A short guide to Sayulita

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Sayulita is a small surf town on the west coast of Mexico. Compared to the big resorts in nearby Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan, it's very relaxed, people walk around bare foot and all roads lead to the beach.

But if you're coming from San Pancho, like we were, it's practically the big smoke. There are a lot more restaurants, expats on golf carts and souvenir shops.

It's a great place to stay if you're looking for something busier and buzzier. We were glad we ended up in San Pancho but Sayulita is a fun place to spend the day.

All roads lead to the beach

Colin in Sayulita

Beach

The main beach in Sayulita is known as being a good place to learn to surf – there are smaller waves than San Pancho, but it's still a bit choppy for swimming.

The middle section gets really busy, but it's a big beach and you can easily get a spot to yourself if you walk to one of the ends.

You can hire sun loungers for the day or get them free with a minimum spend at one of the restaurants on the beach.

Sayulita's main beach

Playa de los muertos

Playa de los Muertos is a lovely little white sand beach, with calm waters for swimming, and a lifeguard and food stand at the weekends.

Walk along the beach, through the Villa Amor resort and over the hill past the cemetery. It takes about 10 minutes from the centre of town.

The sign to the beach

The beach

Where to eat

  • Chocobanana: a nice coffee shop serving up all sorts of baked goods (try the banana bread).
  • Casa Gourmet: a French bakery selling bread, quiche and pastries (owned by French people so it's legit!)
  • Blue Corn Mama Cafe: this was one of our favourite restaurants in Mexico. Set up to help support the Huichol people, who live in the surrounding mountains, everything is made with blue corn. The huevos rancheros with smokey salsa and blue corn pancakes were incredible and the owner is lovely.

The chef preparing blue corn tortillas

Huevos rancheros for breakfast

The busy fish taco spot

Fish tacos

  • El Itacate: more tacos! Choose your steak and cover with delicious salsas. Very filling and if you're brave enough you can try their special – a burrito wrapped in fried cheese instead of a tortilla.

Steak tacos

Shopping

Sayulita is full of cute shops. There are delis with local treats and imported foods, souvenir shops selling colourful ceramics and boutiques with beautiful embroidered clothes. My favourites are Revolución Del Sueño and Pachamama.

Souvenir shop

Souvenir shop

Farmers' market

Each Friday, 80 vendors selling handmade, organic products set up shop at the Mercado del Pueblo. There's live music and food and a fun atmosphere. As well as organic produce, there are clothes stalls and people selling artwork, jewellery and essential oils. Our favourites: the sunflower seed bread, chocolates from Mexicolate and the salad lady (who grows her leaves just down the road).

The farmers' market

Empanadas at the farmers' market

How to get there from San Pancho

Bus

You can catch any bus from the stop on the main road. They're pretty regular and stop at the petrol station in Sayulita. It's then an easy 15 minute walk into main town. To get back there are hourly buses from the bus station (which you'll pass on the walk in). Times:

The bus timetable

Taxi

It's a 10-minute taxi ride between San Pancho and Sayulita, and costs around M$120.

Hike

You can also hike, which takes you through the jungle and passed a deserted beach. It takes 1.5 hours and the path isn't totally obvious, so it's best to do it with someone who knows the way the first time.

Hiking to Sayulita