Santa Marta was never supposed to be one of the highlights of our Colombia trip.
Like many travellers, we originally saw it as a stop between Cartagena, Minca and the rest of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. We booked a few nights, planned to relax for a bit, and then move on.
Instead, Santa Marta ended up becoming one of our favourite places on the coast.
Not because it had the most attractions.
Not because it had the best hotels.
Not because it was the most beautiful city in Colombia.
But because it was easy.
After the intensity of Cartagena’s heat, crowds and constant activity, Santa Marta felt slower, calmer and more local. We found ourselves enjoying the simple things: morning walks along the waterfront, swimming in surprisingly clear water, watching life unfold in the main square and finding some fantastic local food.
For families travelling through Colombia, Santa Marta offers something many destinations don’t: room to breathe.
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If you’re planning a family trip to Colombia and want the short version, here’s what you need to know.
Would we recommend Santa Marta with kids?
Absolutely.
How long should you stay?
3–5 days is ideal.
Best thing about Santa Marta?
The relaxed beachfront atmosphere and surprisingly beautiful sea.
Best family activity?
Starting the day at the beachfront gym before jumping straight into the Caribbean Sea.
Where we stayed
Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida
If you’re looking for a beach resort with plenty of facilities, this was a great choice for families. Located just outside Santa Marta, it offered direct beach access, multiple pools, spacious rooms and a much quieter atmosphere than staying in the city centre. It felt like the perfect place to relax after busy travel days while still being close enough to explore Santa Marta and the surrounding area.
👉 Check prices for Santa Marta Marriott Resort Playa Dormida
Would we return?
Without hesitation.
If you’re currently planning your trip, we recommend booking accommodation near the waterfront or historic centre so you can easily walk everywhere. We found Santa Marta much more enjoyable when everything was within walking distance.
And if you’re travelling through Colombia for several weeks like we were, don’t forget travel insurance. We use SafetyWing because it works well for long-term family travel and can be purchased even after you’ve already started your trip.
Why We Chose Santa Marta
Santa Marta sits in an interesting position on most Colombia itineraries.
It’s the gateway to Tayrona National Park, the jumping-off point for Minca and the Sierra Nevada mountains, and one of the easiest beach destinations to visit on the Caribbean coast.
For us, it made perfect sense.
We were travelling south after Cartagena and wanted somewhere slower before heading into the mountains of Minca. Santa Marta gave us a chance to recharge, catch up on work, spend some time at the beach and simply enjoy being in one place for a few days.
That slower pace ended up being exactly what we needed.
First Impressions of Santa Marta
Our first impression was that Santa Marta felt much more Colombian than Cartagena.
Cartagena is beautiful. There’s no denying that.
But Cartagena often feels like a city built around tourism.
Santa Marta felt more lived in.
There were still tourists around, of course, but there were also local families enjoying the waterfront, people commuting to work, children playing in the squares and groups of friends sitting together in the evenings.
The city immediately felt more relaxed.
It wasn’t as polished.
It wasn’t as colourful.
But it felt authentic.
As a family travelling long-term, that’s often what we enjoy most.
The Biggest Surprise: The Sea
The biggest surprise of our entire stay was the water.
For some reason, we didn’t have particularly high expectations.
When people talk about Colombia, they usually talk about Medellín, Cartagena, coffee regions, mountains and colourful towns.
Nobody really talks about how beautiful the sea can be around Santa Marta.
The water was far clearer than we expected.
On calm mornings, it had an almost crystal-like appearance, and in certain conditions we noticed what looked like tiny gold flecks shimmering beneath the surface.
The kids loved it.
We loved it.
And after several months travelling through South America, that’s saying something.
Some of our favourite memories from Santa Marta weren’t organised activities at all. They were simply swimming together in the sea while watching the city wake up around us.
If you’re travelling with children and wondering whether Santa Marta is worth visiting purely for the beach, we’d say yes.
Especially if you’re looking for somewhere more relaxed and affordable than Cartagena.
Our Favourite Morning in Santa Marta
One of our favourite travel memories from Colombia happened completely by accident.
Early one morning we headed down to the outdoor beachfront gym.
The sun was just coming up.
The promenade was beginning to fill with walkers and runners.
Locals were exercising before work.
The sea was calm.
I managed to fit in a workout while the family relaxed nearby, and when we finished, we walked straight into the Caribbean Sea to cool off.
There’s something special about moments like that when travelling.
Nothing expensive.
Nothing planned.
No tickets required.
Just being present.
Looking back, that morning captures exactly what we enjoyed most about Santa Marta.
It wasn’t trying to impress us.
It simply offered a great quality of life.
And for families travelling for months at a time, that’s often worth more than any major attraction.
Don’t Forget The Boring Stuff
Whether you’re renting a car, whale watching in Uvita, exploring national parks, or travelling between destinations, things don’t always go to plan.
