Playa Zicatela, Oaxaca

Zicatela Beach draws an international crowd of surfers, bodyboarders and their entourages. Mid to late summer is low season for tourists, but a prime time for waves and international tournaments. This beach is separated from the other beaches by a rocky outcropping called "El Morro". The beach is 50 to 100 metres wide and four kilometres long. With large waves that reach up to sixteen metres, high Zicatela is a surfers' beach, with the strong rip current making the area unsuitable for swimming. The Zicatela Beach tourist district caters to surfers, including specials on surfboard rentals. The beach now has a promenade, landscaped with flowers and shrubs along the restaurants, many recently established. ©istock/HungryWalrus