Nestled between Zihua's Centro and Playa la Ropa, Colonia la Madera has become the place to be for great food, affordable lodging that still offers the stunning view of Zihuatanejo Bay, and a tight knit community. Framed by Playa Madera on one side and the canal on the other, the neighborhood is easily accessible and has a way of luring people back again and again. Restaurants on the beach are less expensive than la Ropa but offer the same fresh seafood and traditional beach fare. The bungalows and apartments that overlook the beach have sweeping vistas of the water and benefit from the fresh breezes. Down the hill, Calle Adelita has become the place to see and be seen with over half a dozen restaurants, each serving a completely different menu from the next.

don't miss: Plan your meals around the restaurants that line Calle Adelita and your days around a cold beer on the quiet Playa Madera. The neighborhood also boasts an international art gallery, beautiful condos, and two steep hills that should be part of everyone's workout regimen!

filed under: neighborhoods by Isahrai (Oct 06)

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Beyond Zihua's pier (where the pangas dock for trips to Playa las Gatas) and the Navy base, there is a footbridge that leads to Colonia la Noria. Many tourists rarely enter this working class neighborhood, save to pass through on the way to Puerto Mio. The hills through La Noria offer a quiet, strenuous walk at dawn if you don't have a fear of dogs (harmless yet plentiful) and a lively stroll in the evening as kids play in the streets under the watchful gaze of their parents. You won't find gourmet restaurants or rowdy tourist bars in la Noria but will come across some of the spiciest pozole, generously served Mexican dinners served on styrofoam plates from stands (or go green with your own takeaway container), and cheap cold cervesas at literal holes-in-the-wall. You'll also find plenty of fresh fish as the strip at the base of the footbridge is where local fisherman weigh and clean their daily catch leading to fantastic deals on sushi-grade tuna, grill-worthy snapper, and, unfortunately, an unavoidable fishy odor at certain hours of the day.

don't miss: a sunrise viewed from the rocks over Puerto Mio is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that just happens to occur every morning!

filed under: neighborhoods by Isahrai (Oct 06)

CLICK HERE for contact information, photos, & more »