Olón is a peaceful beach town with a lovely long white sand beach that is home to both a friendly local community and a bustling expat community. This small town provides a wide range of food options, including fresh fruits and vegetables, international cuisine, and local seafood. Additionally, since this is a fishing community, you can always find locally caught fish and seafood. With all of this and a mild climate throughout the year, it is understandable why Olón has become a well-liked vacation spot for expats as well as Ecuadorians.

Your journey can begin at the beach itself. The beach ends in the town of La Entrada, where the coastal mountains meet the sea, and Playa Olón is a part of a continuous stretch of white, powdery sand that stretches from the cliffs of the Santa Maria del Fiat Church and Orphanage. Everyone can walk on it, jog on it, relax on it, you get the idea. It's miles and miles of wonderful beach! It's a piece of paradise just waiting for you to take it! In Olón, you can observe people having fun at the beach every day of the week.

During the High Season, “La Temporada Alta,” you’ll be part of a diverse crowd who come here to share in its beauty, and in the low season you’ll have the beach to yourself. It’s common to meet people here from as far away as Quito to the north, and from Vilcabamba to the south, hours away, who make Olón their first choice for a beautiful vacation.

Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Location: Santa Elena province, Ecuador

Between Playa Rosada and San Pedro, in the Ecuadorian province of Santa Elena, is the small fishing community of Ayangue. Due to its proximity to the most significant diving locations along the Spondylus Route, it is one of the spas that the diving and freediving community in that nation frequents the most. Due to its geographical features, which provide it with clear, warm, and calm waters, it differs from all other beaches. It was given the name "The Pool of the Pacific" as a result. It has a dry climate with an average annual temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.

Whale watching, underwater exploration, diving, apnea, or snorkeling, artisanal fishing, and the creation of handicrafts using materials obtained directly from the waters of the Pacific Ocean are a few activities that stand out on the beach. Due to its climatic and geographic characteristics, this province has placed a strong emphasis on the development of the tourism industry; however, the increasing number of visitors has had a negative impact on Ayangue, including an enormous rise in the amount of solid waste on its streets and coasts, an excessive use of natural resources, and the destruction of ecosystems.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Location: Santa Elena, Ecuador

A stunning location on the Northern Pacific Coast is Canoa, Ecuador. A small town chock full of fun can be found in the province of Manabi, just north of Bahia de Caraquez. High cliffs can be explored at low tide as the sandy beach stretches north. There are numerous guesthouses, hotels, and restaurants in the town, offering accommodations for every price range. The Canoa beach appears to be miles long and miles wide at low tide. When the tide goes out, it sometimes leaves behind shells and tiny turquoise-blue jellyfish. Along the beach, you can also see bright red crabs scurrying about. The surfers are roused by high tide. Between December and February, Canoa is crowded with surfers seeking the best waves of the season.

The laid-back way of life is one of the key factors in Canoa's potential. This is the atmosphere that one would anticipate from a beach town where fans of ocean sports perpetually pursue the "endless summer." There are tourists there, but they are not in large numbers. It will be simple to locate such a setting for retirees and other people who desire a more tranquil existence. Additionally, there is a residential market waiting to be established for developers looking to build investment properties.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: Manabí, Ecuador

A Mecca for paragliders and parasailers from all over the world, Crucita, Ecuador, is located on the shores of the stunning Pacific Ocean about 25 miles north of the port city of Manta. Crucita uses its strong winds and high launch points to attract adrenaline junkies who prefer higher altitudes, much like its sister beach Santa Marianita, to the south, which is well-known for its famed winds and kiteboarders.

This formerly tiny fishing village has been transformed into one of the most well-known high altitude parasports venues in the world as a result of the phenomenon of sailing above the miles of flawless beach and blue ocean. It is now much simpler to get to Crucita thanks to new highways from Portoviejo, the largest city nearby, and improved roads on the Ruta del Sol from the south. Crucita is one of the few beach towns with consistent bus service to Manta and Portoviejo, which attracts both locals and tourists.

However, there are many other activities you can engage in here, starting with simply going to the beach. Here, the water and air are typically about the same temperature, in the low to mid-80s F. It might cool down a bit during the chilly (joke) months of July through October (75 F to 80 F every day, nights a little cooler), but the beach here is always an option. Sunny days, a nice breeze, and a fine-grained sand make a trip to the beach a pleasant experience almost any time.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Location: Manta, Ecuador

Ayampe ranks 5th in the list of the best most beautiful coastal towns in Ecuador. In search of a tranquil beach and lush, tropical surroundings? then take a look at Ayampe. It has a large, lovely beach and access to the Rio Ayampe trail, where you can hike for about 15 miles over the hills to Puerto Lopez or stroll through gorgeous rainforest along the Ayampe River. There are many wonderful hotels and small eateries in the town. It is a place where locals and expats coexist peacefully while still appreciating Ayampe's unique beauty.

Getting out on a board while you are in Ayampe is a must because the town is known for its surf. There are numerous locations that rent out boards and provide classes for students of all skill levels. Ask for Keith at La Buena Vida if you want a serious instructor who is passionate about everything related to surfing. In addition to serving homemade peanut butter cups, Otras Olas is a sweet café that offers yoga classes every morning beginning at nine. The sounds of the ocean at your back will encourage you as you perform down dog.

Ayampe is already starting to become a bit of a buzzword on the backpacker trail, so it's easy to assume that it could become something much bigger than it is right now in a few years. They suggest getting here soon, while it’s still got all the charm of being a place entirely infatuated with its coast. It seems that in Ayampe as long as the waves roll not much else is needed.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: Puerto Lopez, Manabí

The first resort on Ecuador's Peninsula of Santa Elena is called Ballenita. Santa Elena, the capital, is only 3 minutes away. From Montanita, Salinas is a 40-minute drive away. The name comes from the observation of whales migrating together for mating. A little over 2,000 people who work in artisanal fishing and tourism reside in Ballenita. Given the low cost of land and real estate, this may be the expat community in Ecuador that is expanding the quickest. Ballenita is also undergoing renovations, with work currently being done on a new malecón and a whale-watching tower.

