12 Most Beautiful Places in Panama to Visit (You Won’t Believe #4)

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I’m convinced Panama is Central America’s best-kept secret. Everyone knows about the canal, but trust me – this country is an absolute riot of jungle, beaches, and cities that pulse with life. From coast to coast, this strip of land packs more punch than anywhere else I’ve been.

I’ve pulled together the most beautiful places to visit in Panama that blew my mind. These 12 spots tell the real story of what makes this place wild – and why you’d be crazy to skip it.

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#1 tip to save money on your trip to Panama

Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Panamanian adventure.

• FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to Panama City for just $220 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
• Food: Save by eating at local fondas (small family restaurants) where a complete meal costs $3-5. The Mercado de Mariscos is great for cheap, fresh seafood, and breakfast at local cafeterias runs about $2-3.
• Transport: Get a Metro Card for Panama City’s subway and metrobus system. For intercity travel, express buses from Albrook Terminal are comfortable and affordable. Using public transport and avoiding tourist taxis has saved me hundreds of dollars on each trip.

Panama City can be as expensive as major U.S. cities, but the rest of the country is quite affordable. If you follow the strategies above, you can explore this fascinating country for much less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Panama:

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Panama

Ready to explore Panama’s stunning landscapes? From vibrant urban centers to peaceful natural retreats, this Central American gem has it all. Here are the top places you need to check out:

1. Bocas del Toro

• 📍 Location: Bocas del Toro Province, Caribbean Coast
• 🏆 Best For: Island hoppers 🛶, snorkelers 🐠, beach chillers 🏖️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Relaxing at Red Frog Beach, spotting dolphins in Dolphin Bay, snorkeling at Starfish Beach
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: February to April for calm seas and dry weather 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Island Plantation – Eco-style beachfront hotel on Playa Bluff surrounded by nature

Bocas del Toro is that dream combo of clear blue water, chill beach towns, and wild jungle just steps from your hammock. It’s made up of several islands, each with its own vibe. Isla Colón is where you’ll find the action, while Isla Bastimentos is perfect if you want something more off-the-grid.

You can go from surfing at Bluff Beach to snorkeling with starfish in one afternoon. The boat rides between islands are short and super scenic, making it easy to pack in multiple experiences without rushing. Dolphin Bay lives up to its name, and yes, you’ll likely see dolphins jumping right next to your boat.

Beyond the beaches, the Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous cultures bring real soul to the islands. You’ll hear reggae beats, see handwoven crafts, and eat food full of flavor. It’s not just pretty here, it feels alive in the best way.

• Read next: Top Caribbean Spots to See

2. San Blas Islands

• 📍 Location: Guna Yala, Caribbean Coast
• 🏆 Best For: Off-grid explorers 🛶, culture lovers 🧣, snorkeling fans 🐠
• 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling in Holandes Cays, visiting Isla Perro, learning about the Guna Yala culture
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to April for calm waters and sunshine 🌤️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: San Blas Islands – Private Cabin Over-the-Ocean including Meals

The San Blas Islands feel like a world apart. With over 300 islands spread across the Caribbean, most of them untouched, you’re surrounded by white sand, swaying palms, and water so clear you can spot fish from your hammock.

Life here is pretty simple. Forget luxury hotels or busy resorts. Instead, you’ll stay in hand-built huts, snorkel over coral gardens, and paddle between islands that barely rise above sea level. Isla Perro has a shipwreck right offshore, while the Holandes Cays are known for crystal-clear snorkeling spots.

What makes it even more memorable is the connection with the Guna Yala people. They manage the islands and welcome visitors into their communities. From handcrafted molas to traditional dugout canoes, every detail reflects a culture that lives closely with the sea and land.

3. Boquete

• 📍 Location: Chiriquí Highlands, Western Panama
• 🏆 Best For: Coffee fans ☕, hikers 🥾, mountain lovers 🌄
• 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing Barú Volcano, hiking the Quetzal Trail, visiting a local coffee farm
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry and cool weather 🍃
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Inn at Palo Alto – Cozy riverside lodge with mountain views and easy trail access

Boquete brings a totally different side of Panama. Instead of palm trees and sand, you get misty mountains, waterfalls, and some of the best coffee in Central America. The weather stays cool year-round, which makes it a solid break from the coastal heat.

You can hike through cloud forests on the Quetzal Trail or take a jeep up Barú Volcano to catch sunrise views over both oceans. If you’re lucky, you might spot the elusive quetzal bird along the way. Even a casual walk around town leads you to artisan markets and peaceful garden paths.

