21 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Panama

2. Panama Canal

The monumental Canal is one of the modern world wonders. The Panama Canal is 82 kilometers long and connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

More than 12,000 ocean-bound vessels pass through its lock system annually. The Canal’s thread stretches across a series of ancient lakes and marshes, and its banks are adorned with a wide strip of virgin forests.

In my opinion, the best place to observe ships is located northeast of Panama City, near the walls of the enormous seven-hundred-ton sluice gate Miraflores.

My personal highlights…

• Exploring the Miraflores Visitor Center, a four-story interactive museum and learning about the canal’s history.
• Capturing an Insta-worthy shot overlooking the canal. 
• Seeing the locks working! 

3. Playa Venao

The Azuero Peninsula is known for its stunning beaches and is most famous is the popular beach resort of Playa Venao, which is 35 km from Pedasi.

I was a big fan of this dreamy, laid back gem where we stayed for a week and didn’t get bored! It really was a gorgeous tropical paradise. 

Water sports enthusiasts worldwide rush to Playa Venao to hone and show off their surfing skills and its also a great diving spot too as its home to stunning coral reefs, tropical fish and even nearby ship wrecks. The shore is dotted with diving schools where we could easily rent gear and take lessons from experienced instructors.

I recommend just kicking back, sunbathing on the long, wide sandy beach, taking a swim in the warm sea, dining at one of the many funky beach restaurants (many had DJs), or just sipping on a signature cocktail at one of the open-air bars and gazing at the waves like we did!

My highlights…

• Taking surf lessons at the local surf school.
• Enjoying cocktails and looking at the sunset at Selina’s Beach Bar (there are also some lively beach parties after dark).
• Relaxing with a rejuvenating massage at the Nourish Spa.

4. Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a chain of islands in the mouth of the Chiriqui lagoon in the country’s northeast. The archipelago consists of 9 relatively large islands, 52 small islands, and more than 200 islets. It is also a backpacking and tourist beauty spot.

Boasting green palm forests, a vast coastline of white sand, and crystal clear water, Bocas del Toro is one of Panama’s most famous tourist areas, and for good reason: it’s seriously stunning! Pristine landscapes are interspersed with modern resorts.

Fans of scuba diving and sea fishing flock to the islands all year round to see some of the best coral reefs on the planet, much loved for their unique underwater gardens. The snorkeling here is also sublime and can easily spot stingrays, crabs, and many varieties of colorful tropical fish species.

My personal highlights…

• Renting an E-bike (from Flying Pirates Bocas) and riding around Bocas Town then heading to the gorgeous Playa Bluff beach.
• Strolling along the breathtaking white sand beaches and photographing the spectacular sea views.
• Watching the experienced surfers ride the incredible waves.

5. Casco Viejo

The attractive area of Casco Viejo sits east of Panama City, the country’s capital and I loved this place! This is the very first settlement built by Europeans on the Pacific coast. It was founded in 1519 and soon became one of the most important trading centers on the continent.

The transit route from Peru to the Old World, carrying the Incas’ gold and silver, ran through the town. In 1671, a pirate raid led by Henry Morgan almost razed Panama Viejo, leaving behind countless ruins.

However, some of the buildings survived until this day, namely, the square tower of the Cathedral de Panama Viejo, ruins of Santo Domingo and San Francisco convents, the well-preserved La Merced church and San José temple, the King’s Bridge, as well as remnants of the walls that served as protection against pirates.

At the end of the past century, the old quarters of Panama Viejo were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

My personal highlights…

• Sipping on a cup of coffee made from the famous geisha beans, which were locally grown.
• Wandering to the Plaza Francia and photographing the skylines of the city.
• Shopping for the colorful handmade traditional crafts.

6. El Valle de Antón

El Valle de Anton is a town and eponymous nature reserve settled in the crater of a long-extinct volcano that rises to 600 m above sea level and has a diameter of almost 5 km.

The reserve is valued for its unique wet mountain forest ecosystem, and in my opinion, it’s worth visiting. The jungle is carved by tourist routes leading from one attraction to another. The spellbinding waterfalls Chorro de Las Mozas and Chorro El Macho are the highlights of El Valle de Anton.

The surrounding forests are steeped in orchids and the national flower of Panama, Flor del Espiritu Santo (The flower of the Holy Spirit). The ample foliage conceals Rana Dorada, a rare frog with an amusing appearance.

Thanks to its volcanic origin, this place has preserved some traces of geothermal activity, boiling thermal springs, and healing mud pools featuring a unique mineral composition.

