Playa Venao

Playa Venao, located on the southern tip of the Azuero Peninsula, is world-renowned for its consistent surf breaks that attract surfers of all levels. The horseshoe-shaped bay features unique dark volcanic sand, creating a dramatic coastal backdrop. Recently, it has evolved from a quiet find into a trendy destination filled with eco-chic resorts, hostels, and a diverse culinary scene ranging from local catches to international fusion. Beyond the waves, visitors can enjoy horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, and hiking to nearby waterfalls. The nearby Isla Cañas wildlife refuge features the chance to witness sea turtle nesting. The nightlife is lively, often featuring beach parties and electronic music festivals. Access is typically via the town of Pedasí. While surfing is great year-round, the sunniest beach weather occurs between January and April.

Nearby cities

Panama City

Modern capital on the Pacific coast featuring an impressive skyline.

David

Major city in the west, near the border with Costa Rica.

Colón

Port city at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal.

Santiago de Veraguas

A major agricultural and commercial center.

Chitré

Capital of Herrera province, known for its local festivals.

Soná

A historic agricultural hub and the gateway to the world-renowned surfing and diving spots of Veraguas.

Playa Blanca

A premium resort destination on the Pacific coast featuring giant pools and white sand beaches.

Pedasí

A charming fishing village on the Azuero Peninsula, famous for its beaches, whale watching, and surfing.

Bocas Isla Bastimentos

A wild island in Bocas del Toro known for its marine national park, red frogs, and Afro-Caribbean heritage.

Santa Fé

A charming mountain village in Veraguas, famous for its orchids, coffee culture, and countless waterfalls.

Farallón / Río Hato

A premier Pacific beach destination featuring luxury resorts and expansive golden sand beaches.

Santa Catalina

A once-remote fishing village, now famous as one of Central America's premier surf spots and the gateway to Coiba National Park.

Aguadulce

An industrial city known for salt production, sugar cane plantations, and shrimp farming.

History & landmarks

Las Tablas

The cultural heart of the Azuero Peninsula, known for its magnificent carnival celebrations and traditional Panamanian folklore.

El Valle de Anton

A village located inside one of the world's largest inhabited volcanic craters.

Panama Canal

A world-famous artificial waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Taboga Island

Taboga Island, also known as the "Island of Flowers," is a picturesque volcanic island situated in the Gulf of Panama.

Biomuseo

A colorful biodiversity museum designed by architect Frank Gehry.

Amador Causeway

A causeway linking islands, offering great views of the city skyline.

Pearl Islands

An archipelago in the Gulf of Panama, famous for its beaches and clear waters.

Bocas del Toro

A picturesque archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, popular with tourists.

Nature

Gatun Lake

A massive artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal.

Chagres River

The river that provides the water essential for the operation of the Panama Canal.

More places

Fort San Lorenzo

A historic fortress situated at the mouth of the Chagres River.

Soberania National Park

A world-renowned destination for birdwatching in the tropical rainforest.

Fortifications of Portobelo

Major Spanish colonial defenses located on the Caribbean coast.

Casco Viejo

The historic district of Panama City featuring colonial architecture.

Panamá Viejo

The archaeological ruins of the first Spanish city in Panama.

San Blas Islands

Archipelago owned and governed by the indigenous Guna people.

Coiba National Park

A large Pacific island with rich marine life, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Volcan Baru National Park

The protected area surrounding the country's highest peak.