded onto your account.  ICAN – This is the equivalent to an IRONMAN. The distances are tough and challenging and entry fees are a lot more expensive. These courses are for true triathletes. Then there are other organizations like: TriStar, TriSur, AviaMan, IronCat and Ironman (in the Canary Islands).

Cities also organize their own private triathlons without major companies so bare that it mind. So if you’re looking to get involved or take advantage of Spain’s ideal climate and geography than here are a few stand out triathlons in Spain to look out for. Have a google if you are unsure, there are normally a lot smaller:

TIMANFAYA TRIATHLON

Located in the Canary Islands, this is a great early year triathlon blessed with great African weather. This is a Sprint triathlon and a top spot to get some early year experience and practice ahead of the bigger events. Intermediate and advanced.

ICAN MALAGA APRIL

Definitely a top triathlon for the elite. This is a long triathlon located in the south coast of Spain that is not one for the faint hearted. You have to sign up quite early and prices are quite high but definitely worth trying. Advanced

TRISUR SEVILLA

This is definitely a great event for everyone. They do sprint, Olympic and Long triathlons. Fine landscape but very, very hot so make sure to drink a lot of water. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.

TRIATLON DE CARTAGENA

Great event and in a nice location, located on the south east coast of Spain. This is a sprint triathlon and a good one to do. Good for all levels, and a great place to start. Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.

TRIATLON VILLA DE MADRID

Located in the heart of the city this is definitely a recommended triathlon. Level is normally quite high but they offer both sprint and Olympic triathlons. Definitely worth a look. Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced.

That’s about it, let me know if you have any experience with the above or if there are a couple crackers I might have missed out on!

The Maya

The Maya lived in an area what is now southeast Mexico (Yucatan) to parts of what is now Belize, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, among others.

One of the wonders of the world

1.2 Million tourists visit the ruins of Chichen Itza every year. Chichen Itza is ideal as a day trip from one of the many resorts in the area such as Playa del Carmen. Chichen Itza was founded between 600 and 900 AD by the Mayans. However, it was not until the 10th century AD that the city became important to the Maya. From then on, Chichen Itza was one of the most important Mayan cities. In 1850, the city was discovered by archaeologists. Since 1988, the city has been listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. On July 7, 2007, El Castillo, located in Chichen Itza was listed as one of the wonders of the world.

El Castillo is the most famous Mayan monument in the world. El Castillo is a pyramid that is also a calendar, the Mayan calendar. The pyramid consists of 18 levels, these levels equal the 18 months that make up a year. The number of steps of the pyramid, together with the upper platform makes a total number of 365, which represents the number of days per year in the Mayan calendar. Finally, the pyramid has a total of 52 separate planes on the sides of the pyramid, which equals the number of years in a century in the Mayan calendar. El Castillo is 30 meters high, unfortunately it is no longer possible for the public to climb the pyramid.

In addition to its function as a calendar, the pyramid has another wonderful effect. On March 21 and September 21, the beginning of spring and autumn, the position of the sun creates a beautiful shadow play. The position of the sun and thus its shadow makes it appear as if a 34-meter-long snake climbs up the pyramid's steps, and slides back down the other side of the pyramid. This phenomenon attracts hundreds of visitors from all over the world every year.

Furthermore, there are many other monuments in Chichen Itza. For example, there is the largest ball court in the Mayan world. There are also several temples present including the temple of tables, the temple of warriors and the temple of jaguars. You can also find an observatory called El Caracol. This observatory was used by the Maya to make astronomical observations through the slots in the roof of the dome.

Spanish Wines

As a salute to wine harvest season, we're listing our top ten wines that bear the prestigious label of Denominación de Origen, an official classification granted by the Spanish Department of Food and Agriculture to the country's finest food products and particularly to its wines.

The labeling guarantees quality and that the product has originated from the region of its designation. Here are ten ideas, ten places, ten exceptional wine regions. They may not be as well known as other Spanish wines such as Rioja, Ribera de Duero, and Sherry, but these wines and their places of origin are no less delightful.

Top ten Designation of Origin wines

1. D.O. Navarra

The Navarre region is well known for its running of the bulls festivals and its bountiful orchards that produce top quality fruits.

The excellence of Navarre wines often takes tasters by surprise, and wineries in this region have clearly evolved.

A visit to a local bodega and a hike around Sierra de Urbasa Park make for a "round" experience.

2. D.O. Chacolí de Guetaria

This refreshing white wine with a bit of a bite goes perfect with "txikitos" you can order in bars all over the Basque country.

