19 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Panama

2. Panama City

I thought this was such a unique city! Although the capital of Panama did have a very business-focused feel, I discovered a striking skyline of modern high-rises which sat side-by-side with the historic architecture of Casco Viejo. I also loved the scenic urban beaches that lined the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal and its dynamic and eclectic vibe! 

It’s located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, in the central part of the country and it serves as its political, administrative, and cultural center. 

I spent four days here and explored the historic Casco Viejo district, visited the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks, sampled the nightlife in the Calle Uruguay area, enjoyed gorgeous panoramic views from Ancon Hill, went people-watching in Plaza Mayor then recharging my batteries in its cosmopolitan restaurants.

• Location: east-central part of the country 
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

My highlights…

• Staying at the gorgeous and unique Hotel La Compania – I absolutely adored its superb Casco Viejo location and the 17th-century Jesuit convent it was housed in! 
• Checking out the large Artisan Market which was filled with handcrafted products – I loved the organic home-made soaps, locally made pottery and the colorful local artwork. 

3. Playa Venao

I was a big fan of this dreamy, laid back gem! It has an expansive crescent-shaped beach with golden sands, framed by tropical-forest hillsides, and dotted with low-rise, rustic buildings. I loved its tranquil surf-focused and boho, eco-friendly vibe.

It’s a small beach community located on the Pacific coast of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula in the southeastern part of the country and has excellent surfing conditions as well as beach bars and seafood restaurants.

I stayed for a week and didn’t get bored! I spent it kicking back, sunbathing on the long, wide sandy beach, taking a swim in the warm sea, dining at the funky beach restaurants (many had DJs too!), and sipping on cocktails at the open-air bars and gazing at the waves!

• Location: southern coast on the Azuero Peninsula 
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: end of December to middle April (the dry season)

My highlights…

• Staying at the truly exceptional Alaya Yoga & Surf & Retreat – I loved the Insta-worthy pods, the incredible views, the dreamy private hot tub and the zen-like yoga classes!
• Enjoying a melon cocktail while gazing at the sunset at the popular Selina’s Beach Bar – there were also some lively beach parties after dark too!
• Relaxing with a rejuvenating hot stone massage at the gorgeous Nourish Spa.

4. Bocas del Toro

This is a stunning archipelago filled with natural beauty! I found vividly painted Caribbean-style wooden buildings, tropical vegetation, and dreamy beaches ranging from serene white sands to dramatic, wave-swept shores.

Both a popular backpacking and holiday destination, it’s located on the northeastern Caribbean coast of the mainland, close to the border with Costa Rica. It covers an area of around 250 square miles, consists of nine main islands and a number of smaller islets, and is filled with rich biodiversity and vibrant Caribbean culture.

snorkeling in crystal-clear waters at Coral Cay, surfing at Red Frog Beach, exploring the lush rainforests of Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, and experiencing the lively nightlife and local culture in Bocas Town.

I stayed for four days after flying directly from Panama City (which took an hour), snorkeled in the clear waters at Coral Cay, tried surfing at Red Frog Beach, explored the rainforests of Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, and experiencing the lively nightlife and local culture in Bocas Town.

• Location: northwest, near the border with Costa Rica
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: February and March (the driest months)

My personal highlights…

• Staying in a heavenly overwater bungalow at the eco-friendly Sol Bungalows – waking up to the ocean views every morning from the private deck was a truly idyllic experience! 
• Renting an E-bike (from Flying Pirates Bocas) and riding around Bocas Town then heading to the gorgeous Playa Bluff beach.
• Going snorkeling and seeing stingrays, crabs, colorful tropical fish, spectacular coral reefs and unique underwater gardens.

5. Casco Viejo

The attractive historic area in Panama City! I thought it was both pretty and charming with cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, charming plazas. I loved its mix old-world charm and modern energy and lively street markets, trendy cafes, and buzzing nightlife.

It overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is located on a small peninsula in Panama City, just southwest of the modern downtown area. The historic district is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spans around 0.8 square miles, it was founded in 1519 as the first European settlement on the Pacific coast and quickly became a major trading hub in the Americas.

I spent a day here exploring the colorful colonial buildings, visiting the historic San José church, sipping cocktails in the rooftop bars while gazing at the skyline (my favorite was the cool Casa Casco), and strolled through charming Plaza de la Independencia.

• Location: Panama City
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (the dry season) 

My personal highlights…

• Sipping on a cup of coffee made from the famous locally grown geisha beans at the trendy Nomada Eatery – I loved the funky art located on the walls. 

