Placencia, Belize is a charming fishing village located at the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula. It is bordered by a mangrove-lined lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, and is renowned for its beautiful beaches. The peninsula is approximately 19 miles long but only half a mile wide, giving it the look and feel of an island. Placencia has successfully retained its old-world charm, with locals heading out to sea every morning in small boats to bring in the daily catch.
The beaches along the Placencia Peninsula are dotted with small resorts that can arrange dive and snorkel trips to the reef. They can also arrange day trips to many small, idyllic cayes, such as Laughing Bird Caye, a mini-atoll offering protected snorkelling and swimming, a white sand beach, and many palm trees.
Placencia has a range of resorts and hotels to fit almost any budget. The best time to visit Placencia is from December to April, during the dry season. However, this is also the high tourism season, so accommodations and tours may be more expensive.
Placencia is a great spot for tourists interested in a beach and jungle vacation. It is near many top jungle attractions, including the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Bocawina National Park, which offer incredible hiking opportunities. Placencia is also a home base for fly fishing, with nearby reefs and offshore cayes offering the opportunity to catch Permit, Tarpon, and Bonefish.
For a unique dining experience, visit the Turtle Inn, owned by Francis Ford Coppola, where you can enjoy an extensive selection of Coppola's own California wines.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Location | Southern Belize |
Population | 1,512 permanent residents |
History | Inhabited by the Maya before European colonisation; settled by English Puritans in the 17th century; resettled in the late 1800s; became a significant tourist destination in the late 20th century |
Geography | 16-19 miles long; 0.5 miles wide; bordered by the Caribbean Sea and a mangrove-lined lagoon |
Climate | Average temperature: 80 degrees Fahrenheit |
Best time to visit | November to April (dry season); March to June (whale shark season) |
Attractions | Beaches; restaurants; golf cart tours; snorkelling; scuba diving; fishing; sailing; Cockscomb Basin Nature Reserve; Monkey River; ancient Maya ruins |
Resorts | Chabil Mar; Sailfish Resort; Roberts Grove Beach Resort; The Placencia Resort; Coral Caye |
What You'll Learn
Placencia's beaches are often considered the best in Belize
Placencia, a village in Belize, is often regarded as having the country's best beaches. The village is located on the Placencia Peninsula, which measures about 16 to 19 miles long and is only half a mile wide. The peninsula has a long stretch of white sandy beaches and is bordered by a mangrove-lined lagoon and the Caribbean Sea.
Placencia has successfully retained its old-world charm despite the emergence of luxury resorts and condominium developments. It is still a fishing village, with locals heading out to sea every morning to bring in the daily catch. The village's 4,000-foot-long "main street" is a pedestrian-only sidewalk adorned with colourful murals and artwork. Placencia also has lovely shops, charming cafes, seafood restaurants, a small medical clinic, and an airfield.
The beaches in Placencia are often considered the best in Belize. The peninsula boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches with narrow, long loaf-toast-coloured sand. The water is clean and clear, and the trade winds are gentle and cooling. There are few sights more calming than a Belizean sunset on a deserted Placencia beach.
The northern portion of Placencia includes the Garifuna village of Seine Bight and has many of the more expensive resorts. Because of its distance from the reef, it also has "real" surf, although not very high. The beaches in Placencia are dotted with small resorts that can arrange dive and snorkel trips to the reef, about 17 miles away. They can also arrange day trips to many small, idyllic cayes, such as Laughing Bird Caye, a mini-atoll offering protected snorkelling and swimming, a white sand beach, and many palm trees.
Placencia is a great hub for investigating the surrounding countryside. Visitors can go snorkelling, beachcombing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, or trekking to the nearby Maya Mountains, the jaguar preserve, and Maya Ruins. Sea kayaking is a great way to explore the near-shore cayes, mangroves, creeks, and rivers.
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Placencia is a fishing village
Placencia was once a sleepy fishing village but is now a major tourism and resort area. It is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The beaches along the peninsula are dotted with small resorts that can arrange dive and snorkel trips to the reef, which is about 17 miles away.
The village's 4,000-foot-long "main street" is a pedestrian-only sidewalk adorned with colourful murals and artwork. Placencia is just one of three villages located on the peninsula but has lovely shops, charming cafes, seafood restaurants, a small medical clinic, and an airfield.
Placencia is a world attraction for sports fishing. It is considered the permit capital of the world, with fishing spots ranging from inshore flats to Tarpon Caye and the remote Ycacos. Anglers can find bonefish, tarpon, snook, snapper and permit weighing up to 30 pounds. Offshore fishing beyond the reef offers the chance to catch wahoo, sailfish, marlin, kingfish and dolphin fish.
The Placencia Lobster Fest is the village's most famous festival and is held annually in June.
