If you dream of living by the sea—warm waters lapping at your doorstep, palm trees swaying in the breeze—Panama deserves a place at the top of your list.
Few countries offer such a range of beachside lifestyles, from polished resort towns with first-world conveniences to quiet, close-knit communities where time seems to stand still.
Whether you’re thinking about retiring abroad, seeking a snowbird escape, or exploring property investment opportunities, Panama offers something for every taste and budget. Here are six of its best beach towns.
Coronado—Panama’s Most Famous Beach Hub
Just an hour from Panama City, Coronado is the country’s most popular beach—and for good reason.
The town’s beaches feature a mix of golden and volcanic black sands with calm waters for swimming. They draw crowds of city-dwellers looking to relax most weekend.
Coronado is so popular that a fully developed community with modern hospitals, large supermarkets, hardware stores, and plenty of restaurants and cafés has taken shape.
English is widely spoken, and the social scene is lively, with quiz nights, live music, and regular expat gatherings. It’s also home to one of Panama’s top golf courses.
For anyone seeking a turn-key beach lifestyle with reliable infrastructure, easy access to the capital, and a strong rental market, Coronado is an obvious choice.
Pedasí—Traditional Charm Meets Coastal Living
Set on the southeastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula, Pedasí offers small-town charm and strong beach lifestyle appeal. Dozens of beaches lie within easy reach from Pedasí, including the world-famous Playa Venao, a magnet for surfers and beach lovers.
With around 5,000 residents, this is a friendly, walkable community where life moves at a relaxed pace. The surrounding Azuero region is considered the heartland of Panamanian culture—a place where cattle ranching, farming, and fishing still shape daily life.
Safety, simplicity, and affordability make Pedasí a top choice for retirees and families seeking an authentic Panamanian lifestyle. And with rising interest from foreign buyers, the area also offers long-term investment potential.
Los Islotes—A Visionary Private Community
Near the southern tip of Veraguas Province, Los Islotes is more than a beach town—it’s a thoughtfully planned private community envisioned by Live And Invest Overseas Founders Kathleen Peddicord and Lief Simon.
This development combines natural beauty with modern comforts: private beaches, equestrian facilities, Starlink internet, underground utilities, and 24-hour security are just the beginning.
Future amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness center, and a town center with a church, library, and student learning hub for the local community.
Los Islotes is ideal for those who value privacy, independence, and a strong sense of community… and who want to be part of an exciting, purpose-built project from the ground up.
Find out more about investment opportunities at Los Islotes here.
Santa Catalina—Nature And Adventure On The Pacific
Once a sleepy fishing village, Santa Catalina has become one of Panama’s rising stars, thanks largely to its incredible surf. Some of the best waves in Latin America break here, attracting surfers, adventurers, and a growing international expat community.
Despite its fame, Santa Catalina remains laid-back and unspoiled. Surrounded by rain forest and long stretches of beach, it’s a place to reconnect with nature. Services are improving but still basic—internet and power can be inconsistent—which only adds to its off-grid charm.
Veraguas Province, where Santa Catalina is located, is Panama’s only region with coasts on both the Pacific and Caribbean. With stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and emerging eco-tourism potential, Santa Catalina offers excellent opportunities for investors with an eye for growth.
Puerto Armuelles—Affordable, Authentic, And Poised For Growth
For those seeking value and potential upside, Puerto Armuelles deserves close attention. This peaceful Pacific town offers some of the most affordable beachfront real estate in the country—often at a fraction of prices closer to Panama City—yet the beaches here are as beautiful and far less crowded.
Puerto Armuelles was once a bustling port, and the government is investing to revive that legacy. A deep-water port project and a rail link to Panama City are already underway, which could dramatically increase the area’s economic activity and property values in coming years.
Friendly locals, a welcoming atmosphere, and low cost of living make Puerto Armuelles ideal for retirees and entrepreneurs alike. For investors, it’s one of Panama’s most promising “next big thing” beach towns.
Contadora Island—Exclusive And Elegant
If your dream beach life involves island breezes and secluded shores, Isla Contadora in the Pearl Islands might be your match.
Once a pirate hideout, today it’s an upscale retreat popular with expats and retirees from around the globe. English is widely spoken, and the island’s remote location—accessible only by boat or plane—offers a built-in sense of security and privacy.
Contadora is one of Panama’s more expensive expat destinations, as all goods must be shipped in from the mainland. But in exchange, you get pristine beaches, world-class fishing, and the peace of mind that comes from living in a safe, exclusive environment.
For those seeking a more luxurious island lifestyle—or a high-end rental property—Contadora delivers.
A Beach Lifestyle Within Reach
Panama’s beach towns offer more than palm trees and ocean views…
They deliver real opportunities for better living, smart investment, and a new chapter abroad.
Whether you’re drawn to the convenience of Coronado, the authenticity of Pedasí, the potential of Puerto Armuelles, or the exclusivity of Contadora and Los Islotes, Panama’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts are brimming with possibility.
To smooth travels and successful property buys,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Property Alert