Beaches of Leon Nicaragua | Travel Guide

From Managua to León, via the carretera vieja, you’ll follow the Pacific coast. Turning west, you can visit the coast’s many black-sand beaches: Pochomil, El Tránsito, Miramar, Salinas Grandes. Then you’ll have to cross the town of León before continuing either westwards to the beaches of Las Peñitas and Poneloya, or northwards to the beaches of Jiquilillo and Asaredorres, among others.

Beaches south of León

Montélimar and Pochomil

Montélimar, Gran Pacifica, one of Nicaragua’s best-known beaches, was the former dictator Somoza’s second home. Now transformed into a casino, the building is part of one of the region’s only Nicaraguan resorts. Its beach is one of the most beautiful in the Pacific, with fine sand and coconut palms dancing in the breeze. Access to the beach is reserved for hotel guests, who are the law here in Montélimar.

Don’t worry, just above is Pochomilbeach , more authentic, more popular and just as pretty. The small beach stores cater mainly to local tourists, and are busy on Sundays and public holidays.

El Tránsito

Less than an hour’s drive from Managua, a small track leads to this authentic fishing village. A beach of black volcanic sand, with a hill overlooking it. Natural pools everywhere! And waves! A paradise for surfers and families alike. The village remains a family affair. Tourism is fairly recent. Fishing cooperatives, local houses and bars sit harmoniously alongside the 5 or 6 hotels and restaurants. The village is not very big. The view from the top of the hill is incredible. The long barrier of rocks to the north of the beach becomes visible. Towards the mainland, there’s nothing but green. In the end, you feel in a very secluded and authentic place. We often witness the return and departure of the fishermen, the ballet of the few surfers playing on the ocean waves and the breathtaking sunsets.

Miramar and Puerto Sandino

Around 70 km from the city of Managua, Puerto Sandino is a merchant port whose neighboring beach, Miramar, is renowned as an excellent surfing destination. This small fishing and farming village invites you to relax and unwind.

Salinas Grandes

Located less than 30 minutes’ drive south of the city of León, this long 4 km beach borders the south side of the Isla Juan Venado nature reserve. It takes its name from the many surrounding salt flats you’ll see on arrival. The village isn’t very big, and doesn’t get much action outside Holy Week, when the owners of the few houses come to spend the week.

Beaches north of León

Las Peñitas and Poneloya

The residential Poneloyabeach is especially popular with locals. Its neighbor, Las Peñitas, a traditional fishing village, has been enjoying a boom in tourism in recent years. The long kilometer along the coast offers a wide choice of accommodation and restaurants.

At the end of the road is access to the estuary, Isla Juan Venado and its mangroves. The nature reserve fills and empties with salt water according to the tides. It’s a must-see for lovers of flora and fauna, which you can discover aboard a lancha or in a kayak accompanied by a local guide.

Jiquilillo

Further north of León is the town of Chinandega and « its » beaches, some 40 minutes away. Large, green, deserted beaches, Nicaragua’s Eldorado? It’s said that some of Nicaragua’s leading families have been investing here for some years now, so great is the potential for development. The land is large and fertile, the beaches enormous. Jiquilillo is one of Nicaragua’s largest beaches and belongs to the Padre Ramos nature reserve. Not far away is the Cosiguina volcano and the border with Honduras on the other side of the Gulf of Fonseca. The panorama is simply breathtaking!