Ecuador, home to the Amazon jungle, the Andes highlands, and the Galapagos Islands, is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet - and that's without even mentioning its breathtaking Pacific coastline.

There are picturesque bays, glorious golden sands, and some of the best surfing conditions in the world all along the country's idyllic coast. As a result, its magnificent beaches are great to explore, and each has its own distinct personality. For example, you can party all night at one beach before relaxing in the magnificent environment at another, and many of them offer incredible whale-watching tours. Ecuador's beaches are simply waiting to be explored, with over 2,200 kilometres of coastline to explore.

Top Beaches in Ecuador

1. Ayangue Beach

Ayangue Beach is a great site to visit, sheltered by a scenic harbour that closes in around it; you'll generally see dozens upon dozens of colourful tiny fishing boats bobbing around in the bay. The beach's inviting waters are good for swimming due to its protected character, and it is ideal for families with small children. Because the tranquil community doesn't have anything going on, it's really simply a spot to relax on the beach and enjoy the sun, sea, and stunning sunsets.

The hamlet boasts a good selection of hotels as well as many excellent local restaurants, but there isn't much in the way of nightlife. Nonetheless, with its excellent setting, most people are content to take in the lovely surroundings while basking in the glorious sunshine.

2. Canoa Beach

Canoa Beach is a fantastic alternative for a tranquil escape surrounded by magnificent nature because it is one of the least developed communities along Ecuador's lengthy coastline. This does, however, imply that there aren't many stores, hotels, restaurants, or tourist attractions.

What you do get is a charming, off-the-beaten-path experience. The magnificent cliffs that surround the beach only add to its picturesque aspect, while the massive waves that pound the coast make for some excellent surfing. The beach, which is nearly 17 kilometres long, is relatively level and expansive, making it ideal for kicking back and relaxing; you can also take a surf instruction or yoga class on its golden sands.

3. Los Frailes Beach

The beautiful Los Frailes beach is located in Machalilla National Park, just to the north of Puerto Lopez; this protected and pristine beach is without a doubt one of the greatest in Ecuador. Its golden sands are ideal for a calm promenade, and the backdrop is breathtaking, with steep cliffs and tree-covered hills around the private beach. While the beach is normally desolate, it may get rather crowded on weekends because it is served by both a bus and a water taxi.

The nearby national park has numerous beautiful natural sights. You may explore some wonderful trails and walks that will lead you to even more quiet beaches and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

4. Montanita

If you want to combine a beach vacation with a vibrant nightlife scene, Montanita is the place to go. It's especially popular among surfers and backpackers. The small town has a very pleasant and laid-back attitude, and guests will discover plenty of eco-friendly hotels, health food restaurants, and dramatic coastal cafes.

Montanita's beach is located on the 'way of the sun,' and it is surrounded by green hills and the town's jumble of buildings that spread out down the shoreline. Although it is well-known throughout the country for its outstanding surf spots, there are also other fun things for visitors to enjoy, such as paragliding or scuba diving.

Montanita boasts a youthful and energetic environment with a plethora of amazing bars and nightclubs. Following a long day of surfing or sunbathing, most visitors head out to explore the island's enticing nightlife.

5. Olon Beach

Olon Beach, which is becoming increasingly popular among both locals and tourists as word of its lovely characteristics spreads, includes large swaths of golden beaches for you to relax on, as well as some of the best waves in Ecuador if you enjoy surfing.

It is located just north of Montanita and provides a much more quiet and peaceful experience than its raucous neighbour, and its boardwalk includes a variety of eateries and lodging alternatives to suit all budgets.

In addition to its beautiful environment and laid-back atmosphere, Olon Beach offers some fantastic excursions for visitors to enjoy, with whale-watching and walks to nearby waterfalls being among the most popular.

6. Playa de San Lorenzo

Salinas, one of Ecuador's most popular beach resort towns, is a treat to visit; it boasts gorgeous beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and a variety of interesting activities for visitors to enjoy.

The Beach de San Lorenzo is at the centre of it all. Its golden sands are fringed with palm trees and are ideal for relaxing, while its inviting seas provide a variety of watersports, the most popular of which are jet skiing, surfing, and waterskiing. In addition, visit the neighbouring La Chocolatera Beach, where you can watch turtles nesting during specific times of the year.

While the beach can become busy during peak season, the lively atmosphere is contagious. After a day of sunbathing, many tourists go to its amazing bars and nightclubs in the evening.

With so many restaurants, stores, and hotels to choose from, it's no surprise that Salinas and its beautiful Beach de San Lorenzo are so popular.

7. Playa Puerto Lopez

Puerto Lopez, which is surrounded by the magnificent and wild Machalilla National Park, is the entryway to its spectacular natural sights, making it a popular tourist destination in the country.

The tranquil fishing hamlet is located next to a gorgeous beach, and the scenic backdrop just adds to the beauty as craggy hills stretch into the distance. Little fishing boats line the shore, and visitors can plan trips to adjacent Isla la Plata or go scuba diving, snorkelling, or whale-watching along the coast.

Puerto Lopez and its excellent beach offer a variety of restaurants, pubs, and hotels, and its peaceful pace of life makes it a pleasant respite before exploring the delights of the national park.

8. Playas

It should come as no surprise that Playas, which means 'beaches' in English, has a plethora of them. Beach General Villamil, the town's major beach, runs for an astonishing 13 kilometres.

Together with Salinas, it is Ecuador's most popular vacation town, thus there are plenty of fantastic restaurants, bars, and resorts to choose from, as well as plenty of shopping. Its popularity stems in part from the fact that it is the closest beach town to Guayaquil. On weekends, many of the town's people leave the city to relax on Playas' beautiful beaches.

It is also worth visiting a number of its restaurants and cafes, as it has some of the greatest seafood in the country. Because the area is home to a thriving fishing community, all of the products are extremely fresh.

Playas' beaches are popular with surfers because they provide tremendous swells. In addition to swimming and snorkelling, travellers can enjoy a dolphin watching excursion along Ecuador's coastline.

9. Tonsupa

Playa Tonsupa is located in Atacames, one of the most prominent beach resort towns in Ecuador, and is surrounded by several high-rises, hotels, and restaurants. It is one of the best beaches in Ecuador in terms of services.

It is a relaxed and unpretentious destination to visit, mostly catering to locals and domestic tourists. There are numerous excursions available to guests, with whale-watching being the most popular.

You may enjoy some amazing nightlife in Atacames. Its restaurants and cafes serve delectable seafood dishes, which are great after a day of relaxing on Playa Tonsupa.

10. Tortuga Bay Beach

Tortuga Bay Beach looks like it came straight out of a travel magazine and is often regarded as the nicest beach in the isolated Galapagos Islands.

The broad beach extends eternally before you, just a short distance from the port of Puerto Ayora, with its white sands shimmering in the sun. Its clear Pacific seas are home to a great variety of marine life. As such, it makes for some wonderful swimming and kayaking; you’ll almost surely stumble across some marine iguanas, sea turtles, and shoals of colourful fish.

Tortuga Bay Beach is only one of the numerous highlights that Santa Cruz Island has to offer visitors in terms of spectacular animals and magnificent natural surroundings.