Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 22

The North Zone, PUNTA DE MITA continued;

Around Punta Mita there are several stunning, secluded beaches that are only accessible by boat or foot. Punta de Mita is a perfect getaway for those individuals and families who are looking for a quiet, tranquil retreat away from the noisy bustle of everyday life.

International surfers are also drawn to this location, specifically Punta Mita Point and Sayulita, which is an area referred to as the Mexican Malibu due to its consistent surf swells. Every year Punta de Mita is also home to many international celebrities and their families who are looking for a peaceful beach holiday. However, they must have world-class accommodation situated nearby preferably with a lush tropical environment. Punta Mita is the answer as it is just a 45 minute drive from Puerto Vallarta’s international airport.

SAYULITA

Just a bit farther north around the bend from Punta de Mita Point is the colourful and vibrant Bohemian surf town of Sayulita. It is located just 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta and getting to this enchanting destination is a very easy drive down modern highways. Once here things change a bit and you will find dogs and chickens roaming freely along its cobblestone streets. The homes are decorated in vivid colours with a unique architecture. You have a rural tropical ambience which is intermixed with a very laid back, hippie style. Locals and visitors are a combination of artists, musicians, surfers, fishermen, and young people from all over the world.

There are a huge number of cute little shops with unique offerings, a plethora of restaurants and small eateries; plus a very nice town square. The 1.5 mile long beach at Sayulita is U shaped, very wide and makes a nice place to take a stroll. Right on the beach, there are a series of palapa restaurants, as well as areas to rent surfboards and sign up for surfing lessons.

Major annual events held in Sayulita include the Punta Sayulita Classic that features longboard and SUP surf contests as well as SUP races. This is one of the premier SUP events in North America, attracting thousands of spectators and world-class athletes. You will find that surfers of all skill levels love Sayulita for its high-quality surf, along with rental housing accommodation that is very affordable. Sayulita has a hostel, small hotels, condos, luxury rental villas, and a number of special boutique hotels such as Villa Amor. In addition to standard vehicles, the most favoured modes of transportation around town is golf carts and ATVs. If you are taking an extended holiday in the region then it would not be complete without at least a day trip to this hidden jewel.

Continued in part 23.