This is a social, upbeat wine that's also a great complement to the endless fish dishes on offer in the region.

The town of Gueteria holds a unique appeal for many: it's got some of the best waves in the world for surfing. Other area towns with beaches and fishing ports worth visiting include Zarautz, Deba and Motriku.

3. D.O. Bierzo

This region sits nestled in the northeastern corner of Castile and Leon, near the border of both Asturias and Galicia. It produces robust red wine that perfectly complements the mountain cuisine.

The mountainous landscapes that await your hiking boots are also the place of origin of exceptionally fine meats and cheeses. From Ponferrada, you can first head to Las Médulas to take in impressive scenery.

Next we recommend visiting the Asturias area of Los Oscos, just an hour by car and just a short drive away from Galicia.

4. D.O. Ribeira Sacra

In the province of Ourense, embraced on either side by the Sil River, there's a community of winegrowers that insists on cultivating vineyards and producing wine on rugged river banks that are often only accessible by water.

Like the famous Galician wines Albariño and Ribeiro, wines from Ribeira Sacra are offering surprising new quality white and red wine flavors that go nicely with the wonderful meats and stews of the region.

A boat trip to the Sil River canyon is a must.

5. D.O. Ribera del Guadiana

Extramadura is known for its ham and its cherries from the Jerte Valley. Some also call the cheese from here "Torta del Casar", but not many people know about the wine of Ribera del Guadiana, a wine that's been produced since the age of the Roman Empire, but which has only had a regulatory council for the last ten years.

The white and red wines of these regions, most notably Montánchez, have obtained "very good" classifications in the last few years. Enjoying a nice wine and strolling about Merida while soaking in the enchanting historic ambience are highly recommended activities.

6. D.O. Sierras de Málaga

Although Malaga is most associated with stunning beaches and not with the drink of Baco, the region's inland areas such as Competa and Frigiliana offer a pleasant surprise.

Frigiliana and the mountains surrounding Ronda will provide the dynamic setting for our tour of the region's most palette pleasing wines.

7. D.O. Alicante

The Spanish Mediterranean coast is home to a wine that is listed by the European Union as one of its five "luxury wines".

Fondillon is made with over-ripe monastrell grapes and aged for a minimum of 10 years.

Only 10 bodegas in Alicante have the privilege of making this wine.

8. D.O. Pla i Llevant

White wines are produced in this eastern, inland area of Mallorca that make notable use of Chardonnay grapes.

Mallorca's mountain scenery and the cozy coves tucked away along the island's coastline provide a perfect excuse to make your getaway to this Mediterranean paradise, an ideal backdrop to your wine tasting adventure.

9. D.O. Lanzarote

This is a place where volcanoes make the ground so hot you can cook without making a fire, a place where the earth's force is in constant movement, and where an excellent wine is produced:

Malvasía, which delighted Shakespeare himself four hundred years ago and continues to be made among the cones of ash that protect the vineyards huddled within the prairie lands of La Geria on Lanzarote Island.

10. D.O. El Hierro

For centuries, this small island marked the end of the known world for Europeans. It was called "Isla del Meridiano" because the prime meridian passed through here for several centuries until it was redrawn over Greenwich. El Hierro is a model community in terms of its use of sustainable energy, its respect for nature, and friendly residents, many of whom produce flavorful white wines that reflect the character of the island.

The La Restinga area in the south is required visiting, where the sea floor continues "fabricando isla" (creating island) as the islanders say.

Spaniards love lotteries, and there are dozens of lotteries to mention. Spain has several daily, weekly, monthly and annual lotteries. Also, "the fattest" lottery in the world is a Spanish lottery! Every Christmas, the Loteria Nacional has the biggest jackpot in the world. This special Christmas draw is called "El Gordo," meaning "the fat one" or "the fat one. It is not remarkable when the prize money of this lottery reaches up to 66 billion euros!

Let's start with the cheapest lottery in Spain. This is the Bonoloto, the draw takes place Monday through Wednesday and on Friday. Lottery tickets can be bought from €0.59 cents per day. However, one can also buy a lottery ticket valid for the whole week, which costs €2.37. The prize money can reach up to 66 million euros. However, this prize money is divided among all Bonoloto draws that take place in the same week.

In Spain, you can also play EuroMillions, which is a European lottery in which several international lotteries work together into one big lottery. The EuroMillions draw is every Tuesday and Friday. The big advantage of this lottery is that the prize money from all the countries is added together, giving you a huge jackpot. Also, if the top prize does not fall, then this amount is added to the jackpot of the following draw.

