Isla Grande is where Panamanians go on weekends to escape from the stressful speed of life, since within only two hours from the city, you can go snorkelling in some of the best Caribbean beaches with striking coral reefs like the ones you find in Portobelo National Park.
"The island" (as it is called by locals), also offers tropical flowers and coconut trees, and since there are no streets, you feel as if you were on a desert island.
La Punta is probably the best beach in this place, a stretch of white sand that has become the emblem of the island. But there are many other beaches in Isla Grande, with amazing corals, turquoise water and lively people, where both Panamanians and international tourists find relief.
There are not big hotels in Isla Grande, and the best places to stay are the famous oceanfront cottages that tourists can rent.
Sightseeing on the rocky island is undoubtedly a favourite pastime, since there you can have peace and quiet even at weekends. But if you do not enjoy walking, you can choose to go to the Lighthouse, whose lenses were designed by the famous Gustave Eiffel.
Or you can visit the Spanish fortresses and ruins in Portobelo, which was one of the most important cities of the area in the 16th and 17th centuries.
And at night, participating in the street parties is a unique experience.
You can take a bus from Panama City to Portobelo.
Isla Grande can be visited any time of year, as the temperatures are always ideal to enjoy the beaches.
