isla grande panama caribbean beaches san lorenzo portobelo travel
tourism panama country of panama isla grande
Isla Grande, just two hours by car from Panama City, currently serves as weekend destination
for urban Panamanians and tourists, however,
potential exists here for the tourism sector.
While the beaches are not as spectacular as
those found in Bocas del Toro or San Blas, the verdant green mountains,
crystal clear waters, and Caribbean style
atmosphere are inviting and still relatively
undiscovered. The island's couple of hundred
inhabitants make a living from fishing and
growing coconuts, in addition to servicing
the hundreds of visitors that have come to
enjoy the island's natural beauty. There are
no roads on the island, in fact, most of the
island is not accessible. Rather, the town
itself is spread along the island's beachfront,
which on foot can be covered in less than
15-20 minutes. The well maintained path stretches
from the public beach on the far left to a
new hotel which is situated on the far right
side, high up on the hill side. Numerous small
eateries, bars, markets and street vendors
line the town's walkway. In addition, there
are many fairly basic but comfortable cabanas
(cabins) to stay in, some of which also have
restaurants.
Isla Grande, just two hours by car from Panama City, currently serves as weekend destination
for urban Panamanians and tourists, however,
potential exists here for the tourism sector.
While the beaches are not as spectacular as
those found in Bocas del Toro or San Blas, the verdant green mountains,
crystal clear waters, and Caribbean style
atmosphere are inviting and still relatively
undiscovered. The island's couple of hundred
inhabitants make a living from fishing and
growing coconuts, in addition to servicing
the hundreds of visitors that have come to
enjoy the island's natural beauty. There are
no roads on the island, in fact, most of the
island is not accessible. Rather, the town
itself is spread along the island's beachfront,
which on foot can be covered in less than
15-20 minutes. The well maintained path stretches
from the public beach on the far left to a
new hotel which is situated on the far right
side, high up on the hill side. Numerous small
eateries, bars, markets and street vendors
line the town's walkway. In addition, there
are many fairly basic but comfortable cabanas
(cabins) to stay in, some of which also have
restaurants.It's possible to hire boatmen for snorkeling, diving or sightseeing trips to other islands nearby. This is an extremely peaceful place to spend a couple of days swimming, snorkeling, swinging in a hammock, eating seafood, drinking coconut milk and enjoying the tropical colors the flowers, the trees, the water, the hills, the houses, the humming birds, the butterflies, the crabs that scuttle along the paths...
Written by Emma Griffiths