6. El Valle de Antón

This is picturesque town uniquely nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano! It’s filled with charming, rustic buildings surrounded by verdant volcanic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and near serene, unspoiled beaches. I loved the peaceful, small-town where time seemed to slow. 

It’s located in the Coclé Province of Panama, around 75 miles west of Panama City. It sits at an elevation of 600 meters and has a cool climate, rich biodiversity, and attractions like thermal springs, waterfalls and healing mud pools featuring a unique mineral composition.

I took the 3 hour bus ride from Panama City and stayed for two days hiking the trails to Cerro Gaital and India Dormida, visiting the thermal springs and waterfalls (my favourite was the Chorro El Macho) exploring the interesting artisan market, and spotting the rare golden frog which resides here!

• Location: centre of the country, Coclé Province.
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (the dry season)

My highlights…

• Crossing the high suspension bridge through the rainforest and reaching the stunning El Macho Waterfall. 
• Visiting the vibrant farmer’s market (which was open seven days a week) and sampling the local food and produce – I especially loved the thin deep-fried plantains.

7. Pearl Islands

This pristine archipelago was the former filming location for the Survivor reality show! Here I found powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and charming seaside villas in a tropical environment with a tranquil and exclusive vibe! 

Consisting of 200 islands and islets spanning around 250 square miles, they’re nestled in the Pacific Ocean, around 30 miles off the coast. They’re a popular holiday destination with upscale resorts, and activities like snorkeling, diving, and whale watching.

I took the 20-minute flight from Panama City and snorkeled and dived the spectacular coral reefs, relaxed on my favorite secluded beach Isla Contadora, and discovered the lush forests and marine life around Isla del Rey.

• Location:off the Pacific coast in the south
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (the dry season)

My personal highlights…

• Relaxing on the gorgeous Isla Saboga which offered a lovely restaurant and great snorkelling.
• Exploring the lush jungles on foot with a local guide.

8. Gulf of Chiriquí

This large pristine inlet of the Pacific Ocean is like a paradise! It’s scenery consists of transparent waters and idyllic white sandy beaches, flanked by lush tropical forests and dotted with charming eco-lodges and villas. I felt I could really disconnect here and just immerse myself in unspoiled nature! 

It’s located off the southwestern coast stretching 14,740 square kilometers along the Pacific Ocean and encompassing a part of the provinces of Chiriquí and Veraguas and its largely uninhabited. Offering incredible diving and snorkeling I saw mostly eco-tourists and adventure seekers here and accommodation options ranged from eco-lodges and boutique hotels to private island resorts and rustic cabins. 

I took a boat tour from Boca Chica and as well as snorkeling, hiking the trails and soaking up the gorgeous surroundings I had an awesome experience seeing super-cute sea turtles nesting on a beach!

• Location: west, near the border of Costa Rica
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the Lost Waterfalls Trail, where I discovered three breathtaking natural showers.
• Climbing up to the highest peak in Panama, Volcan Baru National Park and finding awe-inspiring views overlooking the ocean.
• Dining on tasty deep-fried vegetable tempura at the trendy Christopher’s American Bistro. 

9. Soberania National Park

This very accessible protected area really wowed me! It’s filled with green rainforests, the historic Camino de Cruces hiking trail and a  tranquil, adventurous vibe. There were no beaches but there was a variety of natural landscapes and well-preserved colonial-era structures too. 

It’s located in the central part of the country, only around 25 kilometers north of Panama City. Spanning around 55,000 acres, it stretches along the eastern shore of the Panama Canal, spanning parts of both Panama and Colón provinces. I found accommodation here included eco-lodges, rainforest resorts, basic guesthouses, and the unique Canopy Tower.

Soberanía National Park, covering 55,000 acres along the Panama Canal in central Panama, is a biodiverse rainforest with over 500 bird species, numerous hiking trails including the renowned Pipeline Road, and it’s an important site for both ecological research and birdwatching.

I drove 45 minutes from the capital and paid the $5 entrance fee. I went wildlife spotting on a Monkey Island boat tour, saw incredible panoramic views from the Rainforest Discovery Center’s observation tower, and explored the rainforest on the Plantation Trail.

• Location: central part of the mainland
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

My favorite highlights…

• Climbing up to the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center’s spiral staircase and seeing an incredible bird’s eye view above the canopy.
• Hiking the scenic Plantation Road trail which was home to several waterfall viewpoints and exotic tropical plants.
• Going for a swim in the natural pools of the El Charco Trail, surrounded by picnic spots and scenic beauty.

