This beach is less protected than most beaches in the area and has bigger waves (although they’re not very big) along with a powerful undertow. It’s a couple of kilometers northwest of downtown (near Hotel Balandra) and is the town’s most popular beach, backed by snack bars, restaurants and umbrella-rental spots.
Playa Murciélago
North Coast & Lowlands
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Museo Historico de Montecristi
9.21 MILES
Revolutionary and two-time president Eloy Alfaro was born in Montecristi, and here is an amazing tribute to the man: a hilltop museum with a panoramic…
1.45 MILES
The east end of this stretch of sand is a hive of activity early in the mornings, as vendors sell row upon row of shark, tuna, swordfish, dorado and other…
Museo Arqueológico del Banco Central
0.87 MILES
The fully modernized city museum opened in its current location in 2009, and showcases valuable artifacts from pre-Colombian Manta culture, a selection of…
0.51 MILES
An incomparable photo op: the city's iconic fish, a gargantuan albacore tuna (atún), with tin can attached.
Basilica Santisima Virgen de Montserrat
9.07 MILES
Dating back to the early 20th century, this beautiful church contains a statue of the Virgin to which miracles have been attributed. While the Museo…
Nearby North Coast & Lowlands attractions
0.51 MILES
An incomparable photo op: the city's iconic fish, a gargantuan albacore tuna (atún), with tin can attached.
2. Museo Arqueológico del Banco Central
0.87 MILES
The fully modernized city museum opened in its current location in 2009, and showcases valuable artifacts from pre-Colombian Manta culture, a selection of…
1.45 MILES
The east end of this stretch of sand is a hive of activity early in the mornings, as vendors sell row upon row of shark, tuna, swordfish, dorado and other…
4. Basilica Santisima Virgen de Montserrat
9.07 MILES
Dating back to the early 20th century, this beautiful church contains a statue of the Virgin to which miracles have been attributed. While the Museo…
5. Museo Historico de Montecristi
9.21 MILES
Revolutionary and two-time president Eloy Alfaro was born in Montecristi, and here is an amazing tribute to the man: a hilltop museum with a panoramic…