Playa El Sunzal: Surfing Paradise in El Salvador
Experience world-class surfing, stunning sunsets, and a laid-back vibe at Playa El Sunzal, El Salvador's iconic beach break.
Playa El Sunzal, El Salvador, is a renowned surfing destination with consistent waves for all skill levels. Its laid-back atmosphere, stunning sunsets, and budget-friendly amenities make it a must-visit for surf enthusiasts and backpackers seeking a relaxed beach vibe.
A brief summary to Playa El Sunzal
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Local tips
- The best time to visit for surfing is during the dry season (November to April) for consistent swells and sunny days.
- Be cautious when swimming due to strong currents.
- Bring cash, as smaller establishments may not accept cards.
- Enjoy the sunset views from the beach.
- Consider a day pass at a beachfront restaurant or hotel for access to amenities like showers and beachside seating.
Getting There
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Bus
From San Salvador, take the 102-A bus towards El Tunco. The bus will drop you off in El Tunco, from where you can take a taxi or walk to El Sunzal. The bus ride takes approximately 49 minutes and costs $2.
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Taxi/Shuttle
From El Salvador International Airport (SAL), pre-booked private transfers are available to El Sunzal. The journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Expect to pay around $55 per person for a private shuttle.
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Walking
If you are coming from El Tunco, you can walk along the beach to El Sunzal. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes. Be aware of the hot rocks during midday.
Discover more about Playa El Sunzal
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Playa El Sunzal
0.0 km
Experience world-class surfing, stunning sunsets, and a laid-back vibe at Playa El Sunzal, El Salvador's iconic beach break.
Kayu Resort & Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience luxury and local flavors at Kayu Resort & Restaurant in El Sunzal, a tropical paradise on the Pacific Coast of El Salvador.
Oceanside El Salvador
0.9 km
Experience the stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures at Oceanside El Salvador, your perfect coastal getaway.
Layback Surf Hotel
1.0 km
Experience beachfront bliss at Layback Surf Hotel in El Tunco, El Salvador. Surf, relax, and soak up the sun!
Hotel Los Farallones
1.8 km
Experience coastal luxury at Hotel Los Farallones in La Libertad, El Salvador, with stunning ocean views and a private beach.
Vista Sunzal Bungalows
1.9 km
Relax and ride the waves at Vista Sunzal Bungalows, your gateway to El Salvador's surfing paradise and coastal adventures.
Real trips El Salvador tour Agency
3.2 km
Discover the beauty and culture of El Salvador with personalized tours from Real Trips El Salvador Tour Agency, your trusted travel partner in La Libertad.
Sabas Beach Resort
3.2 km
Experience beachfront bliss at Sabas Beach Resort in La Libertad, El Salvador. Relax, surf, and explore the beauty of Surf City.
Hammock Plantation (hostel)
3.4 km
Relaxing beachfront hostel in El Palmarcito, El Salvador, offering budget-friendly accommodations and a tranquil escape.
Mandala Eco Villas
4.4 km
Experience an eco-friendly retreat at Mandala Eco Villas, a serene paradise in El Salvador combining comfort, nature, and sustainability for the ultimate getaway.
Puro Surf Hotel & Performance Academy
4.9 km
Experience beachfront bliss at El Zonte's Puro Surf Hotel: surf school, training, ocean views, and relaxation in a laid-back surf town.
Covana Seaside Kitchen
5.0 km
Experience fresh, locally-inspired cuisine with stunning ocean views at Covana Seaside Kitchen in El Zonte, El Salvador.
Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel
5.0 km
Experience eco-luxury at Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel in El Zonte, El Salvador: surf, sustainability, and breathtaking ocean views.
Canegue Cafe
5.1 km
El Zonte's beachfront cafe serving delicious brunch, exceptional coffee, and a laid-back surf vibe with fresh, local ingredients and ocean views.
Lote 44
5.1 km
Experience tranquility and surf vibes at Lote 44 in El Zonte, El Salvador. Your perfect getaway awaits!
Unmissable attractions to see
Piedra El Tunco
0.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Piedra El Tunco, a coastal treasure in El Salvador known for its stunning views, surf culture, and vibrant sunsets.
El Tunco Beach
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant surf culture and breathtaking sunsets at El Tunco Beach, a must-visit coastal gem in El Salvador.
Tunco Beach Surf School & Rental
0.8 km
Experience the thrill of surfing at Tunco Beach Surf School & Rental, a top destination for enthusiasts and beginners in El Sunzal, El Salvador.