10. Boquete

This is a very popular destination! I have to admit I was charmed by its tranquil and small town vibe as well as the gorgeous scenery which consisted of mountainous terrain cloaked in emerald-green coffee plantations and cloud forests and dotted with pretty alpine-style architecture.

• Location: Chiriquí Province, west
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

My personal highlights…

• Going on the hanging bridges tour, the bridge here is Central America’s second longest and highest.
• Going on an interesting jungle tour and seeing incredible birdlife.

11. Santa Catalina

This small, remote coastal town is known as being the best surfing destinations in the country! It’s also a gorgeous, tranquil spot with pristine black and white sand beaches, clear waters with mighty waves up to 10 meters high, unique jungle surroundings, and charming rustic buildings. 

It’s nestled on the Pacific coast of Panama in Veraguas Province, around 90 kilometers southwest of Santiago, near the entrance to Coiba National Park. I saw that it mostly attracted surfers, backpackers, divers and snorkelers and accommodation included budget-friendly hostels, rustic surf camps, eco-lodges, mid-range guesthouses, and boutique hotel. 

I drove 4 hours from Boquete and kicked back for 3 days and went snorkeling and diving in Coiba National Park, went kayaking, and even had time to explore the jungle trails. 

• Location: Veraguas Province, south
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

My highlights…

• Watching the surfers ride the waves at La Punta Beach.
• Watching the sun go down at La Coquita home to spectacular black sand shadows at night.
• Kayaking over to the white sand beach on Isla Catalina and hiking up to the viewpoint on the island.

12. Isla Taboga

This small volcanic island is also known as the “Island of Flowers!” I personally thought it was a dreamy place with tropical greenery, colorful colonial buildings, and pristine sandy beaches from secluded coves to expansive shores. 

I took a day trip here by taking the 30 minute ferry ride from the Amador Causeway in Panama City and that was enough time to explore the historic San Pedro Church, hike up Cerro de la Cruz (which had superb panoramic views), relax on the beaches and spot brown pelicans!

• Location: 12 miles off the coast of Panama City
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

My highlights…

• Strolling through the quiet Spanish-settled village of San Pedro – I loved the pretty colorful colonial-style houses, meeting the friendly locals and browsing the hand crafted wood carvings, textiles and local artwork.
• Spending the day sunbathing on the sandy and picturesque Playa Restinga and walking along the sandbar to Isla El Morro during low tide.

13. Sunset Coast, Azuero Peninsula

This stretch of coastline is home to seriously beautiful sunsets! It’s a unspoiled and strikingly stunning spot where I found traditional Spanish colonial architecture, quaint fishing villages, pristine beaches and a rich biodiversity, including dry forests and coastal mangroves. The vibe here feels remote and I was take in by its laid-back, rustic vibe. 

It spans which spans across 80 to 100 kilometers on the western side of the Azuero Peninsula in the southern part of the country and faces the Pacific Ocean. It’s a popular destination for eco-tourism and cultural immersion.

I drove 4 hours from Panama City and spent a very laid-back two weeks watching surfing at Playa Venao, exploring the traditional villages of Cañas, Mariato and Pedasí, hiking through dry forests and mangroves, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the unspoilt beaches.

• Location: south
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

My highlights…

• Trying fun boogie boarding (which was easier than my surf lessons)!

14. Los Cangilones

This fun natural volcanic rock canyon made a great day trip from Panama City! When I got there, I found a dramatic volcanic rock canyon, very clear turquoise waters which attracted adventurous swimmers, and smooth stone ledges which were perfect places for relaxing.

It’s located in Chiriquí Province of Panama, near the town of Gualaca in the western part of the country. 

I drove to here when I was staying in Boquete and it was only a 40 minute drive and after visiting the local supermarket for picnic supplies it was only a 15 minute walk along a well marked trail to the canyon. When here I spent an afternoon swimming, relaxing and exploring the striking canyon.

• Location: Gualaca 
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (the dry season)

My favorite highlights…

• Watching the braver visitors jump off the rocks (which ranged from 6 to 15 feet!) into the aqua-marine waters below!
• Swimming through the cool and refreshing canyon waters which stretched across 40 meters.

15. Punta Chame

This is a narrow, sandy and very picturesque peninsula on the Pacific coast! I was totally won over by the long, windswept white-sand beaches surrounded by turquoise waters, charming beachfront accommodation, unspoiled landscapes and laid-back, breezy vibe.

Stretching around 20 kilometers in length, it’s nestled in Panama Oeste Province in the southwestern part of the country and has world-class kitesurfing conditions. 