Coffee tours here are no joke. You’ll visit family-run farms, see how beans are processed, and taste blends that compete on the global stage. Whether you’re into adventures or just want to slow down and recharge, Boquete offers a fresh, peaceful vibe that’s hard to beat.

4. Santa Catalina

• 📍 Location: Veraguas Province, Pacific Coast
• 🏆 Best For: Surfers 🏄, divers 🤿, nature lovers 🌿
• 📸 Top Experiences: Surfing Playa Santa Catalina, diving at Coiba National Park, boat trips to Isla Cébaco
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry weather and consistent waves 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Santa Catalina – Laid-back beachfront stay with ocean views and surf access

Santa Catalina keeps things simple in the best way possible. Once a quiet fishing village, it’s now one of Panama’s top surf spots, especially for those chasing powerful Pacific swells at Playa Santa Catalina. Never picked up a surfboard? No problem, the energy here feels easy and welcoming.

A short boat ride from town takes you to Coiba National Park, a protected marine reserve full of coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional whale shark. Diving and snorkeling here rival some of the best spots in Central America, and visibility is often excellent.

The village itself is quiet, with dirt roads, cozy lodges, and hammock views of the sea. It’s the kind of place where mornings start with beach walks and end with fresh seafood and sunset skies. If you’re craving ocean adventures and slow travel, Santa Catalina delivers.

5. Casco Viejo

• 📍 Location: Panama City, Panama
• 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, architecture fans 🏘️, nightlife seekers 🎶
• 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the Metropolitan Cathedral, rooftop dining, exploring boutique shops
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to March for sunny skies and festivals 🌤️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: American Trade Hotel – Restored colonial building with vintage design in the heart of the district

Casco Viejo is Panama City’s historic district, and it’s packed with character. Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and plazas full of music and life make it feel like the soul of the capital. You can spend a whole day just wandering and stumbling across charming corners and local cafés.

Architectural gems like the Metropolitan Cathedral and Iglesia de San José give you a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. Mixed in are French and Caribbean-style buildings, boutique shops, and museums that tell the layered history of the area.

As the sun sets, the rooftops come alive. Bars and restaurants offer city views, cocktails, and live music that draw both locals and travelers. Whether you’re looking for culture, food, or just a beautiful place to walk around, Casco Viejo blends old-world charm with a modern energy you’ll want more of.

6. Pearl Islands

• 📍 Location: Gulf of Panama, Pacific Ocean
• 🏆 Best For: Island hoppers 🚤, marine life lovers 🐬, beachgoers 🏖️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Contadora Island, snorkeling coral reefs, spotting humpback whales
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to October for whale watching and lush scenery 🌺
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Contadora Island Inn – Comfortable guesthouse close to beaches and boat tours

The Pearl Islands feel like a tropical escape hidden in plain sight. Just a short flight or ferry from Panama City, this chain of more than 200 islands offers white sand, clear water, and a lot fewer crowds than you might expect.

Contadora Island is the most popular for good reason. It has swimmable beaches, calm waters for snorkeling, and small hotels that give it a relaxed, homey feel. If you’re into marine life, boat tours often spot dolphins and, during the right season, humpback whales breaching just offshore.

The history here runs deep. These islands were once a center for pearl diving and even served as pirate hideouts centuries ago. Whether you’re walking barefoot on a deserted beach or diving among coral gardens, the Pearl Islands combine natural beauty with a sense of adventure and calm.

7. El Valle de Anton

• 📍 Location: Coclé Province, Central Panama
• 🏆 Best For: Nature walkers 🌳, craft shoppers 👜, hot spring seekers ♨️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Cerro Gaital, visiting the Sunday Market, soaking in thermal pools
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for cool, dry weather 🌤️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Golden Frog Inn – Quiet mountain retreat with gardens and valley views

El Valle de Antón sits inside a giant, extinct volcanic crater, and the landscape reflects that with its lush hills, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The cool mountain air feels like a break from Panama’s coastal heat, and the slower pace makes it perfect for relaxing.

Cerro Gaital offers scenic trails with views over the whole valley, and you might even catch a glimpse of rare birds if you’re lucky. For something more laid-back, the Sunday Market is filled with handmade crafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs that actually feel meaningful.

