Melaque (pop 6,379) is the name used to describe the combined villages of Melaque, San Patricio and Colonia Villa Obregon.  The most easterly village, Villa Obregon is mainly residential, while Melaque in the west is the main tourist area, and San Patricio in the middle encompasses the business district and the town plaza.  Playa Melaque (pictured here) shares Bahía de Navidad with the village of Barra de Navidad 4.5 km to the east, and is a popular spot for swimming in the area.  Playa Melaque is oriented east and west, so the sun rises on one end of the beach and sets on the other.