I drove 90 minutes from Panama City and stayed for a few days watching the kite-surfers, kayaked through the nearby mangroves and relaxed at the cute local beachfront eateries.

• Location: Chame District, Panamá Oeste Province
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (the dry season)

My personal highlights…

• Exploring the surrounding areas by bike.

16. Perro Chico Island

This is part of the San Blas Islands but I personally think it deserves a special mention because I loved it so much! It’s a paradise-like spot with divine white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, glistening turquoise waters teeming with marine life, and cute rustic thatched huts! I loved the cool and unique atmosphere here – to me it felt like staying overnight at a festival! 

Literally meaning “Dog Island” it’s located in the San Blas Archipelago, off the Caribbean coast of the mainland, in the northeastern part of the country.

I took a boat tour there from the port of Carti island and spent a really wonderful two days here dining on coconut rice and fried plantains in the island’s restaurant and bar, trying all the activities on offer (both water and land based!), relaxing in my hammocks and hanging out with the other travelers on the in the evenings! It was pure bliss!

• Location: San Blas, east of the country
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

My favorite highlights…

• Soaking up the festive atmosphere in the evening – we all sat round beach bonfires drinking cocktails from coconuts!
• Having a fun game of volleyball with fellow travelers. I wasn’t much good, though, sadly! 
• Discovering the island’s shipwreck located just offshore when snorkeling – the sunken army gunboat was surrounded by huge manta rays and even a swordfish. I even saw the boat’s sunken rusty bow peeking above the water at low tide! 

17. Pedasi

I found this small, picturesque town to be really welcoming! I also thought it was very easy-on-the-eye, with its colorful colonial-style buildings and untouched beaches – from quiet sandy shores to lively surfing spots! I also was drawn in by its laid-back, friendly vibe. 

It’s located on the southeastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula in the Los Santos Province of Panama, along the Pacific coast and attracts surfers, backpackers, nature lovers and expats. 

I stopped here on the way back to Panama City from Playa Venao and it was a 40 minute drive from here. I stayed here for a couple of nights and sampled the restaurants which lined the colorful colonial streets, relaxed on the sandy Playa El Toro, watched the surfers at Playa Venao, and took a boat trip to the small protected island Isla Iguana where I saw iguanas and pretty coral reefs and sea turtles (when snorkeling). I heard from the locals that humpback whales could be seen from July to October.

• Location: south-eastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

My personal highlights…

• Indulging in delicious freshly made ceviche at Restaurante El Chichemito.
• Attending the fun Barro Fest in February and watching loads of live bands!
• Going on an incredible Turtle Watching Tour and spotting super cute sea turtles.

18. Isla Grande

This is a vibrant island gem! I thought it was also very attractive with glittering turquoise waters, dreamy palm-lined beaches, and colorful Afro-Caribbean houses.

It’s located off the Caribbean coast in Colón Province, near the town of Portobelo in the northern part of the country and I saw that it attracted snorkelers, scuba divers, backpackers and adventure seekers. 

I drove Panama City which took 3 hours and then it was just a 10 minute boat ride, I stayed for two days snorkeling, swimming, hiking to the El Faro lighthouse which had panoramic island views, and immersing myself in the lively Afro-Caribbean culture with its music, food, and colorful traditions! 

• Location: Portobelo District, Colón Province
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)

My highlights…

• Sipping on a handcrafted signature cocktail at The OC Bar & Lounge which offered stunning views overlooking the Caribbean Ocean.
• Taking a boat tour around the coastline and seeing beautiful vegetation landscape.
• Dining on freshly made sushi at La Playita restaurant.

19. Panama Canal

This is widely regarded as one of the modern engineering wonders of the world! I hate to admit I was in awe of it and loved to see the huge Miraflores Locks and sprawling canal set against the lush tropical surroundings.

It’s located in the central part of the country, connecting the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean, with key access points in Colón on the Atlantic side and Panama City on the Pacific side. It’s stretches around 51-miles and it opened in 1914, handling over 14,000 ships annually.

I observed the canal and ships from the northeast of Panama City, near the walls of the enormous seven-hundred-ton sluice gates at Miraflores Locks and then visited the interesting Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo, where I learnt all about it’s fascinating history!

• Location: runs from Colón to Panama City
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: all year round

My personal highlights…

• Exploring the Miraflores Visitor Center, a four-story interactive museum and learning about the canal’s history.
• Seeing the canal locks working at the viewing platforms at the Miraflores Visitor Center – it was amazing to have a really close-up view of ships being raised and lowered over 85 feet! 

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