The Loteria Nacional is a lottery in Spain similar to the Staatsloterij in the Netherlands. It is a state lottery and therefore tax-free. There are several variants of this lottery. One is the "El Gordo de la Primitiva," which is a weekly lottery. Also in this lottery, the prize money can reach up to 66 million euros. However, the tickets for this lottery are a bit more expensive than the Bonoloto. Lottery tickets are sold in 10 parts, each part is called a "décimo. Each décimo costs €20 and a whole lot costs €200. The prize money is therefore divided among the 10 winning lots. Many Spanish groups of friends or families therefore buy a whole lot together to reduce the cost and in this way the money is divided within the circle of friends or family.

Spanish bullfights

Pamplona is a city located in northern Spain and is the capital of the province of Navarre. The city was founded by the Romans and is best known for its bull runs and bullfighting. It is also an important city on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella.

The San Fermín fiestas

Bull runs in Pamplona take place during Las fiestas de San Fermín. This fiesta is held in honor of the patron saint San Fermín. The San Fermín fiestas used to take place in October, but due to the often bad weather, the fiestas were moved to the month of July. One of the most famous parts of the San Fermín fiestas San Fermín fiestas are the running of the bulls.

Every morning 'encierros' take place, which are bull runs where people run in front of the bulls. Bull runs originated because in the past the bulls had to be moved from the stables to the bullring, so they ran through the streets of the city. The distance from the stables to the bullring is a street 900 meters long that is very narrow in some places. In 8 days, 48 bulls are let loose in the streets, so per day this is 6 bulls. Along the route there are two rows of fences. The first row is for the riders who want to get out of the way of the bulls or for the riders who are injured, and the second row is for the spectators. Behind the first row are also the emergency workers in case medical attention is needed.

When the bulls are released from their stalls, one flare is fired. A second flare is then fired when all the bulls are in the street. The bull run lasts no more than a few minutes, but due to the adrenaline in the spectators and riders, it seems to last much longer. How dangerous these runs are depends on the number of participants; if there are many riders participating, there is little room for the bulls to get out of the way. Once all the bulls are in the arena, a third flare is agreed upon. Finally, a fourth flare is fired when all the bulls are in their stalls.
Daily bull runs are concluded with a bullfight. After the bull runs, a 'corrida' takes place every day at 6:30 pm.

Photo by www.environmentalgraffiti.com

Spain is best known for its many varieties of sangría. But Spain has more to offer than just sangría. For example, Spain is the third largest wine country by area in the world. Besides sangría, Spain also produces many red and white wines and cava, drinks that are also becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands.

The most famous drink coming from Spain is sangría. Everyone who has been on vacation to Spain has had a glass of sangría. The origins of sangría can be traced back to the 18th century. The British brought a drink called "sangaree" to Spain. There they consumed this drink with food, and to make it less strong for the children, a carbonated beverage was added. However, the adults wanted the drink stronger, so liqueur or brandy was added.

Sangria recipes

Several sangría recipes can be found. Sangría can be made to anyone's taste. However, the main ingredients for traditional sangria are red wine, carbonated liquor, fruit juice and fruits. There is also a white version of sangria, it consists of carbonated water, fruits, a liqueur of your choice or even vodka for those who love it. In Catalonia, white sangría is also often made with cava as the main ingredient. Sangría is tastiest if you make it several hours or even a day in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to mix well. After the sangria comes out of the refrigerator, ice cubes are added and the sangría is served in a transparent decanter with a wooden spoon in it to remove the fruit from the bottom.

Spanish wine

Sangría is not the only popular drink in Spain. Red wine is also very popular. The Romans began making wine, however, by the end of the Roman era, Spanish wines were declining. In the Middle Ages, monks began making new wine. However, lack of knowledge caused mainly red wines to be made. However, it wasn't until the end of the 19th century that Spain became internationally known for its red table wines.

Cava

In the last century, cava has become increasingly well known. Cava is also known as the Spanish version of French Champagne. Cava is an effervescent white wine produced in Catalonia. There are 7 categories; brut nature, extra brut, brut, extra seco, semi seco and dulce, in order from very dry to sweet. According to connoisseurs, brut nature is the highest quality variety, as it is the purest form of cava. The recognized cava can be identified by the cork, where a four pointed star can be found.

Spanish food is a really good idea for hosting a dinner with friends. The problem is that it might seem quite hard for those who don’t have much cooking experience. The answer to this is a simple Valencian dish called paella. Cooking paella is actually a lot easier than it looks, honestly it’s probably one of the easiest dinner party recipes out there, while making you look like a star chef. If you’re like me and somehow manage to find a way to burn cereal, than it might seem quite a daunting task, but with this easy to follow guide you will be a master of Valencian cuisine in no time.

