El Tunco beach

A laid-back surf village on El Salvador's Pacific coast, named after a rock shaped like a pig (tunco) on the beach. The black-sand beach has consistent waves for surfers of all levels, with surf schools and board hire, and the village has hostels, restaurants and a lively nightlife at weekends.

Sunsets behind the rock are spectacular. El Salvador's 'Surf City' coast has other famous breaks nearby at El Sunzal and Punta Roca. The strong currents make swimming dangerous in places. It's about 45 minutes from San Salvador and the airport.