Manzanillo

Though it boasts miles of golden sands, Manzanillo puts bread on the table by being one of the Mexican Pacific's major seaports; tourism takes second place. The beaches are none too clean, and the dimensions – it's 20km from the old town to the best beach at Playa Olas Altas – make it a drag to get around without a car.

Despite that – and the fact that the beaches are backed by an ugly highway where mediocre hotels and chain restaurants jostle for space with car dealerships and filling stations – there are some super places to stay here, particularly on the picturesque Península de Santiago, which offers spectacular coastal views.

The old town is the most atmospheric area, and the huge blue sculpture on the waterside plaza is a nod to Manzanillo's self-proclaimed status as ‘Sailfish Capital of the World.’