Acapulco's beaches have lots to offer

Acapulco has long been a place that suggests sun, sea and sand and is considered one of the best beach destinations in the world.

Known to locals simply as 'Aca', the area has a history of attracting big stars including Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Placido Domingo.

Located within the state of Guerrero on Mexico's Pacific coast, Acapulco is 200 miles south of Mexico City.

Historically, Acapulco Bay was the official gateway to the New World for Spanish galleons from the Philippines and China.

Today, Acapulco's mix of beaches, mountains, jungle and lagoons combined with high-end hotels and gourmet restaurants make it a luxurious destination to visit.

Popular beaches in the area include Hornos, Hornitos, Condesa and Icacos, all of which can be toured by local buses that run along the seafront.

Two smaller beaches in the area, Caleta and Caletilla, are recommended for families with small children as they have calmer waters.

The less crowded beach of Puerto Marques, which is sheltered within a small bay east of Playa Icacos, has tranquil waters and small restaurants, making it a good place to head in the afternoon if you want to have a swim and eat out afterwards.

Typical dishes at local restaurants include ceviche, fish or shellfish marinated in lime, tossed with onions, tomatoes, spiced with green chillies, herby avocado soup, and crema quemada - a Mexican-style creme brulee.

If you fancy taking to the water then tours with a small motorboat known as a lancha are available from the open stretch of beach known as Pie de la Cuesta, located a few minutes from Acapulco's downtown area.

For families there is the water-orientated theme park, Cici, which has dolphin and seal shows and a pool area, as well as Papagayo Park, which has lots of playing areas in open spaces and carnival rides.

One of the must-see sights of Acapulco is the divers at La Quebrada who drop 130 feet into a narrow cove. Divers take the plunge daily at 13:00, 19:30, 20:00, 21:30 and 22:30.

Flights to Acapulco cost around £600 with Iberia, departing from London Heathrow in November via www.expedia.co.uk

Other airlines flying to Acapulco include Continental and American airlines.

For more information on Acapulco, including accommodation, see www.visitacapulco.com.mx XXX