Paella's recipe

There are three types of paella:

Paella Marisco: Most famous Paella, seafood. 45 minute preparation, 1 hour cooking.
Paella Valenciana: Traditional version, rabbit, chicken and snails ! 45 min preparation, 45 min cooking.
Paella Vegetariana: A veggie version instead of meat and fish. 45 minute preparation, 45 min cooked.

What you’ll need:

Depending on the size of your group will dictate the paella pan you need for the job. A paella pan is a round metal pan about 5 cm deep evenly spread across a large surface. They vary in price depending on the size. Cooking for 4 people will need a heavy 12 inch pan, or if you want to cook for more people an 18 inch pan should do the job. Best bet is a 12 inch stainless steel pan. You can grab these off any major cooking store on online.

Depending on the Paella you are trying to make, you will need either rabbit (really traditional), boneless chicken breasts or thighs with the skin on, or sea food. The latter is a lot easier to make and tastes better in my view. What you will need though is a large paella size pan, and some foil to place over the pan, as well as a relatively strong hot plate. This is a standard list of what you will need, and will feed about 4 people. Feel free to be creative!

Olive Oil
1 finely chopped onion
1 finely chopped green pepper, red pepper and orange pepper
2 peel and cut carrots
2 skinned and chopped tomatoes
1 table spoon of saffron
About 400g of long grain or paella rice
Seafood: About  1KG depending on servings. Include , prawns, mussels, calamari, etc.
Peas, about 200g
Lemon wedges

Step 1:
Add two to three spoons of olive oil onto the pan, then add your finely chopped onions, peppers and carrots, while frying at a low temperature for two/ three minutes.

Step 2:
Then add the finely chopped garlic cloves, tomatoes and saffron to the pan while stirring the mixture at a low temperature for two to three minutes. Add the rice and stir well to make sure the rice is well coated.

Step 3:
You should then add about 800ml of water to the mixture, or alternatively you can add a prepared seafood stock depending on what you prefer. Bring the mixture to the boil.

Step 4:
Leave the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5:
At this point you should add your seafood, coriander and sugar snap peas. Make sure to keep stirring the pan well.

Step 6:
Then cover the pan and leave to simmer for a further 10 -15 minutes.

Step 7:
Depending on the temperature and your ratio add a little bit of water.

Step 8:
An easy way to tell when the paella is ready is when the mussel shells open, and the rice feels tender. Have a taste if you are unsure!

Step 9:
Then season to taste, with salt, freshly ground black pepper, coriander and lemon wedges.

There you have it! Chuck some Spanish wine on the side and you’re set!

Cuzco, a sacred city in the Inca Empire

Cuzco, located in Peru on the west coast of South America. Located 3360 meters above sea level, Cuzco is the oldest city in the western hemisphere. Until the Spanish conquered Cuzco in the 16th century, it was an important city in the Inca Empire. Until the 16th century, Cuzco was the Inca capital of Tawantinsuyu. Since 1983, the old center of Cuzco has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Cuzco is by no means the largest city in Peru. Cuzco has more than 300,000 inhabitants. The name Cuzco derives from the word "Quechua" which means navel, the navel of the world. Cuzco is also called the imperial city. From the 13th century, the Incas lived around Cuzco. Cuzco was the Inca capital of their empire. The Incas lived in Peru until the 16th century. The Inca empire expanded from northern Argentina to southern Colombia.

Cuzco is home to many attractions from the Inca Empire. For example, Plaza de Armas was the main square of the city. On this square you can find a beautiful cathedral and 2 churches, including Iglesia de Triunfo, the oldest church in Cuzco. The twelve-sided stone the Monastery of Santa Domingo and the Tambomachey are other important sights in Cuzco. Tambomachey is made of limestone and built by the Incas. In the Inca Empire, it had a religious function with water and earth. Today, water still flows through the Tambomachey. On June 24, the biggest festival of the year takes place in Cuzco, the Inti Raymi festival, the Feast of the Sun. This celebration includes many traditions and ceremonies from the Inca Empire.

