My friend and I drove to Pedasi yesterday. It is only a three and a half hour drive from the Nueva Gorgona and Coronado area. To get to Pedasi, one takes the Interamericana Highway to Divisa. Turning south at Divisa onto Highway 3, we drove through Chitre, Los Santos and Las Tablas before turning east to head to Pedasi. When we first started going to Pedasi, the road from Divisa to Pedasi was a two lane road going through all of the little towns between Divisa and Pedasi. In just the year and a half we have been living here the government has built nice four lane roads that for the most part, go around the little towns. It is a beautiful drive all the way. I love pulling into Pedasi on the main street. The houses lining the street all look like they have been dressed for spring in their pastel finery. We turn off the main street and drive through the quaint square which is anchored by the traditional church on the corner. In the middle of the square is a little park with benches and lots of flowers. Surrounding the square are a few places to eat and a place to get internet. Pedasi also has a library.
We have come during the wet season this time. That means that there are not as many tourists here. Most people come to Pedasi during the high season. ‘When we visit Pedasi we always stay at La Rosa de Los Vientos, a bed and breakfast on the road to Bull Beach. The owners are wonderful, knowledgeable about Panama and serve a great breakfast. One can even see the ocean from the patio. However, there are several places to stay in Pedasi depending on the amenities you require. Casa de Campo, Hostal Dona Maria, Hostal Dim, The Pedasito, Casita Margarita to name a few. Those are all on main street.
Pedasi feels like a small town but it boasts of a lot of restaurants. One can get almost any kind of food here. The Sports Club is a great place to get wings. There are now two Italian restaurants here: Pasta y Vino and Segretos (which has just opened). Further down the main street is Smiley’s. This is one of our favorites. When we lived in Pedasi we spent a lot of time here because my friend was painting a jungle mural on one of the walls. Lunch and dinner can be found here everyday except for Monday. On Tuesdays and Fridays, there is a band. Just down from Smiley’s is The Bakery with delicious muffins and croissants. On the other end of the main street is Restaurant Isla Iguana. We have had some great fish there. On the square is a Chinese restaurant and a place to get pizza.
Several beaches are close to Pedasi. First there is Playa Arenal. There is a great little open air restaurant there where you can eat the catch of the day and drink a beer or a glass of wine. The locals there are also ready to take you by boat to Isla Iguana. (That will be another blog title.) Playa Toro is next with small bohio and pool. For a few dollars you can swim and have a beverage. A further distance from Pedasi is Playa Venao. It is about a 30 minute drive but doesn’t seem so far because the road scenery is beautiful. Playa Venau is a surfing beach. Even if you are not a surfer it is fun to go and watch others who are surfing.
I love the Pedasi area. The people are friendly, there is beautiful scenery and plenty of peacefulness.