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Placencia is a tourist destination
Placencia, Belize is a popular tourist destination. It is a charming, low-key fishing village located at the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. The peninsula measures approximately 19 miles from north to south but is just half a mile wide. With the look and feel of an island, it’s no surprise that Placencia is often described as the “caye (island) you can drive to”.
Placencia has successfully managed to retain its old-world charm. Locals still head out to sea every morning in small boats to bring in the daily catch, and visitors can meander along the village’s 4,000-foot long “main street” that is a pedestrian-only sidewalk adorned with colourful murals and artwork.
Placencia is just one of three villages located on the peninsula but has lovely shops, charming cafes, seafood restaurants, a small medical clinic, and an airfield. It is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
The southeastern coast of Belize is famous for its natural beauty. Luxury resorts and condominium developments have sprung up, but Placencia remains a quiet getaway spot where golf carts are still a popular mode of transportation.
Placencia is one of the most popular beach destinations on Belize’s Southern Coast. It is a seaside village on the tip of Stann Creek’s 16-mile-long Placencia Peninsula. From simple beginnings as a quiet Creole fishing village, it is now known for luxury beach resorts, world-class restaurants, and lively beach bars. However, Placencia’s growth spurt has not affected its charm and it remains a quiet getaway spot.
Placencia’s expansive stretch of beaches, luxury hotels, and quality food and drink establishments are not the only things that entice tourists to visit. It is near many top jungle attractions and it sits only 20 miles (32 km) west of the southern part of the Belize Barrier Reef. This, of course, makes it a great spot for tourists interested in a beach and jungle vacation.
Placencia is a small village located in the Stann Creek District of Belize. In the late 20th century, it became a significant tourism destination, and is now referred to as Placencia Village, or simply Placencia.
Placencia, the southernmost village on the peninsula, is served by Placencia Airport. The village is home to 1,512 permanent residents according to the 2010 census, while the Placencia Peninsula is home to 3,458 permanent residents, which includes citizens and ex-pats alike.
Placencia used to be a fishing village but now offers some tourist amusements such as bars and entertainment like kayaking, snorkelling, diving, saltwater fly fishing, whale shark watching, light tackle saltwater fishing, as well as numerous restaurants and a local art gallery.
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Placencia has a range of accommodation options
For those seeking a luxurious stay, Placencia offers world-class luxury resorts such as Chabil Mar, Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas, Laru Beya Resort & Villas, and Mariposa Belize Beach Resort. These resorts provide guests with exclusive amenities, stunning views, and easy access to the beach.
If you're looking for a more intimate and unique experience, Placencia also has charming beachfront hotels and boutique hotels like Caribbean Beach Cabanas, The Ellysian Boutique Hotel, and Maya Beach Hotel. These accommodations often include cozy rooms, friendly staff, and convenient access to nearby shops and restaurants.
For budget-conscious travellers, Placencia offers a variety of affordable options, such as Alan's Paradise Hotel, Placencia Villas, and Anda Di Hows Hostel. These accommodations provide clean and comfortable rooms at a lower cost, allowing travellers to explore Placencia without breaking the bank.
Placencia truly has something for everyone, whether you're seeking luxury, charm, or affordability. With its range of accommodation options, Placencia invites you to experience its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere in a way that suits your preferences and budget.
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Placencia has a rich history
The Placencia Peninsula was then resettled in the late 1800s by several families, and the village of Placencia prospered, earning its livelihood from the sea. The name "Placencia" comes from the Spanish name "Punta Placentia" or "Pleasant Point" given to the peninsula by Spanish explorers.
In the late 20th century, Placencia became a significant tourism destination. On October 8, 2001, Hurricane Iris caused major damage to nearly 95% of the buildings in Placencia. Despite this setback, Placencia has continued to develop and is now a popular beach destination in Belize, known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and diverse marine life.
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Frequently asked questions
Placencia has some of the best beaches in Belize, with 16 miles of sandy beaches. The beaches are dotted with small resorts that can arrange dive and snorkel trips to the reef.
Placencia offers a range of activities beyond its beautiful beaches, including kayaking, snorkelling, diving, saltwater fly fishing, whale shark watching, and light tackle saltwater fishing. There are also several restaurants, bars, and art galleries.
The best time to visit Placencia is from November to April, during the dry season. However, this is also the high tourism season, so accommodations and tours may be more expensive.
There are a variety of accommodation options in Placencia, ranging from budget-friendly spots like Miramar Apartments or Harry's Cozy Cabanas to luxury resorts like Chabil Mar and Roberts Grove Beach Resort.
For seafood, there are several restaurants along the beach. For a romantic dinner, try the Turtle Inn, owned by Francis Ford Coppola, or Rumfish y Vino. For a sweet treat, don't miss the authentic Italian gelato at Tutti-Fruitti.