Lili Cipriani

Ixtapa


On main Playa Varadero, on Isla Ixtapa's north side, the pick of half a dozen waterfront restaurants serve mighty fine pescado a las brasas (grilled fish). The whole fish comes served with handmade tortillas and a spicy habanero and chile de arbol (aka bird's-beak chili) salsa. Shrimp tostadas and pineapple stuffed with creatures of the deep are good too.

Boats to Isla Ixtapa depart from Playa Linda.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ixtapa attractions

1. Isla Ixtapa

0.07 MILES

Ixtapa's finest attraction is a popular island. The turquoise waters are crystal-clear, calm (particularly on the main Playa Varadero) and good for…

2. Cocodrilario

0.73 MILES

Playa Linda has a small cocodrilario (crocodile reserve) that is also home to fat iguanas and several bird species. You can watch the hulking crocs from…

3. Playa Linda

0.8 MILES

A long stretch of greyish sand, Playa Linda is popular with locals, though the water towards the north end can be murky thanks to the nearby rivers and…

4. Playa Quieta

0.95 MILES

On the other side of Punta Ixtapa from the main resort area, Playa Quieta is popular with spring breakers staying at the Club Med, the biggest hotel on…

5. Playa Escolleras

2.6 MILES

Playa Escolleras, at the western end of Playa El Palmar near the entrance to the marina, has a decent break and attracts surfers.

6. Playa El Palmar

3.32 MILES

Ixtapa's longest (2.5km) and broadest stretch of blond sand is overrun by parasailing and jet-skiing concessions. The sea takes on an aquamarine sheen in…

7. Playa Municipal

7.04 MILES

In front of downtown, this is Zihua's least appealing beach for bathing, since the water could be cleaner. But the water is calm and without strong…

8. Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande

7.08 MILES

This small museum houses six rooms with exhibits on the history, archaeology and culture of the Guerrero coast. It displays feature jewelry, stone tools,…