Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina ended up being one of our favorite stops in Panama.
Think golden beaches lined with palm trees, great weather, and a peaceful pace,
the perfect spot to unwind at the end of our road trip.
We stayed at Villa Coco, a beautiful boutique hotel tucked away in nature.
From there, we rented bikes to explore the area, hopping between beaches
and stopping by cute cafés and restaurants scattered around town.
A highlight was our day trip to Coiba National Park, where we snorkelled with reef sharks,
spotted tons of colourful fish, and yes — got stung by jellyfish many times 😅
but it was so worth it. We also visited Coiba Island itself, which was absolutely stunning.
We traveled during rainy season, but the sun came through here — the best weather we had all trip.
Santa Catalina was the perfect, sunny end to our adventure.
HOTEL: VILLA COCO
Tucked away in the lush jungle, Villa Coco felt like a peaceful little hideaway. All of the rooms are beautiful private villas — stylish, serene, and super comfortable.
The hotel has a stunning infinity pool finished with sleek, deep-toned tiles, a laid-back poolside bar, and an excellent restaurant - we still dream about the lobster pasta.
You can borrow their bikes to explore the beaches and town nearby, but honestly, it’s just as nice to stay in and soak up the relaxed vibe. A true gem — we’d absolutely stay here again.
Some Recommendations:
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Restaurante Ai Mamita
Located right inside Villa Coco, Ai Mamita is a must if you're in Santa Catalina. We already mentioned the unforgettable lobster pasta, but their menu is full of delicious bites to share if you’re in the mood to try more. Everything we had was sublime
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Manifest collective shops
A stylish newer addition to Santa Catalina, Manifest Collective blends cool industrial architecture with a laid-back vibe. It's home to a small collection of shops and restaurants, making it the perfect spot to wander, grab a bite, and try something new.
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Café Panachocolat
Cafe Panachocolat is a cozy spot in Santa Catalina perfect for coffee and breakfast. They offer great drinks and tasty breakfast options, making it a lovely place to start your day or relax for a bit.
Coiba National Park Highlights
