These Are the Colombian Beaches Featured in Corona’s 2026 Beach 100 Guide
Colombia has once again gained international visibility as a beach destination with the inclusion of four locations in the 2026 edition of the Corona Beach 100 list, featuring some of the beaches considered among the most extraordinary in the world. The selection includes Palomino, Isla Corona, Playa del Cabo, and McBean Lagoon, four destinations located in different regions of Colombia.
The list highlights places that, beyond their landscapes, represent different coastal ecosystems and ways of connecting with the territory. From beaches near the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to the coral reefs and mangroves of the San Andrés and Providencia archipelago, the selection showcases the diversity of Colombia’s coastline.
Four Colombian beaches among the best in the world according to Corona’s Beach 100
The four Colombian beaches included in the Beach 100 list stand out for their natural beauty, connection to local culture, and commitment to conservation.
Palomino, Between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
In the department of La Guajira, Palomino has become one of the best-known destinations along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The beach is located within the municipality of Dibulla and offers a distinctive landscape where the Caribbean Sea meets the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
The destination is known for its laid-back atmosphere and tourism options, which in recent years have attracted both domestic and international travelers. Its sandy beaches and natural surroundings have made Palomino a popular destination for nature tourism and relaxation.
For travelers coming from other parts of Colombia, one of the most common options is to travel to Santa Marta and then continue east by road toward La Guajira. Palomino is approximately 80 kilometers from Santa Marta and can be reached by public transportation, private vehicle, or tourist services.
In addition to enjoying the beach, visitors can take part in activities connected to the area’s rivers and landscapes. Its location offers an opportunity to experience the close relationship between mountain ecosystems and the Caribbean, one of the characteristics that sets this destination apart from other coastal locations in the country.
@santamartaexotica Palomino el inicio de la guajira un lugar perfecto para difrutar del río y el mar en un mismo lugar para mayor información 3004315836 #palomino #guajiracolombia #santamarta ♬ sonido original – music_motivacional
Isla Corona and Playa del Cabo, Two Caribbean Landscapes in Colombia
The second Colombian destination highlighted is Isla Corona, located in the Rosario Islands in the department of Bolívar. The destination is part of an environment characterized by clear waters, coral reefs, and a wide variety of marine species.
To reach Isla Corona, travelers must depart from Cartagena de Indias and continue toward the archipelago by boat. Tourist boats mainly leave from the city, providing access to different areas of the Rosario Islands. The experience is closely connected to the marine ecosystem, making activities such as diving and snorkeling some of the main ways to explore the reefs.
The inclusion of Isla Corona highlights the importance of Colombia’s Caribbean coral ecosystems and the need to develop tourism activities that are compatible with their conservation.
@arenatourscartagena 📍Corona Island, Cartagena 🇨🇴😍
Farther east, in the department of Magdalena, lies Playa del Cabo, one of the best-known landscapes within Tayrona National Natural Park. Its location in a protected area allows it to preserve its connection with the tropical rainforest and the rock formations that characterize this section of the coast.
Access to Playa del Cabo requires entering Tayrona National Park and completing a land journey to reach the beach. Depending on the entrance point and park conditions, the route may combine hiking with authorized transportation. The journey itself is part of the experience, as it passes through tropical forest landscapes before reaching the coastline.
The contrast between vegetation, mountains, and sea is one of the main attractions of this part of the Caribbean. Because it is located within a national park, visits are also subject to conservation regulations designed to protect the surrounding ecosystems.
@arenatourscartagena 📍Playa Cabo San Juan, Parque Tayrona, Santa Marta 🇨🇴. #turismo #turismocolombia #turismocartagena #marcaribe #fyp #holiday #travelcolombia #viral #cartagenatravel #islasdelrosario ♬ sonido original – Arenatourscartagena
McBean Lagoon, Marine Nature in Providencia
The fourth Colombian beach selected is located on Providencia, part of the San Andres, Providencia, and Santa Catalina archipelago. McBean Lagoon is a protected area that combines beaches, mangroves, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems of major importance to the Caribbean.
The site is part of Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Natural Park, one of the island’s most representative natural areas. Its surroundings allow visitors to observe the relationship between terrestrial and marine ecosystems, with waters of different shades and significant biodiversity.
To reach Providencia, travelers must first travel to San Andres and then continue to the island using the available transportation options. Once in Providencia, visitors can reach the park’s different areas by local transportation or through tourism services.
McBean Lagoon offers activities focused on observing nature and marine ecosystems. Its reefs and mangroves form part of a system that plays an important role in biodiversity and requires particular care in the face of tourism pressures.
@jenteguia Cuando ese viaje soñado se hace realidad ✨ 📍Old Providence, Col 🌺🌊🌴 #oldprovidence #providencia ♬ sonido original – Jennifer Marin Ospina