My highlights…

• Enjoying a sunrise hike via the scenic Sleeping Indian Trail.
• Crossing the high suspension bridge through the rainforest and reaching the stunning El Macho Waterfall. 
• Visiting the vibrant farmer’s market (which was open seven days a week) and sampling local food and produce, such as the tasty deep-fried thin plantains.

7. Pearl Islands

The Pearl Islands lie 40 miles southeast of Panama City in the Gulf of Panama. Comprised of 97 islands, the archipelago became known to Europeans in 1513 when an Indian chief revealed a secret about the mysterious islands adorned with pearls.

Since then, pearl mining has become the leading trade on the islands. Still, the archipelago became one of the favourite holiday destinations for the great and the good (former US President Jimmy Carter, Spanish Prime Minister Adolfo Suarez Gonzalez, and the Shah of Iran stayed here), and I was a big fan, too!

The Pearl Islands have 83 excellent beaches, numerous lovely hotels and guest houses, and one of the most attractive snorkeling spots.

My personal highlights…

• Kayaking on the pristine waters, which took me past gorgeous scenery.
• Relaxing on the gorgeous Isla Saboga which offered a lovely restaurant and great snorkelling.
• Exploring the lush jungles on foot with a local guide.

8. Gulf of Chiriquí

Founded in 1994, the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park is located on the Pacific coast of Panama in the bay of the same name.

The park is spread across 25 volcanic islands covered with pristine tropical forest. The tranquil waters around the islands are considered the best diving place, and I would highly recommend diving here if you can. They accommodate the second-largest coral reef in the eastern part of the Pacific.

Divers can contact reef inhabitants such as whales, sharks, manta rays, and dolphins. The jagged volcanic peaks rising 30-60 meters above sea level are replete with various species, while the coastal areas allow spotting relict forms of flora and fauna.

For instance, super-cute sea turtles can be observed nesting on the local beaches.

My favorite highlights…

• Hiking the Lost Waterfalls Trail, where I discovered three breathtaking natural showers.
• Climbing up to the highest peak in Panama, Volcan Baru National Park and finding awe-inspiring views overlooking the ocean.
• Dining on tasty deep-fried vegetable tempura at the trendy Christopher’s American Bistro. 

9. Soberania National Park

Located 40 km north of Panama City, the Soberania National Park boasts extensive swaths of tropical forest. It is one of the best birdwatching spots in the world, inhabited by about a thousand feathered species.

Soberania Park is the only place to observe the Crowned Eagle and the Sunbittern. The park retooled the former five-floor radar tower to make birdwatching more convenient. I suggest heading for their observation deck to see rare birds in their natural environment! 

Dense rainforests have diverse natural features that are ideal for hiking. The park’s highlight is the striking thickets of cotton trees towering 60 meters above the sky. Some of the routes have comfortable campgrounds.

My favorite highlights…

• Climbing up to the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center’s spiral staircase and seeing an incredible bird’s eye view above the canopy.
• Hiking the scenic Plantation Road trail which was home to several waterfall viewpoints and exotic tropical plants.
• Going for a swim in the natural pools of the El Charco Trail, surrounded by picnic spots and scenic beauty.

10. Boquete

A small village, Boquete is one of Panama’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s also very pretty. Nestled in the valley of the Caldera River, it is surrounded by mountains on three sides, which largely determine its landscape.

In the west, Boquete borders the Baru volcano. From the north, the town is confined by the Talamanca mountain range. The city’s eastern outskirts merge with the Jaramillo Mountains. Boquete starts a fascinating seven-hour journey to the Baru volcano, the country’s highest summit.

At its top, you will be amazed by the magnificent view of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The town also features cozy parks, coffee plantations, and an abandoned palace (I recommend visiting!).

Accompanied by a guide, you can explore the jungles teeming with exotic birds, including Quetzal, the sacred Indian bird with bright plumage and a long tail. While hiking in the jungles, you can check out waterfalls and a mountain canyon with a pure water pool.

My personal highlights…

• Trying out the fun zipline, which overlooked the forest.
• Going on the hanging bridges tour, the bridge here is Central America’s second longest and highest.
• Going on an interesting jungle tour and seeing incredible birdlife.

11. Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is one of the best surfing spots in Panama. This small village is located in the Veraguas province on the coast of the Gulf of Chiriquí. Santa Catalina’s beaches, Playa Santa Catalina and Playa Estero are known for mighty waves up to 10 meters high.

The ebb and flow fluctuate within 8 meters, thus creating solid tides. The beaches are smeared with black volcanic sand and offer a stunning view of the sun setting behind the horizon. You might want to explore other bay beaches just outside Santa Catalina.

