This Stunning Seaside City Revealed As Must-Visit Destination For 2026

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We at Travel Off Path hate to be the bearer of unhealthy information. Don’t fear, no person died…

The loss to grieve is Costa Rica’s luster, a spot the place Pura Vida now looks as if a advertising and marketing slogan; due to this fact, vacationers have ventured into the neighboring territory of utterly reworked El Salvador and even lesser-known Honduras for sun-drenched shores, immaculate nature, and fewer touristy experiences.

But there’s one iconic metropolis extra famend for its groundbreaking canal than it’s for a surprising shoreline and interesting tradition.

A brand new insightful report revealing 2026’s trendiest locations named Panama City as a must-visit vacation spot.

As somebody who had the pleasure visiting of Panama for the primary time this yr, let me let you know it boasts way over spectacular logistical loopholes for cargo ships.

It’s one of the crucial spectacular cities I’ve explored in latest reminiscence. Not solely is Panama City a world-class metropolis, it’s a gateway to just about unknown seashores, dwelling to a captivating Old Town paying homage to Havana, and anchored by an limitless skyline that might make Dubai blush.

The World’s Most Underrated Metropolis

Unless you are getting stem cell remedy to skirt FDA rules or need to dip into your IRA early, chances are high you have not actually thought-about visiting Panama City earlier than.

Even my tour information mainly mentioned, “People don’t really come here for tourism,” earlier than including, “They come for real estate and medical care.”

That blew my thoughts being such a culturally wealthy, historic, vibrant, and resort-laden vacation spot.

As you seemingly know, Panama City sits on a slim isthmus (no, that’s not Mike Tyson saying ‘Christmas’), a sliver of land that’s made the Panama Canal well-known for many years.

As cool because it was to see the canal first-hand on a guided tour, it is all the opposite delights I skilled that is been etched in my thoughts since I left.

There’s no denying Panama City’s skyline exudes Miami-meets-Dubai, nevertheless it’s truly a metropolis you may need to flip again the clock and spend as a lot time in Old Town as doable (generally known as Casco Viejo).

We’re speaking timeless cathedrals, colourful facades, storied buildings reworked into luxe accommodations (like where I stayed), and no scarcity of sensational meals and conventional cafes, together with the “champagne of coffee” — an absolute must-try at Geisha Experience.

Panama City is actually an underrated metropolis the place there’s by no means a boring second, and feels utterly secure and welcoming in any respect hours — many locals even communicate fluent English.

With new Copa Airlines flights, Panama’s flagship service, it is simpler to achieve than ever!

Panama Flaunts Its Caribbean Side

Word on the road is Panama is able to turn out to be a full-fledged trip vacation spot, whether or not you are into bustling cities or beautiful seashores.

Panama’s Caribbean facet is way lesser recognized than close by locales. Even Panama’s picture-perfect San Blas Islands with sugary white sand and crystal clear water go largely under-hyped within the shadow of its neighbors.

On my journey, I used to be inspired to go to a textbook off-path seashore city, although it should not be underrated…

Portobelo, initially named by our “founder” (wink, wink) Christopher Columbus, must be on each vacationers’ radar.

Home to well-preserved ruins of Sixteenth-century Spanish strongholds, Afro-Caribbean traditions, and excursions to virtually untouched shores on the jungle’s edge, good for snorkeling, sloth-spotting, and feasting on the recent “catch of the day” from a tin-roof shack, I can not advocate squeezing in Portobelo sufficient, simply 2 hours from town.

Your greatest wager is reserving via Ancon Expeditions (ask for my buddy, Nico!)

Easy Access To Glamorous Resorts

While many Americans discover themselves in a hospital mattress for cheaper medical therapies than again dwelling, others have been lacking out on heavenly mattresses and crowd-free seashore loungers in a few of Latin America’s most missed resort hideaways.

With names like Westin, Dreams, and Riu, nope, we’re not speaking about Mexico — that is Panama’s coast, child.

Just half-hour from Panama’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the resort city of Playa Bonita, dwelling to aforementioned Dreams and Westin resorts.

But there is not any denying probably the most paradisal setting is the San Blas Islands dotting the Caribbean nearer to Costa Rica.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.