Playa Murciélago

North Coast & Lowlands


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.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby North Coast & Lowlands attractions

1. Big Tuna

0.51 MILES

An incomparable photo op: the city's iconic fish, a gargantuan albacore tuna (atún), with tin can attached.

3. Tarqui Beach

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…

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…