12 February, 2025
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4:13pm
Nayarit is a small but lovely state in western Mexico, where the beauty of the impressive mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental on one side contrasts with that of the mighty Pacific Ocean on the other.
While its heavenly beaches are truly the main attraction, you’ll also love a few Magical Towns in the heart of the state.
We want to introduce you to some Magical Towns in Nayarit so that when you’re here in the state you don’t miss the opportunity to visit and enjoy them and thereby support tourism in this spectacular place.
Santiago de Galicia de Compostela de Indias, or simply Compostela, is one of the largest towns in Nayarit. In pre-Hispanic times the place was called Coatlán, but it was later changed to Compostela, in honor of the Spanish city with the same name.
Compostela Nayarit is a pretty town that has conserved some of its colonial architecture, which lends it an old and sophisticated air. This, along with the natural beauty surrounding it, make Compostela a singular place to visit.
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Its beaches are another of its greatest attractions, as they are known to be ideal for anyone seeking tranquility in an environment where you can admire the sunset as well as enjoy Compostela’s delicious gastronomy, with dishes such as zarandeado fish (grilled butterflied fish in a dried chili marinade) or Ixtlán-style chicken.
If you have ecotourism in mind, you should know that Compostela is very close to some forests where you can go for quiet walks, camp out or go cycling.
If you want a beautiful souvenir of Compostela, take a look at the local leather handicrafts.
Located in the foothills of Ceboruco Volcano, Jala has become a favorite destination for folks in Nayarit, given the great mountain range that surrounds the whole place, adding to its stunning natural beauty.
This peculiar town has a long history, which becomes evident as you amble through its historic quarter, where you can still see mansions dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as the cobblestone streets that give the place both a mystical and historic touch.
As for the Ceboruco Volcano, it is one of the main tourist attractions in Jala, since very close to its crater is a valley where you can camp, hike and admire the flora and fauna. It is, however, important to inform the municipal government office if you plan to climb up the volcano.
When in Jala, don’t miss the chance to go to the Lateran Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Basilica and La Natividad Sanctuary, two spectacular churches where you can see late 19th-century Ionic and Corinthian art.
When it comes to eating, Jala is known for many traditional Mexican treats such as tasty gorditas (stuffed corn patties), crispy tostadas with tongue and then some tantalizing sweets, among them rosquetes (a sort of cookie ring with white icing), to mention just a few of our favorites.
The Magical Town of Mexcaltitán is a small town known as the cradle of Mexican identity due to its importance in pre-Hispanic times. A number of findings have led many historians to consider it to have been a ceremonial center of the Nahuatlaca people.
This small fishing town is one of Nayarit’s Magical Towns that you should not miss.
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Mexcaltitán is a very picturesque town, lovingly nicknamed the “Mexican Venice” due, of course, to the canals formed on the island during the rainy season. At that time of year, locals travel by raft on the canals.
This lovely town invites you to partake of ecotourism, explore the religious side of things by visiting the San Pablo and San Pedro Church, visit the famed Casa China (China House), which attracts numerous visitors, and admire the extremely colorful handicrafts that local artisans have for you.
Also, while there, you must try the stellar pre-Hispanic dish: tlaxtihuilli, corn dough mole soup with shrimp balls.
Sayulita is another Magical Town in Nayarit and a popular one at that.
Sayulita is a small town that became well known because of its beach, whose strong surf attracts the most daring surfers, many of them international competitors. So, if you go there, don’t expect a very calm place, because adrenaline pulses all around.
Until the late 1960s, Sayulita was hardly populated; it had just a few houses made of palm leaves. The people worked mainly as fishermen or growing coconut. Later, as basic services were installed, its tourism potential grew, and nowadays it is one of the Magical Towns in Nayarit that attracts the most tourists.
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Sayulita has a mysterious, vintage air about it that appeals to all kinds of visitors, from the most euphoric surfers to the many families who head here to have fun. If you’re traveling as a couple, you’ve come to the right place, since it boasts the most beautiful sunsets and has the most romantic ambiance you can find.
Not only does this place have a great tropical beach atmosphere, but you will also enjoy the cliffs, rivers, lagoons, long estuaries, hiking on Del Mono Hill and mountain cycling routes. And if you’re up for doing some surfing, this is definitely the place to be.
As you’ve noticed, Nayarit has several options of Magical Towns to visit. Have any of them particularly struck your fancy? We are sure that if and when you visit, you’ll fall for every aspect they have to offer. So, pack your bag, and come and check them out.
