The 15 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beach towns in costa rica"
Named by 4 of 81. Puerto Viejo de TalamancaSits on the quieter Caribbean coast, about a four hour drive from San Jose.Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae and spicy food set the tone.
Named by 4 of 82. MontezumaHas a long golden beach, Playa Montezuma, on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, where many Costa Rican beaches are dark sand.Waterfalls and jungle bridges are nearby, and boat tours often spot dolphins.
Named by 3 of 83. Santa TeresaA surf town with wide beaches and several consistent surf spots, also popular with yoga fans.Reached only by a bumpy dirt road, yet it has many restaurants, cafes and surf shops.
Named by 2 of 84. JacóA relaxed surf town with nightlife, an easy drive from San Jose.A gateway to Carara National Park, home to crocodiles and scarlet macaws.
Named by 2 of 85. DominicalA small, surf-centered town with powerful waves.More rustic and less crowded than other beach towns, and a gateway to waterfalls.
Named by 2 of 86. Playas del CocoThe largest beach town in the Gulf of Papagayo.Close to the airport in Liberia, with sport fishing and deep-sea diving.
Named by 2 of 87. TamarindoHas a big beach, nightlife and good surf breaks.A former fishing village that now draws surfers and sun-seekers from around the world.
Named by 2 of 88. NosaraKnown for yoga retreats and coast with howler monkeys and colorful birds.Stands out for wellness and sustainable living.
Named by 2 of 89. Playa FlamingoA white-sand beach lined with resorts and restaurants.Listed among popular Guanacaste beaches.
10. GuanacasteA Pacific province nicknamed the Golden Coast, called one of the best beach areas in the country.Has nearly 300 beaches, from black sand to white sand.
11. Manuel AntonioSet inside a national park, with luxury and laid-back places to stay.Zip-lining and whitewater rafting on the Rio Naranjo are options.
12. UvitaHome to Marino Ballena National Park and its whale tail-shaped sandbar.Good for whale watching.
13. TortugueroA remote national park on the north Caribbean coast, reached by boat or air.The north coast is mostly jungle and less tourist-oriented than the south.
14. Playa Hermosa (near Jacó)Known for calm water and a family-friendly feel.
15. ManzanilloNear Puerto Viejo but quieter, ringed by jungle and coral reefs.Pick a place for live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
Travel guides most often name December to April as the best time to visit Costa Rica.
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