Things To Do
in San Antero
San Antero is a small Caribbean town in Córdoba, Colombia, perched along palm-lined beaches and turquoise waters. It preserves a laid-back fishing village vibe, with colorful boats, bustling markets, and a warm, welcoming community. The coastline offers mangrove spots, shallow reefs, and easy day trips to Tolú and surrounding shores.
It’s ideal for relaxed beach days, fresh seafood, and sunset strolls along the coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at San Antero's small airport and soak in the beautiful coastal views. Check into your cozy accommodation and freshen up after your journey. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach to get acquainted with the serene surroundings.
Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at a local eatery, trying out fresh seafood dishes that the coastal town is known for. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming in the warm Caribbean waters, or reading a book under a palm tree. As the afternoon sunlight begins to fade, snap pictures of the stunning coastline.
Dine at a beachfront restaurant where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine while listening to the gentle sounds of the waves. Consider exploring the local market to experience the vibrant culture and perhaps pick up some handmade crafts. End the evening with a peaceful walk along the shore as the sun sets into the horizon.
Wake up to the calming sound of the ocean waves and have a hearty breakfast at your accommodation. Spend the morning lounging at Playa de San Antero, a beautiful beach known for its crystal clear waters. Try your hand at paddleboarding or simply enjoy the sun and sand.
After enjoying some fun in the sun, grab lunch at a beachside café, where you can try delicious local fish dishes. In the afternoon, take a short boat trip to nearby idyllic beaches such as Playa Blanca for more secluded relaxation. Explore the vibrant marine life by snorkeling in the clear waters.
As the day winds down, return to San Antero and pamper yourself with a relaxing massage at a local spa. Dine at a charming restaurant, engaging with locals and other travelers over shared stories of the day. Cap off the evening with a cocktail at a beach bar, enjoying the cool sea breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥤Coffee or soft drink | $1-2 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel or guesthouse (1 night) | $25-60 |
| 🧺Groceries and fresh fruit | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent fresh seafood and coastal scenery
- Relaxed, friendly atmosphere with easy day trips to nearby towns
- Limited upscale dining and nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some services and English-speaking staff may be limited in smaller venues
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does this cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in San Antero
Visit one of these nice places.
Glimmering water, soft sand, and early-morning fishermen provide ideal silhouettes and color reflections.
A working pier with boats, nets, and activity; great for action shots and golden-hour compositions.
Elevated vantage point over the coast; dramatic coastline lines and sunset views.
Vibrant stalls, hats, fabrics, and fruit stands offer rich, candid photography opportunities.
Food in San Antero
San Antero Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Coconut rice served with a piece of grilled fish, a signature coastal pairing that appears on most beachside menus.
Must-Try!
Creamy seafood stew loaded with shrimp, squid, and fish chunks—perfect for sharing after a beach day.
Whole fried fish accompanied by crunchy fried plantains (patacones); a classic street-side or restaurant option.
Fresh marinated seafood (usually shrimp or fish) with lime, onions, and cilantro—best enjoyed right by the water.
A crispy corn arepa split and stuffed with an egg; a hearty and popular snack or light meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market where you can find tropical fruits, fresh fish, and small seafood stalls; great for sampling snacks and observing daily life.
Casual huts and carts along the sand offering empanadas, fried fish sandwiches, patacones, and fresh fruit juices; ideal for a quick bite between swims.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting such as 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' is standard; a handshake is common in formal settings.
Ask before photographing people or fishing crews; polite refusals are common and should be respected.
Casual beachwear is fine on the coast, but cover up for religious or town-center visits.
Safety
Tipping in San Antero
Ensure a smooth experience
In many restaurants a 5–10% tip is appreciated if service is not included. Small tips to hotel porters or guides are common but not obligatory.
Cash (COP) and credit/debit cards are widely accepted in larger restaurants; many small vendors prefer cash. Have some local currency handy for street stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season brings plenty of sun, clearer skies, and calm seas; ideal for long beach days, snorkeling, and outdoor exploring.
May–June and October–November bring more rain and higher humidity; expect lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and fewer crowds—but carry a compact rain jacket.
San Antero at Night
Hiking in San Antero
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, scenic walks along the shoreline and dune systems offering ocean views and birdwatching opportunities.
Gentle hikes or kayak routes through mangroves, with chances to spot wading birds and wildlife.
Airports
How to reach San Antero by plane.
Closest regional airport with domestic connections; about 90–120 minutes by car to San Antero.
Larger international hub; longer drive to San Antero but frequent domestic connections from major airlines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous influences typical of coastal Colombia, with a strong fishing and agrarian heritage.
Domestic travelers from across Colombia and international visitors attracted by beaches and seafood.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; local parks and fields are common gathering spots.
Coastal winds and beaches support casual surfing and laid-back beach games.
Traditional fishing remains a key activity and part of daily life for locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Antero.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options can be limited in small beach eateries; look for salads, beans and rice, fruit plates, plantains, fruit juices, and vegetable sides. Communicate clearly in Spanish (e.g., 'soy vegetariano' or 'sin carne'). Many places can prepare simple vegetarian sides if asked.