The Placencia Peninsula is 16 miles long and located in the southern Stann Creek District of Belize. Its name means “pleasant” in Spanish, and when you visit you will realize how apt the name is.
There is only one main road that runs the length of the peninsula. It’s easy to traverse, whether you choose to walk, ride a bike or take a car. Golf carts and scooters are quite common, as well.
This road takes you past some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Belize. It’s known by locals as “barefoot perfect” and the “barefoot paradise” thanks to these stretches of soft sand.
While small resorts dot the landscape, thanks to the low population density it’s easy to find your own private stretch of sand. The peninsula is home to only about 6,000 people. That makes it easy to find a secluded grotto for a quiet siesta or a private swim.
Of the four villages along the Peninsula, Placencia Village is the largest at 1,500 residents. It’s home to the “world’s most narrow main street” according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
This sidewalk runs between the main road and the beach and entices visitors with its small boutiques and trendy cafes.
As the peninsula is only a mile wide, it’s easy to enjoy both sunrise and sunset over the water. In the morning, you might go snorkeling or diving in the Caribbean after watching the sun rise, then enjoy a delicious brunch at one of the cafes in Placencia Village.
In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach and a nap under the palms. Afterwards, migrate over to the west side of the peninsula, where you can enjoy a plate of delicious stewed chicken with rice and beans for about US $5 from one of the small patio restaurants set up between the beach and the lagoon.
While you enjoy your after-dinner drinks, you can watch the sun set over the Maya Mountains located across the lagoon.
The pace of life here in very laid back and the people are its finest resource. They showcase the diversity of Belize, with Latinos, Creoles, Maya, Garifunas and Mennonites as well as East Indian, Chinese and European immigrants. No matter what their heritage, you’ll find the locals to be genuinely friendly and welcoming.
Should you choose to be social, you can enjoy a variety of live music and dining options. You may have a chance to play drums with the Garifuna or eat authentic Creole cuisine. Wandering into the shops, you will find lovely Belizean wood carvings and indigenous Maya souvenirs.
If this lifestyle sounds appealing to you, consider a stay at Mariposa Beach Resort , a gold standard Belize resort. With 6 luxury treehouses as well as 3 beachfront suites and a penthouse overlooking the Caribbean, you’ll find luxurious accommodations as well as a friendly staff that will pamper you. Whether you would like a luxurious spa day or reserve a golf cart for finding a secluded beach, we will ensure that you enjoy your relaxing beach vacation in beautiful Placencia, Belize.