The walk will take approximately 2.5-3.5 hours. You can rent a small boat or a yacht for an incredible sailing experience or a trip on the high seas.

My highlights…

• Watching the surfers ride the waves at La Punta Beach.
• Watching the sun go down at La Coquita home to spectacular black sand shadows at night.
• Kayaking over to the white sand beach on Isla Catalina and hiking up to the viewpoint on the island.

12. Isla Taboga

Twenty kilometers from Panama City is the charming, historic Taboga Island. Four centuries ago, it was the site of the first deepwater port in the region.

Frequent pirate raids forced the locals to build a system of defensive structures on the nearby Island of El Morro.

They had served for three hundred years and, in the XIX century, were used as the headquarters of the Pacific Steam Company.

The pirates’ defences have been preserved to this day. Besides them, Isla Taboga is famous for its beaches, observation platform near the walls of the old American military bunker, the oldest in Latin America church of the XVI-XVII centuries, an array of tropical rainforests, a variety of hibiscus and bougainvillea gardens, and one of the largest colonies of brown pelicans.

My highlights…

• Strolling through the quiet Spanish-settled village, which was filled with pretty colorful houses.
• Spending the day sunbathing on Playa Restinga and walking along the sandbar to Isla El Morro during low tide.
• Walking to the viewpoint at Cerro de la Cruz and seeing a spectacular view of the island and the surrounding ocean.

13. Sunset Coast, Azuero Peninsula

Sunset Coast is named for its expansive coastline in the western portion of the Azuero Peninsula. You will love visiting Sunset Coast because, with the Azuero Peninsula’s shape, this is the only area where you can see a breathtaking coastline sunset, hence its name. 

When you visit Sunset Coast, I suggest stopping by Coiba National Park to see the most extensive coral reef in the Pacific. Jump in and go scuba diving or snorkeling to catch the beautiful coral reef. I recommend deep-sea diving for one of the best undersea experiences worldwide! 

Jaguars, crested eagles, and howler monkeys inhabit Coiba National Park and the bird-watching opportunities here are also incredible; I was lucky enough to spot a scarlet macaw! 

My highlights…

• Catching a magnificent sunset over the coastline with a tropical cocktail in hand!
• Going snorkeling and seeing the pretty coral reef. 
• Trying fun boogie boarding (which was easier than my surf lessons)!

14. Los Cangilones

Los Cangliones is your go-to destination for village shopping and canyon views while jumping in the nearby waters. The bus to get there is cheap and only costs $1.50 per person per ride. A mini supermarket greets you when the bus drops you off so you can pick up any snacks or beach supplies you need. 

It is a short walk to the canyons and waters, where you can privately sunbathe, swim, and sightsee, depending on how many people are nearby.

I would suggest packing a big picnic to enjoy the gorgeous views after a fun swim in the water! 

My favorite highlights…

• Buying a packed lunch at the local supermarket and spending a day by the canyons.
• Watching the braver visitors jump off the natural rock formations into the aqua-colored waters.
• Swimming through the crystal-clear canyon that stretches over 40 meters in length.

15. Punta Chame

Punta Chame is a tiny city with only a population of 443, but the beaches are untouched and beautiful. The waters to the left are shallower and calmer, so it is easier for you to go kitesurfing. 

Walk the white sand for a lovely beachside experience. Be prepared because it goes 22 miles long. A portion of the beach meets the Pacific Ocean. Make it a whole day trip to explore this stretch of beach land to see its vast beauty while taking some swims in between. 

Be mindful of jellyfish in the water or washed up on the beach. They can sting even when they are dead, so tread with caution. 

My personal highlights…

• Hiring a paddleboard which was a fun way to explore the coast!
• Exploring the petite city’s fishing village and surrounding areas by bike.
• Trying kite surfing! The ocean conditions here are perfect for all abilities.

16. Isla Perro

This paradise-like Island is part of the San Blas Islands but deserves a special mention. Crystal blue waters and tropical palm trees surround the small island.

Because of its clean waters, snorkelers love to explore marine life throughout Guna Yala. 

The most unique aspect of Isla Perro is the shipwreck in front of the Island. Snorkelers can find artefacts from the army gunboat washed ashore many years ago. You may see the rusty bow protruding from the water with a low tide. 

If you do not want the water adventure to end, rent one of the 30 campsites available. Then, the next day, you can explore more of the territory. 

