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There are a variety of beaches here with
different widths, sand color, water color, and foliage.
Generally considered among the most attractive are (in
no particular order):
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 Samara: Playa
Samara 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 Samara, 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.
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