The Food

Head to this tiny, homey café for a giant breakfast: Try the huevos rancheros or a shrimp-and-cheese omelet and anything from the long menu of fresh-squeezed juices.
Aves. Benito Juarez and Porfirio Diaz, 52-984-875-2162.

The hotel's restaurant serves three meals, plus snacks, daily; many dishes have a Cuban flair and revolve around the catch of the day, though the chef will cater to a picky eater's whims and make almost any dish to order.
52-984-875-2171.

This austere but excellent restaurant next door to Casa Sandra serves amazing ceviche as well as kid standbys like burgers and pasta. If you have room for dessert (which is tough—portions are huge), order the crepe filled with tropical fruit and warm chocolate sauce.
Beachfront, 52-984-87-52160.

A beach-shack-meets-trattoria setting—the dining room is decked in model sailboats, a mermaid mural, and checked tablecloths—serves as the backdrop at this Italian restaurant, which deliciously incorporates local seafood into its dishes (lobster tagliatelle, seafood risotto). It also serves more basic fare, like spaghetti pomodoro.
Aves. Benito Juarez and Porfirio Diaz.

Situated on the main plaza, this two-floor pizza joint is a social hub of the town. The food is good, and options range from a basic cheese pie to the house specialty, a garlicky lobster pizza. If it's a nice evening, ask for a seat on the porch.
Southeastern corner of the square, 52-984-875-2024.

A good lunch destination when you don't want to make the walk to town, this restaurant offers big, hearty fish entrees as well as a delicious (nonspicy) chicken-and-rice dish that kids will devour. Families might want to skip the place in the evenings, when it becomes a discoteca.
Beachfront, near Casa de las Tortugas, 52-984-875-2210.

The Shopping

This shop carries locally made crafts, like little corn-husk dolls and vibrant hammocks. The owner displays a photo album with pictures of the craftspeople she works with, and will gladly tell customers the story behind each item she carries.
Aves. Damero and Palomino, 52-998-130-5043.

Seashells are incredibly plentiful on the shore, but if you want to supplement your collection, head here for large and small at good prices (a good-size conch sells for around $10). The shop also carries jewelry, mirrors, and wind chimes made from island shells.
Aves. Benito Juarez and Porfirio Diaz.

Good To Know

There are no banks or ATMs on the island, and few places around town take credit cards (though many hotel restaurants do). Withdraw enough money at the Cancún airport to last the entirety of your stay; estimate about 400 pesos (about $37) per person per day to be on the safe side.

One of the perks of Holbox is that there are no cars—and thus none of the usual driving headaches. Even golf carts, the main mode of transport, are unnecessary, as everything is within walking distance. Still, they can be useful for schlepping a petered-out toddler.
Golf carts, $11 an hour or $45 a day.

Cell phones, including most international ones, don't work here, so bring a calling card or buy one in town. There are several pay phones as well as Internet cafés around the plaza.