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Gorgona
Nueva Gorgona, often simply called Gorgona, is one of the first major beach towns west of Panama City. The place is famous for its unique beaches where white and black volcanic sand mix in fascinating patterns. For surfers, Gorgona has some of the most reliable waves in the region, particularly at 'Malibu' beach, prized for its long rides. The atmosphere in Gorgona is much more local and less commercial than in neighboring Coronado. Nonetheless, the town provides modern amenities like oceanfront high-rise apartments and cozy beach restaurants. A highlight is the local fish market, where you can buy the morning's fresh catch directly from the boats. Proximity to the mountains of El Valle de Antón also allows for quick trips to cooler elevations. The drive from the capital via the Pan-American Highway takes about 75 minutes. Gastronomically, simple but delicious fish dishes like ceviche and patacones dominate. The best time to visit is from December to April to fully enjoy the sunny weather, although waves are often even larger during the rainy season. Gorgona is handy for travelers seeking an authentic Panamanian beach experience with a dash of adventure.
- Location: Panama
- Nearby: Cristóbal (16 km)
- Population: ~3.530 (2023)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 21 | 9 | 15 | 108 | 278 | 273 | 246 | 255 | 279 | 275 | 269 | 111 |
Geography
Facts
- Unique black and white sand
- Famous 'Malibu' surf beach
- Fresh fish market on the beach
- First major beach town after the city
- View of Cerro Campana
- Popular spot for long-term rentals
- Good infrastructure (supermarkets nearby)
- Turtle nesting site (seasonal)
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Gorgona (1)
Frequently asked questions
Gorgona: where is it located?
Gorgona: when is the best time to visit?
Gorgona: why is it worth visiting?
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