Natural hot springs and mud baths are scattered around town, and they’re a great way to wind down after exploring. El Valle is also known for its local gardens and wildlife centers, where you can learn about native plants and animals. It’s peaceful, low-key, and ideal for nature lovers who want to take it slow.

8. Isla Taboga

• 📍 Location: Gulf of Panama, near Panama City
• 🏆 Best For: Weekend trippers ⛴️, history fans 🏰, beach lovers 🏝️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Cerro de la Cruz, visiting San Pedro Church, relaxing on Playa Restinga
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to April for clear skies and smooth ferry rides 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Taboga Palace Spa Hotel – Beachfront hotel with ocean views and rooftop pool

Isla Taboga is the closest island adventure from Panama City, and it only takes about 30 minutes by ferry to get there. Once you arrive, the pace slows down, the breeze picks up, and the tropical vibe takes over.

The island is known as the “Island of Flowers” for good reason. It’s green and colorful year-round, with easy trails like Cerro de la Cruz offering some of the best views back toward the city skyline. The town itself has narrow streets, pastel buildings, and a laid-back charm that feels almost Mediterranean.

Taboga also has history packed into its quiet corners. San Pedro Church is one of the oldest churches in the hemisphere, and the nearby ruins speak to the island’s colonial past. Between the calm beaches and relaxed atmosphere, this place makes for a peaceful escape just outside the city buzz.

9. Portobelo

• 📍 Location: Colón Province, Caribbean Coast
• 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, cultural travelers 🎭, ocean adventurers 🌊
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring San Jeronimo Fort, attending Festival de Diablos y Congos, snorkeling near Playa Blanca
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: February to May for dry weather and local festivals 🎉
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Casa Congo – Artistic eco-lodge with sea views and Afro-Caribbean design

Portobelo mixes history, culture, and nature in one scenic coastal town. Back in colonial times, it was a major Spanish port, and today you can still explore the stone fortresses that guarded it, including the remains of San Jeronimo and Santiago forts.

But Portobelo isn’t stuck in the past. The town comes alive during the Festival de Diablos y Congos, which celebrates Afro-Panamanian identity through music, dance, and colorful costumes. Art and rhythm fill the streets, showing how strong local traditions still are.

Outside the historic core, the coast offers calm waters and coral-rich spots perfect for snorkeling. A quick boat ride takes you to Playa Blanca, where the sand is soft and the water stays clear. Portobelo is one of those rare places where every corner has a story, and the energy feels both grounded and alive.

10. Gulf of Chiriqui

• 📍 Location: Chiriquí Province, Pacific Coast
• 🏆 Best For: Marine explorers 🐋, island hoppers 🚤, snorkelers 🤿
• 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Isla Parida, snorkeling in Chiriquí Marine Park, spotting humpback whales
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry skies and boat-friendly seas 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Boca Brava Lodge – Secluded eco-lodge surrounded by jungle and ocean views

The Gulf of Chiriquí is where Panama’s wild side meets island paradise. This marine reserve is packed with over two dozen islands, each with its own stretch of untouched beach and coral reef. You won’t find massive resorts or loud crowds here, just calm waters and a whole lot of sea life.

Hop on a boat from Boca Chica, and you’re quickly surrounded by tropical islands perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, or just lying in the sand with no one else around. Isla Parida and Isla Gamez are some of the top picks for day trips, offering clear water and peaceful shorelines.

Humpback whale season runs from July to October, and seeing them breach near your boat is something you’ll never forget. Whether you’re into low-key island hopping or marine adventures, the Gulf of Chiriquí delivers the kind of experience that feels raw and rewarding.

11. Pedasí

• 📍 Location: Azuero Peninsula, Los Santos Province
• 🏆 Best For: Surfers 🏄, cultural travelers 🎭, wildlife lovers 🐢
• 📸 Top Experiences: Surfing Playa Venao, visiting Isla Iguana, joining Carnival festivities
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to April for dry weather and festival season ☀️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Casa Lajagua – Cozy guesthouse with pool and easy beach access

Pedasí is a peaceful town with real charm. Located on the Azuero Peninsula, it blends natural beauty with strong cultural roots. The streets are clean and quiet, with colorful houses and friendly locals who greet you like you’ve lived there for years.

For beach lovers, Playa Venao is the top spot. It’s a long stretch of sand with waves that pull in surfers from around the world. If you’re more into relaxing or swimming, Playa Arenal has gentler tides and scenic views. A short boat ride from town gets you to Isla Iguana, a wildlife refuge full of birds and coral reef.

