On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.

Although it’s possible to ferry over to Holbox from the Mexican mainland and ferry back by sundown, stretch your stay for a few days to truly experience the island’s best bits.

The secret about this untouched paradise has been out for a few years, but travelers continue to find plenty of reasons to visit Isla Holbox, where sandy roads connect waterfront resorts on the outskirts of the island to the central town, known as Centro District. Most come to Holbox for peace and quiet; but if you’re craving some action, you can hire a golf cart taxi (the only form of motor transportation on the island) to take you into Centro, the heart of the island’s culinary, nightlife and shopping scenes.

© Arkadij Schell | Dreamstime.com

Street art and painted murals bring vibrant color to a town that feels more like a village. Only a handful of streets make up the island’s commercial hub and surround Parque Central, which rests neatly between two blocks, forming a perfect square. The four streets bordering the park prove prime for people-watching; shopping for souvenirs; and booking island activities like kitesurfing, bike rentals or a nighttime tour to the edges of the island to see bioluminescent creatures in their natural habitat.

As one would expect, most of Holbox’s restaurants serve fresh seafood caught the same day. Viva Zapata, an energetic eatery with murals paying homage to Mexican history, offers an array of Mexican favorites such as shrimp or fish tacos, fajitas and quesadillas. If you’re up early to watch the sunrise over the gulf, head to Clandestino Coffee Shop for a morning jolt before checking out the ships along Avenida Damero.

Although Isla Holbox is only 26 miles long and 1 mile wide, it packs a lot into its central district for those for whom the wilderness is just a bit too wild.