Ixtapa is usually mentioned in the same breath as neighbouring town Zihuatanejo. The towns are just 6km apart in the state of Guerrero, southern Mexico. Where Ixtapa is a purpose-built resort, established in the 1970s by the Mexican government, Zihuatanejo is an old fishing village.
Ixtapa is a more immediate vacation destination - luxurious hotels line the Playa El Palmar, there are two magnificent golf courses, a modern marina and high-class boutiques. Savvy travellers who book cheap flights to Ixtapa will be able to sample the best of both towns.
Playa El Palmar is called the “Ixtapa Hotel Zone” as most of the town's hotels are located here. It's a beautiful spot, its wide crescent shore excellent for surfing and, at its southern end, swimming. Playa Quieta is located about a ten-minute car ride from the Hotel Zone. It's quieter and calmer than Playa El Palmar. Playa Linda is further along the coast again, a fine-sand beach just made for swimming. From here, Isla Ixtapa is a ten-minute boat ride away. The tiny island has four beaches and is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving or just sunning.
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