The Inca trail

Near Cuzco lies the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley is ideal for a day trip from Cuzco. Besides being a beautiful setting for various activities, the Valley is also home to the remains of Inca villages. Also the Inca trail can be found here. The Inca Trail is a 33 kilometer trek that takes about four days to complete. It is the most famous hike in South America and is also in the top 5 hikes worldwide. The Inca trail was built by the Incas in the Sacred Valley. The Inca trail leads to Machu Picchu located just over 100km from Cuzco. Although Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire, today Machu Picchu is considered the most important city of the Inca Empire. When the Spanish conquered Peru in the 16th century, Machu Picchu was never found. This ensures that everything is the same as before, making it now one of the most important cities from the Inca Empire. The remains from the Inca Empire provide the most important information about how the Incas lived. The Incas could not write well, so apart from the remains from the Inca Empire, how the Incas lived is still a mystery.

Kissed on either side by the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, Mexico has nine thousand kilometers of coastline – one and a half thousand more than Spain. We hope that the following beach descriptions help you feel the appeal of this magical country.

Holidays in Mexico

Puerto Escondido

In southern Mexico, on the Pacific coast, in the state of Oaxaca, you'll find the fittingly named Puerto Escondido.

This peaceful haven offers both sandy beaches and lush vegetation landscapes that will delight eco-tourists and hikers. Zicatela Beach is the spot for surfers while Puerto Angelito, Marino and Carrizalillo are all must-visit points for snorkeling and exploring underwater wildlife.

Bahias de Huatulco

Bahías de Huatulco is also in Oaxaca, where a natural rustic flavor survives alongside modern tourist facilities.

Here you can take in spectacular natural landscapes by kayak, while fishing (fish are returned to the water after they're caught), or even while whale watching. Some of the area's best known beaches (practically virgin) are Yerbabuena and Cacaluta.

Zihuatanejo

To the north of Oaxaca, in the state of Guerrero, is Zihuatanejo, just 6 kilometers from Ixtapa.

Zihuatanejo is an old fishing town that now offers a number of opportunities to see and purchase local art work. This town is a nice alternative to the mass tourism found in other coastal destinations, a perfect place for visitors interested in throwing on a backpack and immersing themselves in local flora and fauna.

Careyes

Continuing down the Pacific coast, cross the states of Michoacán and Colima to arrive at Jalisco, where Careyes offers an exciting range of water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing and scuba diving. After hitting the beach you can always go horseback riding into the jungle.

Thousands of sea turtles flock to Careyes' beaches each year to deposit their eggs. Participating in a local turtle protection program by helping baby turtles safely reach the ocean is a unique experience.

Cabo San Lucas

With the Pacific Ocean to the left, make your way north to Sonora, then turn westward to Baja California.

To the south, in Baja California Sur, is where you'll find Cabo San Lucas, one of Mexico's finest tourist destinations, where you can play golf on world class courses and where the winter time birth of gray whales in Magdalena Bay is a natural phenomenon of vital importance.

Playa Ventura

Now head back south through the state of Guerrero toward Mexico's Caribbean coast and Playa Ventura, a colorful town of small homes that offer inviting accommodation without the fancy extravagance of big beach resorts.

Observe enormous lute turtles or adorable olive ridley turtles in their peaceful natural habitat, take a relaxing stroll through coconut tree groves and take a dip in a fresh water lagoon. Later, try a fresh plate of the best seafood you can imagine.

Costa Esmeralda

Next, cut over to the Costa Esmeralda in Veracruz, so named for the color of its calm waters that are perfect for sailing, skiing and fishing on.

The area offers postcard-worthy beach scenery at Monte Gordo, Playa Oriente and La Guadalupe, where the incredible natural beauty is surpassed only by the peace and harmony of the coastal atmosphere.

Playa Escondida

Also in Veracruz, Playa Escondida is not an easy beach to reach as its name indicates.

There's no place to stay here either, which is an extra attraction. You can only get to this hidden away beach on foot, horseback or by boat, and those that make the extra effort to come are rewarded with a unique mix of jungle and beach scenery.

Tulum

We'll wrap up our tour of coastal Mexico in Quinana Roo. Right in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Tulum is a gorgeous Mayan city set upon a Caribbean coast bluff and surrounded by fascinating history.

Visiting Tulum is like entering an archeological site full of secrets and treasures waiting to be discovered. Just outside of Tulum, you can relax on fantastic beaches or explore underground cenote water pools (cenote Cristal and cenote Escondido are just 5 kilometers from Tulum and cenote Calavera is even closer).

Photo credits by: mexi || marz (Puerto escondido), Christian Ramiro González Verón (Bahias de Huatulco), Ruben Balderas (Zihuatanejo), Samuel Globus (Careyes), Sanctumsolitude (Cabo San Lucas), Gary Denness (Playa Ventura), Fabrice ROSE (Playa La Guadalupe, Costa Esmeralda), Waywuwei (Playa Escondida), Jeremy Wilburn (Tulum).