Stunning shorelines at every turn, lush, turquoise waters, culture-rich, history-heavy - you name it, Cancun's got it and then some. This the perfect place for your next 2025 holiday.

Good to Know

🤩 Fun fact: Cancun's Great Maya Reef is the second largest coral reef system in the world, right behind the Great Barrier Reef - perfect for snorkelers and divers!

🏖️ Best beach: Now this is a tough one! Playa Delfines for the views, Playa Norte for family-friendly vibes, or Playa Tortugas for water sports – take your pick!

🍺 Price of a pint: Expect to pay around a couple of euros (40-60 MXN). Cheers to affordable cervezas!

Destination highlights

• Over 9,000km of sandy beaches

• 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites to choose from

• Festive fun all year round

• Home to the iconic Hotel Zone strip

🌮Taco 'bout useful phrases🌮 

• Hello - Hola 

• Good bye - Adiós 

• Good morning - Buenos días 

• How are you? - ¿Cómo estás? 

• I’m good, thank you - Estoy bien, gracias 

• Please - Por favor

• Thank you - Gracias 

• You’re welcome - De nada 

• Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you

• Do you speak English? - ¿Hablas inglés? 

• A beer, please - Una cerveza, por favor 

• The bill, please - La cuenta, por favor

Getting around in Cancun

🚌 Buses

Buses are the main form of transport in Cancun, especially along the Hotel Zone and downtown area. They’re cheap (typically around 12-15 MXN) and convenient, running frequently all day. Most buses are air-conditioned (a lifesaver in the heat!), making them a comfortable option. No need to book in advance - just pay the driver in cash when you board.

🚐 Colectivos (Minibuses)

For short trips or travelling between Cancun and places like Playa del Carmen, colectivos are your go-to. Hop on, pay a small fare, and hop off wherever you like!

🚖 Taxis

Taxis are plentiful in Cancun but can vary in price. It's important to agree on the fare before your ride, as most taxis don’t use meters. For added convenience and transparency, apps like Uber or DiDi are available, making it easier to get around.

Where is the best area to stay in Cancun?

• Family holidays - Hotel Zone is a top choice for family holidays. It’s packed with all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly activities, and beautiful beaches like Playa Delfines. Plus, you’ll have easy access to attractions like Aquaworld and Interactive Aquarium Cancun, ensuring the kids are entertained.

• Squad goals - For a fun-filled holiday, stay in Downtown Cancun. This area offers vibrant nightlife, local markets, and budget-friendly options. Plus, you’re close to the famous Party Center and beach clubs along the Hotel Zone for unforgettable nights out. Group holidays just had an upgrade!

• Coupling up -  Couples will love the laid-back luxury of Playa Mujeres. Just north of Cancun’s main strip, it’s quieter and more secluded, with romantic beachfront resorts and access to stunning beaches, ideal for a peaceful and couples escape.

What are the best beaches in Cancun?

• Playa Delfines – with powdery white sands stretching for miles on either side, this spot is Cancun’s most popular beach destination – and justifiably so!

• Puerto Morelos – featuring the Mesoamerican reef just off the coast, this relaxing beach is popular with snorkellers

• Playa Chac Mool – perfect for the adventurous traveller, with a range of watersports to make holidays to Cancun something to remember

• Playa Tortugas – if the kids are looking for a splash, this is a great beach for a fun-filled family holiday in Cancun

• Playa Forum – located within easy reach of bars and restaurants, there’s always something to do at this local favourite – day or night

• Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve – protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, there’s every excuse to experience the beach ‘where heaven began’

• Playa Langosta - a quieter vibe - if that's what you're all about - think clear, crystal waters you won't even see your reflection in and the best sunset view you could ask for!

What are the top hotels in Cancun?

Cancun holidays will normally see sunseekers staying in the Hotel Zone in Riviera Maya - a long stretch of land that surrounds the mesmerising Nichupte Lagoon. Can't decide where to stay? Here are some of our favourite Cancun hotels:

• Sun Palace - overlooking the Caribbean, this romantic adults-only spot is the perfect hotel if you fancy whisking your special someone away for a couples' holiday.

• Beach Palace - With easy access to the beach, pools and playgrounds, this hotel is a great choice for family holidays to Cancun.

• Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Riviera Maya - Adults Only - a slice of paradise, this hotel offers guests a beautiful pool scene surrounded by pretty gardens.

• Iberostar Selection Cancun - you can't go wrong with Iberostar, and this one opens up right onto the beach. Heaven if you ask us.

• Omni Cancun & Villas - a five-star hotel with a variety of pools, Jacuzzis and a range of activities to make your holiday to Cancun one to remember.

• Smart Cancun The Urban Oasis - it's not joking when it says Smart right in the name - poolside cabanas, a 24-hour coffee and sandwich shop and gorge rooms to rest your pretty lil' head in.

Cancun holidays 2025 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do for families in Cancun

Cancun is a fantastic destination for families with plenty to keep kids entertained. Spend a fun day at Xcaret Park, where you can explore underground rivers, swim in natural pools, and experience cultural performances. Interactive Aquarium Cancun offers a hands-on experience where kids can meet sea creatures up close. Aquaworld is perfect for water-loving families, with snorkelling, jet skis, and glass-bottom boat tours. For some downtime, head to Playa Tortugas, a calm beach with shallow waters, perfect for a family day by the sea.

❤️ Things to do for couples in Cancun

Cancun is a dreamy destination for couples looking for romance. Start your day with a sunrise visit to Playa Delfines, one of Cancun’s most beautiful beaches. Then, escape to Isla Mujeres for a tranquil day of lounging on the beach or snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Book a sunset sail for a romantic evening, or stroll hand-in-hand through El Parque de las Palapas, where you’ll find local food stalls and live music. Don’t forget to enjoy a candlelit dinner at one of Cancun’s top beachfront restaurants.

🥳 Things to do for groups in Cancun

If you’re travelling with friends, Cancun offers endless group activities. Start with a lively day at Playa Norte, one of the most social beaches, where you can rent paddleboards or join a game of beach volleyball. For nightlife, head to the famous Coco Bongo, a nightclub known for its outrageous performances and energetic atmosphere. Adventure seekers can book a group excursion to Xplor Park, where you can zipline through the jungle or raft through underground rivers. Round out the day with a taco tour around downtown Cancun.

🍽️ Things to do for foodies in Cancun

Cancun is a paradise for food lovers. Kick off your culinary adventure by visiting La Habichuela, a local favourite for authentic Yucatecan cuisine. For street food enthusiasts, the Parque de las Palapas food stalls are a must-visit for tacos, marquesitas, and elotes. Seafood fans will love Puerto Madero, an upscale spot offering fresh lobster and grilled fish with views of the lagoon. If you want a hands-on experience, book a traditional Mexican cooking class, where you can learn to make your own tortillas and salsas.

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