Goodbye Tulum, So Long Cancun: This Picturesque Tourist-Friendly Mexican Village Is A New Hotspot For Beachy Fun

Sometimes, those looking for a tropical getaway are in the mood for something significantly quieter than Mexican favorites Cancun and Tulum. On Oaxaca's Pacific shore, San Agustinillo is a small village that fits the bill. Made for slow mornings, beach walks and lingering over coffee, the village stretches along three small bays, with fishing boats on the horizon and palapa restaurants close to the sand. 

Within strolling distance of both boho Mazunte and chilled Zipolite, San Agustinillo is home to a handful of eco-friendly stays, quaint surf shacks and yoga studios, so there's plenty to do. But the real joy here is sinking into the easy pace of seaside life.

Has the surfing community put this unassuming little village on the tourism map? Who's to say? But the fact that the petite beach and its comparatively smaller waves make for a wonderful place to learn how to ride the rips, particularly during the dry season months of January and February, could well be a factor. Not to mention the great swells during the rainy season loved by veteran surfers. Whether on board or on shore, San Agustinillo's easy-breezy village life is the perfect respite from other beach resorts on the Oaxaca coast, and here's why.

Overtourism in Mexico has become a very real issue in recent years, with popular tourist destinations getting a rep for being a bit of a nightmare. Sure, Tulum still has some pretty spots like the shimmering green lagoons in Sian Ka'an Wildlife Reserve, but in many places, that Mayan temple-adorned coast is now awash with smelly seaweed and has been overdeveloped to the point of saturation. Branching out to smaller, lesser-known towns and villages like San Agustinillo makes for responsible tourism, and you'll find the town is as tourist-friendly and picturesque as anywhere you're likely to see in the country.

Local photographers and early risers will tell you that early morning is a lovely time to wander the beach, when things are peaceful, and the light is soft. It's the perfect time to capture the pretty buildings and landscape. For glorious sunsets, head towards the western Mazunte end of San Agustinillo's beach, or take a little hike to nearby Punta Cometa. This small peninsula offers sweeping Pacific views and is the most scenic place to take in the vista as the sun goes down. 

San Agustinillo is a tourist-friendly village, with a fledgling hospitality scene run by locals and expats, so you're just as likely to find quesadillas as Italian fare. Perched on the sand, Rica Pizza (also known as Porteña Pizza) makes a delicious calzone; El Sueno de Frida also sits close to the beach and is an easy morning stop where the welcoming proprietors serve a delectable Mexican breakfast; and it would be criminal to skip the seafood while so close to the ocean – mainstay El Navegante is run by friendly, fun owners who are as memorable as the guajillo shrimp on their menu.

San Agustinillo isn't yet topping lists of the best beginner-friendly surf beaches, but it's no doubt well on its way to such recognition. And when we think of Mexican beach destinations, Cancun is generally the first that pops to mind, but the wildly popular beach town was recently named the world's worst tourist destination. So it's time to branch out to new shores down in Mexico.

The aforementioned surf scene keeps eager riders busy: Ipa Surf School is perched at the western flank of the beach while Surf Camp San Agus sits at the eastern end. Both rent out boards and run classes – expect a guided session to last 90-120 minutes, including demos and practice on the beach before you try your hand in the water.

For the budding David Attenboroughs amongst you, San Agustinillo is home to savvy guides who'll take you out on their boats to spot sea turtles, dolphins and – if you're lucky and in season – even migrating whales. The best way to arrange one of these trips is to ask your guesthouse or pop down to the beach and ask the captains in person — they're never far from their boats. But as we all know, beaches are truly for lounging on; maybe it's time to kick back with a book and a tasty cocktail at Alba Beach Club, lazing in the sun. Whatever you go for, it's bound to be idyllic.