Page 135 - The Rough Guide to Panama (Travel Guide)

The Pacific beaches Central Panama 133
For Santa Clara To get to Santa Clara, 13km west of Playa BY PLANE
Corona, take an Antón or Penonomé bus (5.20am–8pm; every Scarlett Martínez International Airport – a renovated old
20min; 1hr 40min); taxis are likely to be hanging round the military airstrip at Río Hato – has been receiving charter
turn-off from the highway, or arrange a pickup in advance. flights of package holidaymakers from Canada and a
For Farallón (Playa Blanca) To get to Farallón, 3km west variety of Latin American countries since it opened in
of the Santa Clara exit, take an Antón or Penonomé bus and 2014.
get off at the turn-off. Walk the 2km or get a taxi ($3–5).
aCCOmmODatIOn
The accommodation is as varied as the sand along this stretch of coastline; you can take your pick from a thousand-room
all-inclusive resort to a tent on the beach. Our list below runs from the surf-happy eastern stretch, where Playa Coronado
offers the best options, westwards towards Santa Clara, which boasts a mega-resort and a hammock and tent spot.
PUNTA CHAME sea. Note that wi-fi in your room costs extra. Very busy at
★ Hostal Casa Amarilla T6032 7743, weekends. All-inclusive. $190
Whostalcasaamarilla.com. Charming guesthouse set in El Littoral Av Punta Prieta, Playa Coronado T240 3
lush gardens offering a range of accommodation, all 1474, Wlitoralpanama.com. Classy health-centre-cum-
beautifully decorated and immaculately maintained, from B&B offering yoga, pilates, acupuncture and massage, and
simple wooden cabins (with shared bathrooms) to larger, with a swimming pool and comfy common areas. $105
more comfortable en-suite lodgings in the main house.
Delicious, moderately priced French cuisine tops off the PLAYA SANTA CLARA
experience (breakfast $8, lunch and dinner around $15). ★ Las Sirenas T6973 7567, Wlasirenasdesantaclara
Closed June–Oct. Cabins $35, doubles $77 .com. Tranquil, fully equipped one- or two-bedroom self-
Nitro City T209 2166, Wnitrocityresort.com. With a catering cottages (sleeping four or six) located either over
prime beachside location, this family-friendly place is all the hilltop among the bougainvillea or right on the beach.
about action and adrenaline, on land or in the sea, indoors Add to each a large patio, hammock and BBQ, and you have
or out. Free activities include volleyball, table tennis, table the nicest lodgings in the area. Midweek reductions. $165
football and air hockey, while motorcross, wakeboarding, ★ Villa Botero By Casa Mojito C Aviación at C Arroyo
kitesurfing, jet-skiing and SUP – the list is endless – cost T6012 7074, Wcasamojitopanama.com. A short hop
extra. Rental and lessons are available for the more from the beach, this charming B&B offers a couple of
energetic options. Slick, modern rooms have large windows beautifully furnished rooms in a colonial-style tiled-roof
and private sea-facing patios. Midweek discounts and day- cottage with all mod cons – wi-fi, flatscreen cable TV,
passes available ($30). $219 fridge, coffee-maker – overlooking a pool and surrounding
garden. Use of a shared stove and BBQ. $143
PLAYA GORGONA TO PLAYA RÍO MAR
BlueBay Coronado Golf & Beach Resort Av Punta FARALLÓN
Preita, Playa Coronado T240 4444, Wbluebayresorts ★ Togo B&B C La Venta. Thoughtfully designed and
.com. A sprawling, hacienda-style place 1km off the beach exquisitely appointed rooms (one with kitchenette) in an
in extensive, landscaped grounds. There’s plenty to airy house within a verdant, tree-filled garden. Living
entertain guests: an eighteen-hole golf course, Olympic- space is shared with the owners though there are plenty of
sized pool, tennis courts, stables and chocolate massage at hammocks and shady patio spots for privacy. Additional
the spa, and that’s before you’ve even thought about the meals can be ordered. $121
eatInG
The large resorts take care of the catering and evening entertainment for their guests. Otherwise, there is a sprinkling of
local bars and fondas amid a handful of restaurants aimed exclusively at tourists and expats, where prices are high. The
opening hours we quote in our listings are for high season; in the rainy season, hours depend a lot on the weather and
some places may shut down completely for a few weeks.
PLAYA GORGONA TO PLAYA RÍO MAR (including paella) has pushed the prices up in recent years,
★ Los Camisones La Ermita, Km 104 off the though this Spanish-Panamanian restaurant rarely
Interamericana to the right between San Carlos and disappoints. A changing menu using fresh produce is
Santa Clara T993 3622, Wloscamisones.com. Its enjoyed in a relaxed large rancho in a pleasant garden.
reputation for serving the best seafood in the country Most mains $18–26. Daily 11.30am–10pm.

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