The weather is dry. Ballenita has a year-round average temperature of 25 °C. With its 1600 meters of beach, warm waters, and fine sand, Ballenita Beach is a great place for families, groups of friends, or just some alone time. An intriguing area is provided by the Ballenita movement for crafts and fishing. This led to the creation of small eateries serving dishes, ceviches, and a variety of fish and seafood prepared with an exotic flavor and skill that was passed down through the generations.

Google rating: 4.2/5.0
Location: Santa Elena, Ecuador

Puerto Lopez ranks 7th in the list of the best most beautiful coastal towns in Ecuador. The Pacific Coast fishing community of Puerto Lopez has grown into a well-liked beach destination for both locals and visitors. The town makes an effort to be environmentally friendly, and there are eco-hotels all over the place. Their stunning beach is ideal for swimming or simply unwinding. The protected bay's calm waters are ideal for relaxing, and the dense plant growth on the hills above the beach is exotic and jungle-like.

The beach also has an updated pier and a brick walkway running along its embankment (a malecon). You can go whale watching or scuba diving from a boat, and you can visit Isla de la Plata to see iguanas, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies.The only coastal national park in the nation, Machalilla National Park, which is accessible from Puerto Lopez, is known for its gorgeous beaches and tranquil hot springs. From June to September, people can go whale watching in this area and frequently see humpback whales. During this period of their yearly migration, you can observe them up close while they perform a variety of thrilling and heart-pounding acrobatics.

Playas is a vacation destination located close to Guayaquil on the Santa Elena Peninsula's southern coast. Playas offers many of the same amenities and services as Salinas despite being smaller. Playas is quickly transforming from a small fishing community to a significant tourist destination. Numerous brand-new condo developments are either in the works or under construction. But things are improving in Playas, where plans to relocate the Guayaquil airport from the city center to a location between Playas and Guayaquil have sparked growth and infrastructure upgrades.

Some of Ecuador's best beaches can be found in the resort community of Playas. The coastline has about eight miles of oceanfront, excellent weather, and beaches that are great for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Playas is a particularly popular surfing destination, especially for advanced surfers. You can discover tranquil settings where you can unwind in peace. As the closest beach to Guayaquil, you will see a lot of locals sunbathing and cooling off in the water. The entire length of the beach is lined with cafes that serve delectable seafood. Fresh seafood is widely available because Playas has a long history as a fishing community and a thriving fishing industry. Playas is currently experiencing a growth spurt, so expect big things for the city in the future.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0
Location: Guayas, Ecuador

Salinas is a complete beach resort and is arguably the most well-known resort in Ecuador among its citizens. A large portion of Salinas' miles-long beach is lined with contemporary condominium buildings, along with eateries, coffee shops, bars, and discos. Moreover, there is consistent bus service to Guayaquil, Ecuador, which is just two hours away and has an international airport. Retirement in Salinas is a desirable option as a result of all of this.

Salinas is a great destination for people who want to get away from the long, chilly winters in North America. The warmest waters can be found between January and March, and the sunny season lasts from mid-December to early April. The beach here is wide, sandy and clean, bordered by the blue, calm Pacific waters. To the left, the sun is gleaming off a few dozen yachts and sailboats parked in the marina. While the entire beachfront is bustling during peak periods, it tends to quiet down as you go west along the water.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0

Location: Santa Elena, Ecuador

Montanita, a small town on Ecuador's South Coast, is a favorite destination for backpackers and surfers. Because of the milder temperatures and better waves, surfing is excellent from December to May. However, beginners should exercise caution when riding the long, powerful waves, and everyone should pay close attention to the riptides.

Throughout the season, Montanita is the site of a few professional surf competitions. The people are tolerant and open-minded, and the town is very laid back. The town is filled with young people, or what some might refer to as hippies, so overall the atmosphere is very lively. Some can be seen along the street corridors working as fabric and jewelry vendors. In Montanita, there are numerous nightclubs and beach bars, and weekends are frequently jam-packed with loud parties, especially during the high season. Fresh seafood, vegetarian restaurants, and internet access are all readily available. The months of January and February are the busiest and most crowded in the town. It's not that hard to get there. Buses into the town are available from Manta or Guayaquil.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0

Location: Santa Elena province, Ecuador

A small town called Mompiche is located in Ecuador's northwest. When the fishermen return to shore with their fresh catch, life at the beach here comes to life. It is a quiet beach town with little nightlife, but it has fantastic surf and a heavenly tropical ambiance. Expect to spend your time in Mompiche beach hopping, surfing, and lounging in a hammock during the day and quiet evenings conversing with other travelers in your hostel.

The only things Mompiche has to offer are great waves and a long, empty stretch of beach. That's exactly what they want, according to some travelers. Between December and May, when the swell is steady, is the ideal period for surfing. Due to its reputation for being unassuming, Mompiche is a favorite travel destination for backpackers. There are a few inexpensive hotels and eateries in the town.

In recent years, Mompiche's personality started to diverge as development crept into the neighborhood. The Royal Decameron resort, an all-inclusive resort with more than 282 rooms, 7 restaurants, and 5 swimming pools, is the best example of this. Its offerings are very different from those of the town. Fortunately, visiting the town during the day while staying at the Decameron is a well-liked option for those seeking the best of both worlds.

Google rating: 4.0/5.0
Location: Quito, capital of Ecuador