We’ve used SafetyWing throughout our travels because it gives us flexible coverage while travelling long-term as a family.
Exploring Santa Marta's Historic Centre
Most evenings we found ourselves wandering around the historic centre.
Unlike Cartagena’s famous old town, Santa Marta’s centre feels more local than touristy. It’s not as polished or as photogenic, but that’s part of the appeal.
The main square is a great place to sit and people-watch while the kids burn off some energy. Families gather in the evenings, street performers appear, and there’s always something happening without it feeling overwhelming.
We spent a lot of time simply walking.
No itinerary.
No tour.
Just exploring.
Those slower evenings became some of our favourite memories from Santa Marta.
The Food We Loved
One thing that surprised us throughout Colombia was how easy it was to find good food, even while travelling as a family.
Bio Saludable
One of our favourite finds was Bio Saludable.
We stumbled across it while looking for a healthier lunch option and ended up returning more than once.
The vegan almuerzo was excellent value, the portions were generous and after weeks of travelling it was nice to find somewhere serving fresh, healthy food.
If you’re vegetarian, vegan or simply need a break from heavier meals, it’s worth seeking out.
Burbuja Ice Cream
The kids would probably tell you that Burbuja was the highlight of Santa Marta.
The ice cream was fantastic.
And after walking around Santa Marta’s heat all afternoon, it tasted even better.
It’s one of those simple recommendations we’d happily make to anyone visiting the city with children.
Is Santa Marta Safe for Families?
Safety is one of the most common questions families ask before visiting Colombia.
Based on our experience, Santa Marta felt safe.
That doesn’t mean you should throw common sense out the window.
We still followed the same precautions we’d use anywhere:
Didn’t flash valuables.
Stayed aware of our surroundings.
Used trusted taxis when needed.
Avoided wandering into unfamiliar areas late at night.
But overall, Santa Marta felt relaxed.
We saw local families everywhere.
Children were playing in public spaces.
People were exercising on the waterfront early in the morning and late into the evening.
As always with Colombia, experiences vary, but Santa Marta never felt intimidating to us.
Santa Marta vs Cartagena for Families
Many travellers end up choosing between Santa Marta and Cartagena.
Having visited both, we’d say they’re very different experiences.
Choose Cartagena if:
You want beautiful colonial architecture.
You love colourful streets and photography.
You want more organised tours and attractions.
You’re only visiting Colombia for a short trip.
Choose Santa Marta if:
You want a slower pace.
You prefer local atmosphere over tourism.
You want easier access to beaches.
You’re travelling on a tighter budget.
You’re planning to visit Minca or Tayrona.
For us, Cartagena was the city we explored.
Santa Marta was the city we relaxed in.
And after months on the road, that mattered.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Santa Marta?
We think three to five days is the sweet spot.
That gives you enough time to:
Enjoy the beaches.
Explore the historic centre.
Visit Minca.
Slow down for a few days.
If you’re using Santa Marta as a base for Tayrona National Park or nearby beach towns, you could easily stay longer.
We met plenty of travellers who arrived for a few days and ended up staying for weeks.
Things We Didn’t Love
No destination is perfect.
While we really enjoyed Santa Marta, there were a few downsides.
The heat can be intense.
Even compared to other parts of Colombia, Santa Marta felt hot and humid for much of the day.
Some parts of the city also felt a little tired compared to Cartagena.
If you’re expecting perfectly restored colonial streets and postcard views around every corner, Santa Marta may disappoint.
And while the beaches were far better than we expected, the city itself isn’t the most visually stunning destination in Colombia.
For us, though, those negatives were minor.
Would We Visit Santa Marta Again?
Absolutely.
In fact, if we returned to Colombia tomorrow, Santa Marta would be one of the places we’d revisit first.
Not because it has the biggest attractions.
Not because it’s the most famous destination.
But because it felt easy.
The combination of beach, food, walkability, local atmosphere and family-friendly pace just worked.
If Cartagena is the city you photograph, Santa Marta is the city you settle into.
And sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Our Santa Marta Rating
🌊 Beaches: 9/10
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly: 9/10
🍦 Food: 8/10
🚶 Walkability: 8/10
💰 Value for Money: 9/10
⭐ Overall: 8.5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Marta worth visiting with kids?
Yes. We found it relaxed, affordable and easy to explore as a family.
Is Santa Marta better than Cartagena?
They’re very different. Cartagena has more attractions and beautiful architecture. Santa Marta offers a slower pace and better beach access.
How many days should you spend in Santa Marta?
We recommend 3–5 days.
Is Santa Marta safe for families?
Based on our experience, yes. Use normal travel precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.
Can you swim in Santa Marta?
Absolutely. The sea was one of the biggest surprises of our visit and became one of our favourite parts of the city.
Is Santa Marta worth visiting?
Definitely. Especially if you’re travelling through northern Colombia and want a more relaxed alternative to Cartagena.