Tunco Life - El Salvador tours
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant surf culture, stunning sunsets, and warm local hospitality at Playa El Tunco in El Salvador.
El Tunco
0.9 km
Explore El Tunco, El Salvador: A vibrant surf village with stunning beaches, rich culture, and unforgettable sunsets along the Pacific coast.
Letras El Tunco
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant art and stunning coastal views at Letras El Tunco, a top tourist attraction in El Sunzal, El Salvador.
Playa El Tunco
1.1 km
Discover the allure of Playa El Tunco, a beautiful beach in El Salvador perfect for surfing, relaxation, and unforgettable sunsets.
Surf City
1.1 km
Discover Surf City: Your ultimate destination for surfing, relaxation, and local cuisine on El Salvador’s stunning coastline.
Playa El Palmarcito
2.4 km
Experience the serene beauty of Playa El Palmarcito, a perfect blend of golden sands, gentle waves, and vibrant local culture in El Salvador.
Mirador Tamanique
2.6 km
Discover stunning views of El Salvador's natural beauty from Mirador Tamanique, an unmissable observation deck for every traveler.
Atami Playa, El Salvador
2.8 km
Experience the stunning beauty of Atami Playa in El Salvador, where adventure meets relaxation on pristine beaches.
Playa El Majahual
2.8 km
Experience the tranquil beauty and adventure at Playa El Majahual, a hidden beach gem on El Salvador's stunning coast.
Maya Surf Tours & School El Salvador
3.2 km
Experience the thrill of surfing at Maya Surf Tours & School El Salvador, where adventure meets the stunning beauty of Playa El Palmarcito.
Mirador turistico
3.6 km
Experience breathtaking ocean views at El Zonte's Mirador Turistico, the perfect spot for sunset lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Playa de Conchalio
4.6 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Playa de Conchalio, a pristine beach in El Salvador perfect for relaxation, water sports, and stunning sunsets.
Essential places to dine
Sunzal Cafe
0.2 km
Experience breathtaking ocean views and delicious local cuisine at Sunzal Cafe on El Sunzal's stunning coastline.
Restaurante La Bocana
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of El Salvador at Restaurante La Bocana – where family-friendly dining meets local culinary excellence.
Restaurante Erika
0.7 km
Experience local flavors and stunning views at Restaurante Erika in Playa – where every meal becomes a memorable occasion.
Coyote
0.8 km
Discover Coyote: A culinary gem near Playa El Tunco offering fresh seafood and traditional Salvadoran cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
Esquina la comadre
0.8 km
Discover the authentic tastes of El Salvador at Esquina la Comadre, where every dish tells a story.
Cadejo Brewing Company
0.9 km
Experience the best of craft beer and coastal cuisine at Cadejo Brewing Company in Tamanique - where flavor meets ocean views.
Loroco Bistro
0.9 km
Discover unique Salvadoran cuisine at Loroco Bistro in Playa Tunco - where every dish tells a story.
JungleSv
0.9 km
Discover JungleSv: A vibrant restaurant blending health food and cocktails in a tropical paradise at Playa.
Tunco Veloz Pizzeria
0.9 km
Discover exquisite pizzas and pastas at Tunco Veloz Pizzeria in Playa El Tunco – where flavor meets vibrant coastal charm.
Beto's Restaurante La Libertad
1.6 km
Discover Beto's Restaurante La Libertad - where fresh seafood meets stunning ocean views in Tamanique.
Sunset Plaza
1.6 km
Experience culinary excellence at Sunset Plaza in La Libertad – where every meal comes with breathtaking ocean views.
Pelicanos Restaurant
2.9 km
Discover Pelicanos Restaurant in Tamanique for exquisite seafood dishes and breathtaking ocean views that elevate your culinary journey.
Restaurante La Dolce Vita Playa San Blas
3.4 km
Discover exquisite flavors and oceanfront relaxation at Restaurante La Dolce Vita Playa San Blas – where culinary delights meet stunning views.
Tomadulu
3.5 km
Experience authentic Salvadoran cuisine fused with modern flavors at Tomadulu in La Libertad.
Ostrero Chepe Aleta
3.6 km
Discover fresh seafood and stunning river views at Ostrero Chepe Aleta in El Zonte – where local charm meets coastal delight.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dale Dale Café
0.8 km
Discover the essence of El Sunzal at Dale Dale Café, where artisanal coffee meets stunning ocean views in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Karen Hope Store
0.9 km
Explore Karen Hope Store for unique souvenirs and local crafts that embody the spirit of El Salvador, perfect for any traveler.