My favorite highlights…

• Going snorkeling in the clear turquoise waters and discovering a shipwreck and a pretty coral reef.
• Capturing images of the dreamy palm trees and stunning clear water for my Instagram.
• Trying volleyball on their court (I wasn’t much good, though, sadly)! 

17. Pedasi

Pedasi is a small fishing town famous for year-round comfortable weather, residential colonial-style buildings, and many beaches in its vicinity.

The main natural highlight of Pedasi is Isla Iguana. This nature reserve occupies 52 hectares and is surrounded by coral reefs. More than 62 species of birds found their home here, many of which, such as the Lesser Frigatebird, are under state protection.

It is also a reptile habitat, including the black iguana named the Island. Tropical fish, moray eels, and turtles live in the waters, while humpback whales stay here briefly during the migration seasons.

The local waters are bristling with various fish, including ten tuna species. So, I would recommend wildlife spotting here! 

My personal highlights…

• Indulging in delicious freshly made ceviche at Restaurante El Chichemito.
• Attending the fun Barro Fest in February and watching loads of live bands!
• Going on an incredible Turtle Watching Tour and spotting super cute sea turtles.

18. Isla Grande

Isla Grande, the country’s largest Island, is located 15 km from the historical town Portobelo. The coast of the Island houses magnificent beaches with white sand and turquoise water.

Suppose you decide to soak up the sun. The beaches have everything you need: sunbeds, umbrellas, coastal bars with various exotic drinks, and cozy restaurants to get acquainted with traditional Panamanian cuisine. Active recreation buffs will find many appealing activities, too.

The waters of Isla Grande are dripping with coral reefs, creating an ideal backdrop for diving, snorkeling, and surfing. If you want to learn more about the traditions and customs of Panama, be sure to visit one of the local resorts with an authentic Caribbean vibe.

I recommend stopping by Portobello and enjoying its medieval charm if you have spare hours.

My highlights…

• Sipping on a handcrafted signature cocktail at The OC Bar & Lounge which offered stunning views overlooking the Caribbean Ocean.
• Taking a boat tour around the coastline and seeing beautiful vegetation landscape.
• Dining on freshly made sushi at La Playita restaurant.

19. Panama City

The capital of Panama is a modern, thriving city stretched 10 km along the Pacific coast from the ruins of Panama Viejo in the east to the coast of the Panama Canal in the west.

The highlight of Panama City is vibrant contrasts, a fusion of ancient history and contemporary architecture of the XXI century.

Like the United Arab Emirates, its business center has formidable skyscrapers. Lively, modern areas are side by side with quiet streets imbued with history.

The city has a business feel, so I think it doesn’t have much for tourists here, but the city’s most picturesque historic district is the old town of San Felipe. This area impresses with ancient architecture and miraculously preserved traditions.

I recommend exploring the square, museums, churches, and the monastery ruins. If you need to recharge your batteries, I suggest stopping at one of its cosmopolitan restaurants.

My highlights…

• Wandering through Casco Viejo’s streets and admiring the Old Town Quarter’s pretty architecture.
• Checking out the large Artisan Market which was filled with handcrafted products.
• Visiting Plaza De La Independencia which was home to boutiques and traditional restaurants.

20. Península de Azuero

The Azuero Peninsula is an unassuming place that blends rich culture, fantastic architecture, and fascinating history, and I would highly recommend visiting! 

The peninsula consists of three provinces: Herrera, Los Santos, and Veraguas, resulting in two regions – The East and the West. The East area is famous for its annual lively activities, including its carnival. Pedasí is your place if you are a surfing and nature fan.

A charming fishing town surrounded by Spanish colonial architecture. The West area is well-known for its stunning beaches and focus on farming.

My highlights…

• Attending the fabulous and very Carnaval de Las Tablas (which takes place here every February)
• Dancing the night away at a fabulous beach party.
• Relaxing at Sansara Surf and Yoga Resort.

21. Cerro Ancon

Cerro Ancon is a small trail hike surrounded by canyons and waterfalls. I would suggest starting your journey at the Mi Pueblito trailhead. Travel the stairway at this entrance to begin the trek. 

It is free to hike the area of 654 feet in elevation, and it takes only 30 minutes to complete the entire venture. The trail is home to a jungle inside a city of over 1 million individuals. 

Watch for the incline as you hike. During your journey, you can see Casa Viejo, which has scenic views of the Panama Canal. The Bridge of the Americas is a sight to behold above the Canal. 

The Miraflores Locks is one of the three locks throughout the Panama Canal and is named after the gate to the Pacific. 

My personal highlights…

• Photographing the breathtaking scenery at various stops along the trail.
• Seeing incredible views of the Panama Canal.