MANY ADVENTURES AWAIT YOU IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS OF PLAYA GRANDE BEACH, GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA
Costa Rica Vacation Spots
Costa Palmera is one of the best Costa Rica vacation spots! It’s the epicenter for all of the fun in Guanacaste. With things to do north and south of this beach villa, you can’t go wrong being right in the middle of it all!
Playa Grande
One of the most beautiful Costa Rica Vacation spots. Located on Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region 50 minutes from the Liberia International Airport, Playa Grande is home to the protected marine preserve, Las Baulas National Park, where every year the Leatherback Sea Turtles land to lay their eggs. Separated by the Metapalo River, Playa Grande is the beach directly north of the quaint beach town, Tamarindo. Because of national treaties, Playa Grande is one of the only beaches to allow vacation properties to be constructed so close to the water. Playa Grande, Hence the name, is one of the largest sandy beaches in all of Costa Rica, allowing for a family environment and the potential for great amounts of beach activities. But don’t let the flat sandy beach fool you. Playa Grande is known for some of the best surf on all of the Guanacaste and is suitable for all skill levels of surfing. Thousands of people vacation to this beach annually to partake in its world-class surf.
Playa Flamingo
Located about 10 miles north of Playa Grande, Playa Flamingo is a lavish mile long crescent shaped stretch of coastline. Known for its beautiful white sands and marine life, Playa Flamingo is a great place to sight see with the family. Playa Flamingo has a marina, so this is where you will launch to go deep-sea fishing and also where you will take off to surf Witches Rock (Roca Bruja). Playa Flamingo is also a popular spot to go horseback riding.
Tamarindo
Just a stones throw from Playa Grande, on the other side of the Metapalo River, is the laidback beach town of Tamarindo. Tamarindo is considered to be the most developed community in this area. Once known as a quiet fisherman’s town, Tamarindo has grown up to be quite urban. Although it looks very easy to access by foot from Playa Grande, it is a rather long walk. Driving is a little different because of the estuary that separates the two communities. The road separating the two areas goes around the estuary (el estaro) making it a 25-30 minute drive even though it is less than two miles as the crow flies. Tamrindo is where you will most likely journey to for activities such as sailing, diving, booze cruises, parasailing and other fun adventures. Tamarindo is also known for having the best nightlife in the area. Since it is an urban town, be careful and do not take any valuables with you.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Know to be one of the most epic regions of Costa Rica, The Arenal Volcano National Park cannot get any more stunning. There are plenty of daily excursions to pick from and this day trip is definitely worth your while. With an impressive summit of 5,400 feet elevation the Arenal Volcano, on a sunny, day leaves you with a view of the entire Guanacaste. The surrounding rainforest is known as the Coter Rainforest, which has great wild life and pristine beauty.
Playas del Coco
Playas Del Coco (Coco Beach) is about half way between The Liberia International Airport and Playa Grande. This small quaint town is known to be popular amongst the youth. Every year at the end of the rainy season (end of November/ early December) Playas Del Coco has a big fiesta celebrating the holidays. Playas Del Coco is also known for its crystal blue water mainly because of the offshore reefs. There are several bars to day drink at, and if you are looking to party, this is probably a place you want to check out.
Brasilito
Located a few miles south of Playa Flamingo, Brasilito is a small beach town that has a lot of character. One of the quieter beach communities on the Guanacaste, Brasilito is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun.
Portrero
The very top of the head of Playa Flamingo lays the amazing scenic town of Playa Portreo. A quick drive from Playa Grande, Playa Portrero is known for its breath taking views and classy infrastructure. This small fisherman’s village is very photogenic and should be added to the list of things check out.
Roca Bruja (Witches Rock)
One of the most infamous Surf spots in the entire world, Witches Rock (Roca Bruja) is a must see for those who are coming to Costa Rica to surf. Accessible only by boat, Witches Rock requires an entire day of your time. To access this wave, you can take off from Playas Del Coco or Playa Flamingo. Ask about arranging a day trip.
Liberia
About 50 minutes north east of Playa Grande, Liberia is the town that you will fly into for your exotic getaway. Make sure you pick Liberia (LIR) for your airport arrival or else you will have a 5-hour car ride from the capital city of San Jose.
Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa, meaning beautiful beach in Spanish, is located about 40 minutes north of Playa Grande by car. Known for its very calm water, Playa Hermosa is a popular destination for swimmers and snorkelers. Playa Hermosa is a small and quiet beach town and is great for those seeking intimacy.
Playa Langosta
Playa Langosta (Lobster Beach) is the beach to the immediate south of Tamarindo. This stretch of coastline is a vast sandy beach with a large lava rock reef in the surf zone. Playa Langosta has very good surf and there is a beautiful river mouth that pours into the ocean. Be careful of the sharp reef here when you surf!
Playa Avellana
Located about 45 minutes south of Playa Grande in a car, Playa Avellanas is a beautiful desolate sandy beach with crystal clear water showing the magnificent reefs below the surface. Known for its great surf and natural beauty, Playa Avellanas is definitely a place to explore. There is also a world-class golf course, Hacienda Pinilla, where the 15th hole green, a short par three, practically touches the ocean.
Playa Negra
Located just south of Playa Avellanas, Playa Negra is another breath taking beach full of tide pools and volcanic rock. Playa Negra, unique for its dark sandy beach, has a great point break at the north end of the shoreline for surfers. At the far south end of the beach is a wonderful calm area for swimming making Playa Negra a great place for a family adventure.
