Playa Tamarindo: On the
verge of becoming a little too overdeveloped, crowded, and
chaotic, Tamarindo is still hanging onto its place on this list.
Tamarindo has ample lodgings to suit every budget and excellent
restaurants at almost every turn. The beach here is long and
broad, with sections calm enough for swimmers and others just
right for surfers. Located about midway along the beaches of
Guanacaste province, Tamarindo makes a good base for exploring
other nearby stretches of sand. There are plenty of surfers here,
as well as one of the liveliest nightlife scenes on this coast.
The Beaches Around Playa
Sámara: Playa Sámara itself is nice enough, but if you venture
just slightly farther afield, you'll find some of the nicest and
least developed beaches along the entire Guanacaste coast.
Playa Carillo is a long, almost always deserted crescent of
palm-backed white sand located just south of Sámara, while
Playa Barrigona and Playa Buena Vista are two hidden
gems, tucked down a couple of dirt roads to the north.
Playa Montezuma: This tiny
beach town at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula has
weathered fame and infamy and yet retains a funky sense of
individuality. European backpackers, vegetarian yoga enthusiasts,
and UFO seekers choose Montezuma's beach over any other in Costa
Rica. The waterfalls are what set it apart from the competition,
but the beach stretches for miles, with plenty of isolated spots
to plop down your towel or mat. Nearby are the Cabo Blanco and
Curu wildlife preserves.
Malpais: If you're looking
to visit Costa Rica's newest hot spot before the throngs discover
it, head out to Malpais. Here, you'll find miles of nearly
deserted beaches, great surf, and just a smattering of lodges,
surf camps, and simple cabinas. If Malpais is too crowded
for you, head farther on down the road to Santa Teresa, Playa
Hermosa, and Manzanillo.
Manuel Antonio: The first
beach destination to become popular in Costa Rica, it still
retains its charms despite burgeoning crowds and mushrooming
hotels. The beaches inside the park are idyllic, and the views
from the hills approaching the park are enchanting. This is one of
the few remaining habitats for the endangered squirrel monkey.
Rooms with views tend to be a bit expensive, but many a satisfied
guest will tell you they're worth it.
Punta Uva & Manzanillo:
Below Puerto Viejo, the beaches of Costa Rica's eastern coast take
on true Caribbean splendor, with turquoise waters, coral reefs,
and palm-lined stretches of nearly deserted white-sand beach.
Punta Uva and Manzanillo are the two most sparkling gems of this
coastline. Tall coconut palms line the shore, providing shady
respite for those who like to spend a full day on the sand, and
the water is usually quite calm and good for swimming.