El Encuentro Surf City Mall
4.5 km
Discover El Encuentro Surf City Mall, where shopping meets coastal charm in Playa San Blas, offering unique local finds and delightful dining.
Ava’s Closet
7.0 km
Explore Ava’s Closet in La Libertad for stylish clothing and accessories, reflecting the vibrant culture of El Salvador.
Tienda Luz
7.1 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of La Libertad at Tienda Luz, your one-stop grocery store for local and international products.
Variedades Dilma
7.6 km
Experience the essence of Salvadoran craftsmanship at Variedades Dilma, a premier cutlery store in La Libertad, where quality meets art.
Sastrería El Shinay
7.6 km
Discover bespoke tailoring and unique men's fashion at Sastrería El Shinay in La Libertad, where craftsmanship meets personalized service.
Tío Nay
7.7 km
Discover unique Salvadoran fashion at Tío Nay in La Libertad, where local artistry meets contemporary style.
Tienda cris
7.7 km
Explore the vibrant culture of La Libertad at Tienda Cris, a charming home goods store offering unique local products and artisan treasures.
Women
7.7 km
Explore the vibrant Women clothing store in La Libertad for stylish apparel that captures the essence of Salvadoran fashion.
San Diego Store
7.8 km
Discover unique youth fashion at San Diego Store in La Libertad, where local culture meets contemporary style.
BICAE S.A DE C.V.
7.8 km
Explore BICAE S.A DE C.V. in La Libertad for exquisite couture fashion, blending luxury with local charm in a stunning coastal setting.
Variedades Bonilla
7.8 km
Explore Variedades Bonilla in La Libertad: A charming general store full of local crafts, snacks, and authentic Salvadoran culture.
LJ Store
7.8 km
Discover unique home goods and decor at LJ Store in La Libertad, where local craftsmanship meets vibrant design.
Variedades Lemus
7.8 km
Discover Variedades Lemus in La Libertad: where local fashion meets vibrant culture, perfect for unique souvenirs and stylish apparel.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Olalai Beach Lounge
0.1 km
Discover Olalai Beach Lounge, a vibrant beachfront bar and restaurant in El Sunzal, perfect for food, fun, and surf enthusiasts.
BamBar
0.7 km
Discover BamBar in El Sunzal: where refreshing drinks meet stunning ocean views for an unforgettable tropical experience.
La Bonita Beach Club
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and stunning ocean views at La Bonita Beach Club in Tamanique, a culinary paradise for beach lovers.
Michela
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of El Salvador at Michela, a premier grill restaurant serving exquisite dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Kako's Gastrobar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant culinary delights of Kako's Gastrobar in Tamanique, where fresh local flavors meet a lively beachside atmosphere.
Barba Blanca
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant Barba Blanca in Tamanique, where tropical cocktails and breathtaking views create an unforgettable experience.
Mopelia | Restaurante & Bar
1.0 km
Explore the vibrant flavors and coastal ambiance at Mopelia | Restaurante & Bar in Playa El Tunco, the ultimate spot for food and fun.
Long Beach Bar Karaoke
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Long Beach Bar Karaoke, where every night is a celebration of music, laughter, and unforgettable performances.
Cervecería Chapultepec | La Libertad
1.7 km
Explore the vibrant flavors of Cervecería Chapultepec, where delicious gastropub dishes meet a lively bar atmosphere near Playa El Tunco.
Bella Vista
3.0 km
Discover comfort and local charm at Bella Vista, your tranquil retreat near Playa El Majahual in La Libertad, El Salvador.
Gitano La libertad (Plaza Baru)
4.8 km
Experience the vibrant beachside dining at Gitano La Libertad, where exquisite grilled dishes meet the beauty of Playa El Cocal.
Xclusive Club Bar
5.1 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Xclusive Club Bar in La Libertad, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await you.
The Beach Break Hotel and Sports Bar
5.2 km
Discover paradise at The Beach Break Hotel and Sports Bar in El Zonte, where relaxation meets adventure in a stunning coastal setting.
Clásico Beach
5.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking views at Clásico Beach, the perfect coastal bar for relaxation and enjoyment.
The Beer Station
5.2 km
The Beer Station: Discover a lively bar in El Salvador offering a remarkable selection of local and international beers in a welcoming atmosphere.
