CCoveñas is a small tourist town in northern Colombia, located along the Caribbean coast. This destination is known for its crystal-clear Caribbean beaches, perfect for water sports, and the Ciénaga de la Caimanera wildlife sanctuary. In this post, we’ll explore the best areas to stay in Coveñas and its surroundings.
The main tourist attractions in Coveñas are undoubtedly its beaches. The most central and developed one is probably the famous Primera Ensenada, which was named for being the first tourist development in the town and the closest to the center. See accommodations in Primera Ensenada, Coveñas.
For nature lovers, the stunning Ciénaga de la Caimanera is a natural sanctuary home to diverse flora and fauna, including mangroves, caimans, and a variety of fish and birds. Not far from here is the beach area of Segunda Ensenada. See accommodations in Segunda Ensenada and near Ciénaga de la Caimanera.
Coveñas is located just three hours by road from Cartagena de Indias and offers a more laid-back atmosphere, catering mainly to local tourism. Many visitors to this part of the Colombian Caribbean region come from nearby areas such as Córdoba, Antioquia, and Bolívar.
The easiest way to reach Coveñas is via Los Garzones International Airport in Montería, about two hours away, with connections to Bogotá and Medellín. A busier hub with a wider range of domestic and international flights, Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena is about three hours away. Coveñas also has good bus connections to nearby cities, including Cartagena de Indias, Montería, Medellín, and Barranquilla. You can book long-distance buses here.
What are the best areas to stay in Coveñas, Colombia?
The best area to stay in Coveñas is Primera Ensenada. This beachfront district offers the best tourist infrastructure, excellent hotels, and great options for nightlife and dining. See accommodations in Primera Ensenada, Coveñas.
Additionally, other great options when considering the best areas to stay in Coveñas include Segunda Ensenada and the nearby Córdoba town of El Porvenir. Keep reading to discover the best places to stay in this part of Colombia.
1. Primera Ensenada
The best location in Coveñas for tourists
If you’re planning a trip to Coveñas, staying in Primera Ensenada makes the most sense. It has the best hotels, the liveliest atmosphere, and easy access to the beach.
Coveñas isn’t just one town—it’s a stretch of small beach communities along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Primera Ensenada is the most developed and popular area where you’ll find the best beaches, hotels, and activities.
Primera Ensenada runs for about 3 miles (5 km) along the coast, with soft white sand and calm, shallow waters. It’s a great place to swim or just relax on the beach, and there’s plenty of space, even on busy weekends. Palm trees line much of the shoreline, and the area has a relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere.
Water sports are a big draw, especially kitesurfing in Coveñitas, where the wind conditions are ideal. Paddleboarding and kayaking are also popular, and there are good spots for snorkeling just offshore. For those interested in exploring beyond the beach, the Marine Infantry Museum Park offers a look at Colombia’s naval history, while the Ciénaga de la Caimanera is great for a boat tour through the mangroves.
Hotels, cabins, and beachfront rentals are easy to find in Primera Ensenada, with many places just steps from the water. Seafood restaurants and casual bars line the shore, serving fresh fish and local specialties. The nightlife is low-key but lively enough for a drink by the beach after sunset.
Primera Ensenada is well-connected by road, with easy access from Cartagena, Montería, and other cities. Buses run frequently, and the roads are in good shape, making it a straightforward trip. If you’re staying in Coveñas, this is the best place to base yourself.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Primera Ensenada, Coveñas
Hotel Marbelo Coveñas
Hotel Marbelo Coveñas provides beachfront accommodations in Coveñas. This condo hotel provides free private parking and a 24-hour front desk. The condo hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and full-day security.
2. Segunda Ensenada
An excellent area to stay in Coveñas
If you’re looking for a quieter beach with easy access to nature, Segunda Ensenada a great place to stay in Coveñas.
Segunda Ensenada is a quieter beach area in Coveñas, stretching for about 1.9 miles (3 km) along the Caribbean coast. The sand is fine and white, and the calm waters make it a great spot for swimming and relaxing. Compared to Primera Ensenada, this area has a more laid-back feel, with fewer crowds and a slower pace. Palm trees line much of the shore, offering shade, and the beach is known for being one of the cleanest in the region.
