Samara

Samara is a long horseshoe shaped beach located in Guanacaste, 35kms South of Nicoya, and 245kms away from San Jose. You may also fly to Samara, via Playa Carrillo, and this would only take about 45 minutes of your time. Another alternative is to fly direct to Liberia International Airport and take the two-hour drive via Nicoya to Samara.

An Island as well as many offshore rocks protect this long tropical beach, making it one of the safest beaches in Guanacaste for swimming. There are many water-sports and activities practiced there too; Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Sea Kayaking, deep sea fishing, para-gliding, horseback riding, or simply going for a day trip by boat to visit the little Isla Chora. Talking long walks on the shore is a favorite in Samara as the beach is 5 kms long and is perfect for this.

Samara is popular as a family destination, and has an amazing variety of places to stay and places to eat. There are also numerous bars and some discos. As you arrive in the little town, you will immediately see the sea as it is just there in front of you, at the end of the road. Turning left will take you to an assortment of affordable hotels and cabinas and places to eat. There is a good supermarket where you will find everything you need.

As you carry on that road, you will eventually reach Playa Carrillo, a wonder of nature and definitely a must if you are in the area. There is no town there, just the beach and the sea, coconut trees, the sky and the sun, and it is one of the most highly rated of the country.

Carrillo is the place to be for a quiet day and for keeping in touch with Nature. Its white sand and quiet waters are very soothing and it is almost always deserted. There is a beautiful luxurious hotel between Samara and Carrillo, the Hotel Punta Islita, which is worth checking out, even if it is just for a sunset drink at the bar. They are a completely sustainable hotel that incorporates the local community through employment, education and supporting small local companies. Carillo is no more than twenty minutes away from Samara, and a taxi can take you there for about $6.

Samara attracts a reasonable amount of tourism with its beautiful long beach, its bars and good restaurants, cabinas and luxurious hotels. There is something for everybody, and for every taste. Because the beach is so long, it is easy to enjoy the nightlife while staying away from it.

There are two other beaches to visit while you are in the area, Playa Buena Vista and Playa Barrigona. They are both about 30 minutes north of Samara. If you are not driving, a taxi can take you there for about $10.

• Samara Hotels
• Samara Restaurants
• Samara Nightlife