If you're like me, you've been checking out photos, travelogues, and reviews of Dona Ana Beach before you go, and you're sure to have some doubts in your mind: it looks beautiful, but there are too many people, aren't there? Is it really worth squeezing in? To be honest, I almost gave up, but then I went there, and just by standing on the shore and glancing at the golden sand, I realized one thing: this place is not “Netflix”, it's “Real Red”. It's the kind of place you think you're just passing by, but once you stay, you don't want to leave - even if it's really crowded, and even if it's a bit of a struggle to get a good spot, you'll still feel like you've come to the right place.
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The “beauty” of Dona Ana Beach is different from the endless sandy beach, it is surrounded by a circle of rocks, kind of like a natural giant swimming pool. When you look down from the observation deck above, the beach is small, but surrounded by reddish-brown rocky outcrops that seem to hide the sea from you, giving it a unique sense of privacy. These rocks are not just a backdrop, they form the skeleton of the beach, shaping a lot of “hidden version” of the nooks and crannies - you walk along the beach, you will find that the corner of the place hidden mini caves, some of which can be drilled in to hide from the sun, and some of which are the natural “secret base” for children. Some of them you can go into to escape the sun, others are natural “secret bases” for children.
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The rocky outcrops also keep the wind and waves at bay, so the water at Dona Ana is exceptionally clear and stable, perfect for snorkeling and for those who just want to soak up the water and ride the waves. That seawater color, which gradually transitions from the light green of the shore to a deep blue, really looks like a gradient filter. The photos look great any way you take them, whether you're the one with the drone, the cell phone party, or just want to record your trip with a casual snap, Anna Tang can produce them all.
A lot of people ask Anna Tang what else is there to do besides taking pictures. I truly say that you would stay all day and not get bored. The first is snorkeling - although this is not a professional dive site, but the seabed visibility is high, the reef area can often see small fish, sea urchins, wearing a basic mask snorkel can have fun, especially near the rock wall, the ecological richer.
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Next is rock hopping. The big rock against the west side has a lot of young people jumping on it every afternoon, with a lot of people trying to get up from a lower level, but there are also those who challenge themselves to a higher level. Sound a bit dangerous? In fact, there are warning signs and special steps right next to it, and many people come to try their guts out. As long as you don't get impulsive and control your posture when you fall into the water, the thrill of that leap is definitely unforgettable.
Of course, if you want to relax, then the beach at Dona Ana is also a place where you can nestle all day long. Rent an umbrella, bring a book, order a drink, lie there and listen to the sound of the waves, occasionally look up at the sky, time will really slow down. Although there are a lot of people around, because the terrain is partitioned, there is no sense of oppression like the traditional big beaches.
Speaking of crowds, this is really a topic that Tangana can't get around. Especially in the summer, the beach is basically saturated after 10 am. So my advice - come early. If you can get there around 9am, not only is it easier to park, but it's also much easier to even find a good spot on the beach. The sun won't be too toxic either and the light is just right for photos.
The parking lot is not far away from the top, but you have to walk down to the beach through a stairway, about 3 minutes, the slope is not too steep, but don't run around too much in flip-flops. Also, there are food stalls and drink bars on the beach where you can buy drinks, fruit, sandwiches, etc. Prices are slightly higher than downtown, but not outrageous.
There are also restrooms (next to the path to the beach) and shower faucets, but they're the open-air, simple type, good for rinsing a foot and hand. A more important piece of advice - bring a waterproof bag. You may want to get in the water from time to time, but you don't want to keep an eye on your bag, and at times like these a waterproof bag can make for a much more reassuring experience.
If you don't want to carry your own parasol, you can also just rent one, there are people on the beach who manage it on site and the prices are transparent, starting at about 15 euros in high season. Note that this is a non-smoking beach and smoking will be discouraged.
When I was leaving, I looked back at Dona Ana Beach - the sun was shining, the sea was lapping at the beach, and the people on the shore were still lying, playing, and laughing, with no intention of leaving. At that moment, I suddenly felt that we are sometimes too harsh on the “crowd” thing. The fact that there are so many people means that it's really worth coming here; and the willingness to find your own rhythm in the midst of the hustle and bustle is the most beautiful part of traveling. Dona Ana Beach is such a place: it is not a paradise from the world, but it has a special lively atmosphere - sunbathing, riding the waves, listening to the people around me speak various languages, and actually feel that life is really good.
