One of the favorite islands for tourists is Contadora, which has more than 13 beaches. It is part of the Las Perlas Archipelago that consists of more than 200 islands and islets, mostly uninhabited, off the Pacific coast in the Gulf of Panama.
Contadora was once a popular tourist destination for the rich and famous during the 1970s and 1980s for the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, the Kennedys, John Wayne, Julio Iglesias, and former President Felipe González, and even the last Shah of Persia.
Currently, it has become a more accessible destination for those who want to discover the tremendous natural beauty of the area. On the island, you will find beautiful white sand beaches, opportunities for diving and whale watching, as well as well-preserved nature and marine life.
How to visit? There are several ways to get to Contadora Island in the Pearl Islands from Panama City.
A flight from the capital to Contadora Island takes only 15 minutes, while the ferries that connect the archipelago with the mainland take about an hour and a half, departing from Punta Pacifica or the Amador Causeway.
Once in Contadora, there are many ways to enjoy the picturesque beaches of the islands. Whale watching tours during the mating season between July and October are popular in the area, as are windsurfing and rowing. People who enjoy snorkeling will see huge schools of fish in the crystal clear waters.
For a traditional day at the beach, you can visit the tourist area of the island, which has a wide range of hotels, resorts, condominiums, and villas.
What beaches to visit? The best beaches on the island include Playa Cacique where you can find the Hostal Villa Romántica with a restaurant and a bar on the beach. In Playa Larga you will find the Hotel Contadora Resort, it is also where the ferry stops and where you will have to wait to return to Panama City. Executive Beach is a beautiful place to have a picnic and camp. Playa Las Suecas is secluded and discreet, as well as being the only nudist beach in Panama. Other beaches on the island are Di Maggio, Roca, Camarón, Fea, Canoa and Lucas beaches.
The island also has hotel options and rental accommodations such as Perla Real Inn @perlarealpty, Villa Condesa del Mar @villacondesadelmar, and Mar y Oro @mar_y_oro_hotel
As for the gastronomic offer, it is varied and you can find different restaurants such as @casatortugac_rst that offer Italian food in a very pleasant atmosphere. Gerald is a German who lived with his family years ago on this island where he prepares German food and fresh fish (now with a Keto-friendly option) @gerald_isla_contadora. La Isla Hotel is a place on the sand that offers Spanish food, Valencian paellas, lobsters, Gazpacho and others @laisla_hotel_panama.
Contadora is one of the destinations near Panama City that you have to visit on your next trip so you can enjoy its beaches, hotels, gastronomy, and everything that the island has to offer.