Pedasí also knows how to throw a party. Carnival here is loud, colorful, and full of music and dance. Between the beach time and cultural events, Pedasí is perfect if you want a laid-back experience with a bit of festive flair woven in.

12. Volcán and Cerro Punta

• 📍 Location: Chiriquí Highlands, Western Panama
• 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, nature photographers 📷, garden enthusiasts 🌺
• 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Volcán Barú, visiting Finca Dracula, exploring La Amistad International Park
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for crisp weather and clear views 🌤️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Bambito Hotel – Mountain lodge with gardens and easy access to hiking areas

Volcán and Cerro Punta are twin towns set high in Panama’s western highlands. The cool air, green fields, and mountain views give the area a completely different feel from the beaches and cities down below.

Volcán is the gateway to Volcán Barú National Park, home to the highest peak in Panama. Hiking to the summit is challenging but worth it, especially if you catch the sunrise over both oceans. Cerro Punta, just a short drive away, is known for its farms and flower gardens, where you can walk among rows of orchids and strawberries.

Nature lovers will want to explore La Amistad International Park, one of the most biodiverse places in the region. With its mix of wildlife, farmland, and trails, this area is ideal for travelers looking to unplug and explore a more peaceful side of Panama.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Panama

Looking to broaden your understanding of the most picturesque spots in Panama? Here are some frequent questions I receive about the best Panamanian attractions and activities.

What is the best time to visit Panama?

The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season from mid-December to mid-April. During this time, you’ll experience less rainfall, making it the perfect time to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes.

What is the most popular spot in Panama?

The Panama Canal is arguably the most famous and popular spot in Panama. This engineering marvel connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and serves as a key conduit for international maritime trade.

Visitors to the canal can explore the Miraflores Visitor Center. This is where they can learn about the history and operation of the canal and enjoy viewing platforms to watch massive ships navigate the locks. The Panama Canal’s strategic location and its role in global commerce make it a fascinating destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

Other popular destinations in Panama include the vibrant capital city of Panama City, the beautiful San Blas Islands, and the historic district of Casco Viejo. However, the Panama Canal remains the standout attraction for many.

Is Panama safe to visit?

Yes, Panama is considered relatively safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s essential to stay alert, be aware of your surroundings, and take necessary precautions, especially in crowded places.

Do I need a visa to visit Panama?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens from many countries, including the US, Canada, and EU nations, can enter Panama without a visa for up to 180 days. However, it’s always best to check the latest visa requirements before planning your trip.

What language is spoken in Panama?

The official language of Panama is Spanish. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

Is Panama a beautiful country?

Yes, Panama is a beautiful country with a diverse landscape that ranges from stunning coastal areas to lush rainforests and towering mountains. Some of the scenic highlights in Panama include:

1. The Panama Canal: Beyond its engineering marvel, the area around the canal is filled with verdant jungles and fascinating wildlife.
2. Bocas del Toro Archipelago: This group of islands is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and relaxed beach vibes.
3. Boquete: This highland town is famous for its coffee plantations, cloud forests, and opportunities for bird-watching, including the chance to see the resplendent quetzal.
4. San Blas Islands: These Caribbean islands offer unspoiled beauty with white sand beaches and clear blue waters, perfect for snorkeling and sailing.
5. Coiba National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Coiba is known for its rich marine biodiversity, making it a dream destination for divers and snorkelers.
6. Casco Viejo: The historic district of Panama City, with its charming colonial architecture and vibrant street life.

From its unique ecosystems and rich cultural heritage to its gorgeous beaches and modern urban areas, Panama offers a blend of experiences that make it a beautiful and appealing destination for travelers.

What is the most beautiful city in Panama?

Many consider Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City, as the most beautiful city in Panama. Its charming colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and stunning views of the modern city skyline make it a favorite among tourists.

Is Panama a pretty place to visit?

Absolutely! Panama is a stunning country with a diverse range of beautiful landscapes to explore. From the azure Caribbean and Pacific coasts to the lush rainforests, cloud forests, and mountain ranges, there are lots of pretty places in Panama to inspire awe and wonder.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Panama

With its diverse landscapes, rich history, vibrant cultures, and extraordinary biodiversity, it’s no surprise that Panama is a dream destination. From its stunning islands and beaches to its lush forests and towering mountains, there’s no shortage of beautiful places in Panama to explore. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a history enthusiast, you’ll find something in Panama that will captivate your wanderlust.

So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to discover the most beautiful places in Panama!