Mazatlan, on Mexico's Pacific Coast, is a popular tourist destination for travellers of all ages. With a combination of fine sandy beaches, a hot Mexican climate, great nightlife and a historical downtown area, it is absolutely perfect for a family holiday - although you may be advised to avoid American Spring Break season, as the town can get truly crazy at this time. For low cost accommodation in this fantastic coastal town, investigate deals on self-catered rental homes - freeing up your holiday budget to enjoy the sights and sounds of Mazatlan.

There is so much to do in Mazatlan that it will probably take more than one family holiday in order to see everything. First and most obviously there are the beaches, and Olas Atlas Beach is particularly recommended, just a short walk west of the Plazuela Machado (a square at the heart of the retsored historic centre of Mazatlan) and lined with some great restaurants. The historic centre is well worth exploring on foot, particularly El Mercado - the market where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs from mass-produced t-shirts to traditional Mexican craft products. For a more active holiday, you can try hiking up to the Lighthouse. This Faro is the highest working lighthouse in the world and commands spectacular views across Mazatlan and the coast, 515 feet above sea level.

With a huge selection of apartments in beachside resort developments, shopping around rental homes in Mazatlan will turn up some great deals. Depending on the time of year you plan to visit, it is possible to find apartments from as little as £350 a week for a property large enough to accommodate a family of four or more. This can work out as a great money saving option compared to the cost of booking hotel rooms for the whole family, and the extra privacy is great. Holiday rentals offer greater flexibility on a family holiday - if you want to plan a day trip to somewhere further afield in the region, you can prepare your own meals in the self-catering facilities and are no longer tied to a hotel restaurant's opening times. And the extra space is great for kids - they can run around and let off steam without you having to worry so much whether they are disturbing other guests!