Beaches, services, activities and lifestyle in one of the Pacific coast's most sought-after residential communities.
Casa Roja is located at Las Palmeras 132-1, within the Las Lajas community in Coronado, Panama Oeste Province. Coronado is one of Panama's most developed and accessible beach areas, situated along the Pacific coast on the Pan-American Highway. It's the go-to destination for Panama City residents looking for weekend escapes and, increasingly, the permanent home of expats and families who choose beach living without sacrificing urban conveniences.
Unlike more remote Panamanian beaches, Coronado has all the infrastructure of a small town: chain supermarkets, a hospital, pharmacies, banks, gas stations, restaurants of every kind and an active community. It's the combination of laid-back beach town and urban services that makes it so attractive for both living and vacationing.
From Panama City: Take the Pan-American Highway west. Coronado is approximately 80 km away, which translates to about 75 minutes by car in normal traffic. The highway is modern and well-marked. The Coronado exit is easy to spot.
From Tocumen Airport (PTY): From the international airport, the drive is approximately 90 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on city traffic. You can rent a car at the airport (Hertz, Budget and Avis have desks there) or take a taxi/Uber to Coronado.
Public transport: Intercity buses run from the Albrook Terminal in Panama City to interior beaches, including Coronado. The cost is very affordable (under $5), but the trip takes longer and stops are on the main highway, not within residential communities. For convenience, we recommend a private car or rental.
Las Palmeras 132-1, Las Lajas, Coronado, Panamá Oeste
One of Coronado's biggest advantages is that everything essential is close by. You don't need to drive to Panama City for daily needs. Here are the main services accessible within minutes from Casa Roja:
Supermarkets: Supermercado Rey and El Machetazo are the two main chain stores in Coronado. Both offer fresh produce, imported goods, meats, bakery and household products. Smaller shops and mini-markets are also available for quick runs.
Healthcare: Coronado has clinics, pharmacies (Farmacias Arrocha, Metro, Super Farmacia) and hospital access. For major emergencies, Panama City hospitals are just over an hour away.
Banks & ATMs: ATMs from Banco General, Banistmo and other major banks are available in Coronado's commercial zone. Bank branches for more complex transactions are also present.
Restaurants: From affordable local "fondas" serving Panamanian comfort food to international cuisine, grills, seafood restaurants and cafés. The dining scene has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the expat community and tourism.
Panama's Pacific coast offers miles of accessible shoreline from Coronado. These are the most popular and closest beaches:
Playa Coronado: The main beach in the area. Dark volcanic sand, moderate waves and an enjoyable coastal walk. It's the busiest on weekends but never feels overcrowded. Ideal for sunset strolls.
Playa Serena: Quieter than Playa Coronado, with less infrastructure but more peace. Perfect for those seeking relaxation without crowds.
Playa Teta: Known for consistent surf, this is a favorite among surfers in the area. Beautiful even if you just want to watch the waves.
Playa Malibu: More residential and private, with fewer visitors. Light sand and a family-friendly atmosphere.
El Palmar: A bit farther from Coronado but worth the trip. Big waves that attract surfers from across Panama. Surf schools and accommodation options are available on-site.
Coronado is more than just beach. The area offers a variety of activities for all tastes and ages:
Surfing: Playa Teta and El Palmar have consistent waves for all levels. Local surf schools offer beginner lessons and board rentals. Best conditions are during rainy season (May–November) when Pacific swells are stronger.
Golf: The Coronado Golf Club is a Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole course surrounded by mountains and tropical vegetation. One of the most recognized courses in Central America, it accepts visitors.
Hiking & Nature: Hills and forests behind the coast offer hiking trails with panoramic views. Waterfalls like Cascada El Chorro are accessible within an hour. Panama's biodiversity is impressive: tropical birds, iguanas, capuchin monkeys and butterflies are frequent sightings.
Sport Fishing: Panama's Pacific is world-renowned for sport fishing. From Coronado you can arrange boat trips for tuna, dorado, wahoo and marlin. Several local operators offer half-day and full-day tours.
Dining & Nightlife: On weekends, Coronado comes alive with restaurants, bars and local events. The community is large enough to offer variety without losing its relaxed beach-town vibe.
Coronado enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C (77°F–91°F). Humidity is high, especially during rainy season, but the Pacific breeze makes it feel cooler than the city.
Dry season (December–April): The most popular months to visit. Clear skies, little to no rain, high but manageable temperatures. This is peak tourist season and weekends are busier at the beaches.
Rainy season (May–November): Rains typically come in the afternoon, leaving mornings sunny. Vegetation turns lush and green, surfing improves, and prices tend to drop. Many long-term residents prefer this season for its tranquility and dramatic sunsets.
For those considering a long term rental, both seasons are liveable and enjoyable. Casa Roja's private pool can be enjoyed year-round thanks to the consistently warm climate.
Panama is one of the world's most popular destinations for expatriates, and Coronado is one of the epicenters of that community. Panama's Pensionado visa program is among the most attractive in the Americas, with discounts on medical services, transportation, restaurants and entertainment for foreign retirees. Additionally, the Friendly Nations visa facilitates residency for citizens of over 50 countries.
The cost of living in Coronado is significantly lower than in cities like Miami, San Diego, Barcelona or Lisbon. A couple can live comfortably on $2,000–3,000 per month including rent, food, utilities and entertainment. For families, the budget increases but remains competitive compared to similar Caribbean or Mediterranean coastal destinations.
The expat community in Coronado is active: Facebook groups, regular social events, book clubs, trivia nights, farmers' markets and group activities like yoga, hikes and restaurant outings. It's easy to make friends and find a support network, especially if you speak English. Spanish isn't mandatory for living in Coronado, though learning it enriches the experience.
If you're considering the move, Casa Roja is an excellent base while you decide whether Coronado is your place. With a flexible monthly rental contract, you can test beach life without long-term commitments.
Casa Roja is your ideal base: private pool, 4 bedrooms and everything included, minutes from the beach.