What do you look for in a beach? If you are like most travelers, you are probably keen on a few specific things in particular: sun, sea, surf, and somewhere to relax as much as you possibly can. If so, you should definitely check out Costa Rica – for not only is it one of the most famously beautiful parts of the world, it also offers a wide range of experiences that you are unable or unlikely to get anywhere else. Not to mention its amazing beaches. Here are the top five beaches in Costa Rica that you should definitely add to your wanted list.
1. Manzanillo
This beautiful small settlement is a little tucked-away and private, which of course makes it perfect for anyone looking for something a little off the beaten trail. Manzanillo is relatively undiscovered, but that is not to say that it doesn’t get any visitors. And that is good news, because it allows you to still have access to all of the resources that you would normally need on holiday. All in all, this is a great part of the country to visit.
2. Dominical
This is on the Southern Pacific coast, so you know that you are going to get awash with plenty of lovely beaches and amazingly clear water. Dominical is popular amongst backpackers and the like, but not overrun, so you can still enjoy a relatively easygoing and simple experience. It’s also incredibly beautiful, and has some of the best and most varied hotels you are going to find pretty much anywhere.
3. Playa Carrillo
Probably one of the most relaxing, picturesque, and cleanest beaches in Guanacaste, Playa Carrillo is an excellent beach to get away from the crowds. It is located in the southern zone of Coast Rica in the Guanacaste Province and is about a 2-hour drive from Liberia International Airport. Waves are clam, making it a great place for families, and is has a very local vibe. There are not that many hotels here but you can move over to Punta Islita at day’s end and spend a night in an amazing Costa Rica 5 star resort.
4. Playa Del Coco
Also in the respected Guanacaste region, the Playa Del Coco is one of the oldest beaches in the area, and as such it has some of the best sands of all. However, you do need to be aware that Playa Del Coco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica, so it does tend to get rammed on the weekends. That shouldn’t be a problem as long as you plan ahead, but it is something to be aware of.
5. Playa Ocotal
If you want to escape the crowds, however, you don’t need to go far to find this amazingly beautiful – and very clean – alternative. Playa Ocotal is much less known than Del Coco, and yet it is only a stone’s throw away, so it’s certainly somewhere that you are going to want to think about as you travel around Costa Rica. it is also said to have misty air full of negative ions – a health-boosting tonic for everyone.
6. Playa Hermosa
If you are planning on going to the much-revered and adored Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, then there are many stunning beaches for you to choose amongst. One of the very top, however, is Playa Hermosa, which is known as one of the very best kinds of beaches if you are looking for some much-needed rest and restoration. And given that Hermosa is Spanish for beautiful, you know that it is really going to look the part, too.