The Prettiest Towns in Riviera Nayarit

Nayarit is, above all, a Riviera of towns and villages, each one with its own history, character, and attractions. Here are five of the very best:

Sayulita

1. Sayulita. Bohemian, earthy and altogether lovely, Sayulita is a town where many of the palm-lined, cobblestone streets end at the beach, and most of them are chock full of quaint coffee shops and cool little restaurants, serving up everything from excellent fish tacos to burritos and quesadillas. A surf town to its core, Sayulita also offers some great opportunities for shopping. You can find many places selling boards and gear, but can also pick up fine art, handmade jewellery and authentic Huichol artwork.

2. Bucerias. Now a popular place for shopping and dining, Bucerias retains its intimate charm as a tiny, authentic Mexican fishing village. Walk the main plaza and its charming streets; then pick up handmade items at the artisan market that winds its way through narrow lanes.

Templo La Marinera in San Blas

3. Nuevo Vallarta. The most developed part of Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta is home to a long, sandy beach and many high-rise resorts. Between sunny days and hot nights, it’s definitely a town with plenty to offer – a marina, water park, dolphin tank, shopping, restaurants, water sports, and great nightclubs –many of which offer martini nights and ladies’ nights.

4. San Blas. A well-preserved colonial town with a historic Spanish fort, San Blas is one of the fastest growing destinations in Nayarit. Watch the boats come and go from its busy port, and take a trip back in time by walking around town – passing historic ruins of its cathedral, and finishing up at one of the great restaurants in town, including El Delfin, where the European-educated chef fuses together Mexican ingredients with continental techniques. And after dark, head to the San Blas Social Club, where hot jazz plays well into the night.

5. Mexcaltitan. Reputed to be the birthplace of the Aztec civilization, Mexcaltitan is a very unique, oval-shaped, man-made island town, where the streets radiate out like spokes on a wheel to the mangrove swamps that surround it. Visit the picturesque church or the small museum in town, or head to the fringes to spot exotic birds, alligators and turtles.

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