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Look, we get it – “Mexico” and “Europe” in the same sentence probably draws the side eye.
But if you leave this page, you’ll miss some of Mexico’s most magical destinations.
We are never here to hit on a particular place like the other guys who have to entice you with coupons just to read their magazines that are filled with more ads than useful content…
You see, our entire Travel Off Path crew has literally crossed Mexico from end to end, from Tijuana to Chetumal.
That’s why we put our heads together to put together a list of destinations you absolutely must visit Real feel like Europe, and not like the clickbait blogs that tend to disappoint by the second paragraph.
Instead of booking another Cancun vacation, consider immersing yourself in the authentic culture that leaves a lasting impression at these 3 ‘European’ charmers south of the border – ranked from most adventurous to a quick getaway:
3) Mexcaltitan: a secret island that feels like Venice 🇮🇹
Do you want to know a double-sided secret?
Mexcaltitan is such a secret for tourists that it’s hard to find photos that do it justice. So we’re going to ask you to use your imagination for this.
When we say Mexcaltitan is the ‘Venice’ of Mexico, we mean it: flooded city streets, small boat rides and ‘gondoliers’ playing the part and all.
The difference is that you would rather order tacos than spaghetti here. And two: the ‘Venetian’ atmosphere is seasonal.
This map point island is a designated island Pueblo Magicomeaning that its cultural significance, history and uniqueness have earned special recognition from the Mexican Tourism Agency.
Located in the trendy state of Nayarit, home to Puerto Vallarta and up-and-coming beach towns, you’ll want to head inland during the rainy season, a rare recommendation for Mexico’s quintessential sun-drenched vacations.
Mexcaltitan tends to see heavy rain late June to early November, transforming this vibrant urban island into a “floating city” not often advertised as an addition to Puerto Vallarta vacations.
That said, because it is so close, this unique island village is fairly easy to get to from both the aforementioned Puerto Vallarta and even Tepic, as there is one direct flight from LAX.
2) Manzanillo: Mexico’s whitewashed “Santorini” 🇬🇷
If you’ve ever been to Santorini, it’s hard to top.
As for Mexico, you know all the household names like Cancun, or maybe even the tongue-twisting Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo if you’re tuned in, but what’s largely overlooked is another all-encompassing paradise.
That’s right – some might say a “diamond in the rough”, that’s how Manzanillo shines a safe haven in the state of Colima, with Level 4 status in the eyes of the US Department of State.
With numerous nonstop flights from major US and Canadian hubs, this hidden oasis among a bright whitewashed cityscape of oceanfront hotels and resorts is surprisingly easy to get to.
For what it’s worth, there are more nonstop flights from the US than domestic flights from other Mexican locations, meaning the main vacationers are indeed Americans and Canadians, which speaks to the safety and comfort travelers experience in one of Mexico’s unsung resorts.
While you may not find top-notch gyros, you will find sun-drenched beaches, fresh seafood, and fiery Pacific sunsets – just a few of the many reasons why Manzanillo is becoming increasingly popular.
1) Guanajuato: a baroque gem with Spanish flair 🇪🇸
As UNESCO states, “Guanajuato possesses some of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the New World,” and that is what draws me back year after year.
Guanajuato is my favorite city in Mexico – close enough to San Miguel to be within easy reach, and just far enough away not to be overly touristy.
When I need my Europe fix but only have time for a 3-hour flight, Guanajuato is the answer.
Despite being unmistakably Mexican, wandering through the winding maze of cobblestone streets and alleys feels more Spanish than what many Americans suspect Mexico to be.
Especially if you take the time for a nighttime excursion through the timeless cityscape, where Callejoneadas lead anyone who wants to join in a musical dance while dressed to the nines in velvet capes, plumed hats and traditional troubadour-style costumes.
But that’s just one glimpse.
Guanajuato feels unmistakably European 24/7 with its rows of baroque wonders and romantic streets, including Callejon del Besowhere couples pose for an obligatory hug.
Add to that the good wine and phenomenal food and you may not score free tapas, but this city is very affordable across the board, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Travelers can fly into the same airport (Leon) that you would use to visit San Miguel, but Guanajuato is actually closer.
