"TAGANGA - gateway to the Caribbean" Taganga by Kindra

A tiny town that is often short on water but not on neither sunshine or gorgeous waters and beach, is often overlooked in favour of its much bigger neighbour Santa Marta or the exquisite Tayrona National Park which lies an hour east.

Its popularity with Israelis hasn't yet translated to a more mainstream, widespread tourist market and this is part of its charm. The town is small with only 5,000 people and most of its inhabitants lived modestly off of fishing. Nevertheless, a good number of well-priced, high quality hostels and decent restaurants and bars make up the town's infrastructure. Just don't forget to take cash out before you arrive - there are no cash machines!

The desert landscape on the way to Playa Grande

Relaxation is the main activity in Taganga. The beach in the front of town is nice, though not quite spectacular though close to nice restaurants and stands selling freshly blended fruit shakes. A 15 minute walk through a desert landscape with stunning views of the bright aquamarine waters below will lead you up, over and down to Playa Grande. This small beach is a perfect place to chill, sun tan and bathe in the crisp, cool waters. Restaurants on site can provide you with food and drink options at a higher price so bring the necessities with you. If you are game, people are on the beach ready to oil you up and give you a relaxing massage for a small fee!

Desert landscape en route to Playa Grande

In addition to beach bumming, there are other activities: like fishing! You can talk to one of the fishermen down at the beach and arrange several hours on the boat in the morning fishing. All of what you catch you can take home and cook up that night!

• Pros:Stunningly gorgeous, bright, friendly, great beaches
• Cons:This place rocks- I can't see any cons
• In a nutshell:Don't skip this place in favour of Tayrona- spent time in both!