Melaque lies on Mexico’s Pacific coast about 4 hours south of Puerto Villarta by bus and 40 minutes north of Manzanillo. Tourists looking for a quiet, relaxed tropical locale that provides the feel of a small Mexican fishing village devoid of chain hotels and resorts will find Melaque exactly what the doctor ordered.
Melaque and the Surrounding Area
Melaque is part of three adjoining towns (Obregon and San Patrico being the other two) that sit on the Bahia de Navidad (Bay of Christmas). In addition, the town of Barra de Navidad lies a few minutes directly east and offers a convenient day trip. Local buses and taxis make the short drive over to Barra while those looking for some exercise can make the relaxing walk along the beach between the two towns in less than an hour.
Barra is smaller than Melaque and has a quaint, Greenwich Village feel to it. The town has many tourist shops to meander in and out of and restaurants with outside seating. Beer Bob’s Book Exchange offers a wide selection of reading material for travelers with the only stipulation being that you either return the book when you are finished reading the book or leave one in its place. Barra’s beach gets stronger tides than the one at Melaque and surfers can be seen riding the waves to the shore.
The Grand Bay Hotel is a five star hotel just across the lagoon from Barra that sits majestically on the Isla de Navidad. With its own golf course and tennis courts it provides accommodation for those seeking something more luxurious while visiting the area.
What to Do in Melaque
Melaque is not a resort town in the mold of Puerto Villarta or Acapulco. Instead it is a slow, small, quiet, friendly town where families enjoy themselves on the beach, tourists read under umbrellas, sun themselves, play in the surf, or relax in one of the many beachfront bars or restaurants.
Melaque is a very pedestrian and bicycle friendly town to get around in where visitors won’t be needing a rental car. Traffic is usually light at all times of the day with cars and minibuses driving slowly as they make their way through the many narrow streets.
Visitors looking for activities to break up their time on the beach can take part in informal yoga or Spanish language classes offered at various locales around town. There is a flea market in Melaque on Wednesdays where all manner of household items and souvenirs can be purchased. Travelers wanting to keep in touch with those back home can find Internet and Wifi access at a number of shops around town. Boats and guides can be hired at the docks of Barra for those interested in snorkeling or deep sea fishing excursions.
After the sun goes down the town square in Melaque becomes the place to relax. The sounds of English, Spanish, and French can be heard from people socializing while children run around playing, all enjoying the balmy evening air that wafts in off the bay.
Lawrence Koppy - Lawrence Koppy is an Oregon native living in the high desert of Central Oregon. He has been a small business owner for many years ...
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