Panama's Pacific Beaches Are Bustling with Activities
By now it’s old news that Panama is one of the top 5 retirement destinations in the world. Most folks already know that Time Magazine rated Panama as the #1 place to visit, Yahoo called Panama a top country worldwide for investment, our booming economy positioned us as the #1 country in Central America for economic growth last year. Panama’s visitors and residents alike have known for years that the country has something for everyone: from the variety of nightlife, shopping and dining choices in Panama City, to the quiet bird-filled skies of mountain towns such as Chica, El Valle, Boquete or Cerro Punta, or an escape to the secluded, unspoiled beaches. It’s common knowledge that Panama offers the best of all worlds.
So what’s the breaking news today in Panama? Well, it’s something exciting for those of us who live and work in Coronado and the Beaches.
Most foreigners don’t know- and many Panamanians are only now coming to realize- that the Pacific Coast of Panama is now seeing tremendous growth and improvements in infrastructure. Big plans are underway for even more growth and development in the very near future.
If you had visited the Pacific Coast near Panama City (beaches like Coronado, Punta Barco, San Carlos or Santa Clara) just a short time ago, you would have experienced a very different beach area then you would today. I moved to El Palmar in San Carlos just 5 years ago, when it was a quiet dreamy surf beach 7 days a week. The only grocery option at the time, apart from small tiendas with nothing more than the basics, was the El Rey plaza in Coronado. Back then, the plaza only housed two banks and a Pio Pio (yikes!).
Visit the Pacific Beaches and Coronado now, and you will find 3 shopping plazas with several malls either under construction or on the verge of completion. The options are convenient and nearly endless. No longer do I have to drive to Panama City for computer paper or good veggies. Now, not only are these “conveniences” offered, but we’re offered more than one location to purchase them!
Modern city conveniences have been imported to our little piece of paradise, and we love it! Panamanians and foreigners who have settled here in recent years have brought fun, nightlife, live music, a state-of-the-art Health Center, six banks, a variety of restaurants, and a lot of shopping. The influx of young families to the area has brought about the opening of three International Schools, where students aren’t just from Panama or North America anymore, but from all over the world.
With diversity has come positive change for the beach area, while still retaining our little piece of Paradise. Whether local or foreigner, we are all here because we love the sun, sand, and surf, but also because we love the casual atmosphere where we can grab a drink or bite to eat with friends. Now, those of us who have been here for awhile have some great choices for entertainment that were never available before, and there is always something to do at the Beaches!
Of course, with more folks visiting all the time, house parties abound and making friends is easy. If you don’t know anyone, the best place to find out what’s going on is the PlayaCommunity.com website, which will hook you up with upcoming Live Music, DJ Music Bars and Happy Hour Specials.
Check out one of the many restaurants in Coronado and find Live Music, Food Specials and even Theatre shows. Swing by El Palmar for its great beachfront restaurants and nighttime feet-in-the-sand beach bar, or head up the road to El Valle just a few kilometers and reach a restaurant that not only offers great food and cold drinks, but Salsa Classes! While in El Valle, catch an early morning breakfast before perusing the fresh produce at the Fruit and Veggie Market in the center of town. Swing by the thermal baths for some face mud (just $2.50!!!) and grab some yummy sweets at the local bakery. Be back at your beach home by early afternoon just in time for Happy Hour.
If nightlife isn’t your thing, then there’s always surfing, boogie boarding, stand up paddle boarding, tennis, golf, swimming, yoga, or kite surfing.
New hotels are springing up in the city with recognizable names such as the Marriott, Hard Rock, and RIU, and a new International Airport is scheduled to open here at the Beaches this year. With all this growth, some of Panama’s biggest developers have already staked their claims, and more are following suit.
Today, options abound: Beach living projects offer everything from swanky condos, rustic style villas, chic and modern single family homes, beach style townhouses, and enormous residences, to amenities such as high end restaurants, spas, golf courses, tennis courts, equestrian clubs, marinas, beach clubs and casinos. Every luxury and convenience can be yours; in Coronado and the Beaches there is something for everyone!
***Find out why more than ever, people choose our little slice of Paradise. Whether you’re looking for a vacation property or a retirement home, TRY PANAMA REAL ESTATE will help make your Panama property purchase convenient and affordable. We’re a bi-lingual, full-service agency with years of experience in this particular market, and an in-house legal team to hold your hand every step of the way. Contact us at www.trypanama.com or phone here in Panama at: #345-4375
