Colima has beaches, forests and mountain ranges for adventure and relaxation. Its pretty state capital, also called Colima, offers entertainment and culture. It is sometimes known as the “City of Palms” because of the many banana and coconut palms lining its streets and plazas. This laid-back university town also contains lush subtropical gardens and grand neoclassical architecture, such as the Colima Cathedral and Palacio de Gobierno (City Hall). Don’t miss the ruins of the 16th-century San Francisco de Almoloyán Monastery.
From the city’s main plaza, look for the twin volcanoes, Volcán de Fuego and Volcán Nevado de Colima, 20 miles (30 kilometers) to the north. The area attracts a small but growing number of adventure tourists. Take a trip out to the Nevado de Colima Volcano National Park or the Suchitlán Canyons for stunning views of the craters. Scuba dive in the clear waters around the Archipiélago de Revillagigedo Biosphere Reserve to see sharks, manta rays and other sea life.
Head for Manzanillo, a port town with luxurious hotels, resorts, golf courses and a well-maintained historic center. The area is famous for fishing, with plentiful marlin and sailfish offshore. Sample the catch of the day at one of the seafood palapas (thatch-roofed restaurants) lining the beach.
The relaxed town of Comala, designated a “Pueblo Magico” (Magic Town) by the Mexican Tourism Board, is another highlight. Called the “Pueblito Blanco” or “White Village,” it is made up of gleaming white buildings with red-tiled roofs, adorned with colorful bougainvilleas. Shop for local handicrafts, linger in the many tapas bars lining the main plaza and sample the coffee the area is famous for producing.
After exploring the cities, unwind at one of the many sandy beaches, including Salahua, La Audiencia and Miramar, that dot Colima’s extensive coastline.
To reach the state of Colima, take a domestic flight to Colima Airport or ride buses from other major Mexican cities. From Colima city, it is about an hour’s drive to the coast.