One of the highlights near Segunda Ensenada is Ciénaga de la Caimanera, a coastal lagoon surrounded by mangroves. This protected area is home to a variety of wildlife, including caimans, herons, and fish. Local guides offer boat tours through the mangroves, making it a great way to experience the natural side of Coveñas. The lagoon is especially beautiful at sunset when the water reflects the colors of the sky.
Accommodations in Segunda Ensenada include beachfront cabins, small hotels, and vacation rentals. Many places are just steps from the water, and the area has a few restaurants serving fresh seafood and local dishes. While there’s not much in the way of nightlife, the peaceful setting is perfect for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the ocean.
Segunda Ensenada is easy to reach, with good road connections to Cartagena, Montería, and other nearby cities. Buses and private transport options are available, making the trip straightforward. If you’re looking for a quieter beach with easy access to nature, this is a great place to stay in Coveñas.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Segunda Ensenada, Coveñas
3. Santiago de Tolú
The best-connected town in the region
Tolú may not have the most famous beaches in the region, but its central location, local charm, and easy access to nearby attractions make it a great place to stay.
Tolú, officially known as Santiago de Tolú, is a coastal town in Sucre Department, sitting along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Founded in 1535, it is one of the oldest towns in the country and has long been a center for fishing and maritime trade. Today, it serves as the main urban hub for the surrounding beach areas, including Coveñas and El Porvenir.
While Tolú has its own beaches, they tend to be smaller and livelier than those in Coveñas. Many visitors use the town as a starting point for trips to the San Bernardo Islands, a stunning archipelago known for its clear waters and coral reefs. Speedboats leave daily from the town’s waterfront, making it a convenient gateway to this tropical paradise.
The town itself has a relaxed atmosphere, with colorful streets, a central plaza, and a lively waterfront promenade where locals and visitors gather in the evenings. Many people get around by bicitaxi (pedal-powered taxis), which is a fun and practical way to explore. There are also plenty of small restaurants serving fresh seafood, Colombian comfort food, and even pizza and international dishes.
Tolú is well-connected, with bus routes linking it to Sincelejo, Montería, and Cartagena, and an airport that offers regional flights. Unlike Coveñas, which is more focused on beach tourism, Tolú provides a mix of local culture, easy access to the islands, and a central location that makes it a practical base for exploring the Gulf of Morrosquillo.
Our hand-picked accommodations in Tolú
Awa de Mar Playa
Awa de Mar Playa in Tolú provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking, and free Wifi. This 4-star condo hotel offers private entrance.
4. El Porvenir
The top area to stay in Coveñas for a quiet holiday
El Porvenir is great for a laid-back beach vacation with a more local feel in Coveñas.
El Porvenir is a small coastal village in the Córdoba Department, located near San Antero along the Gulf of Morrosquillo. Just about 2.5 miles (4 km) from Coveñas, it offers a quieter alternative to the busier beach areas, with a more relaxed and local feel.
The beaches here are known for their soft white sand and calm, shallow waters, making them great for swimming and unwinding away from the crowds. Palm trees provide natural shade along the shore, and the overall atmosphere is peaceful, with fewer commercial developments compared to Coveñas.
El Porvenir has a handful of beachfront cabins and vacation rentals, many just steps from the water. Restaurants in the area serve fresh seafood and traditional Colombian dishes, often with outdoor seating where you can enjoy the ocean breeze. While nightlife is minimal, the setting is perfect for a quiet evening by the beach.
The area is also known for its festivals and local traditions, especially in nearby San Antero, which hosts one of Colombia’s most famous carnivals. Throughout the year, you’ll find a mix of small cultural events, fishing tournaments, and gatherings that highlight the region’s coastal heritage.
Getting to El Porvenir is easy, with good road connections to Cartagena, Montería, and other nearby cities. Buses run frequently, and regional airports offer flights from major Colombian hubs.
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