The 18 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 beaches in nicaragua"
Named by 5 of 81. Playa MaderasLong a surfers' beach with consistent year-round waves and a quiet area for beginners.A mellow, family-friendly beach suited to beginners, with seafood restaurants and occasional live music.
Named by 5 of 82. San Juan del SurThe Pacific coast's laid-back party town, with a half-moon bay and a Christ statue lookout.The bay is protected from swells, so it suits walking and swimming.
Named by 4 of 83. Corn Islands and Little Corn IslandLittle Corn is car-free, with gin-clear water; Otto Beach is its most popular stretch.Reached by a short flight from Managua, then a 40-minute boat from Great Corn.
Named by 3 of 84. Las PeñitasAbout 20 km west of León, small regular waves suit beginner and intermediate surfers.Next to Isla Juan Venado reserve, with migratory birds and crocodiles.
Named by 3 of 85. Playa HermosaOne of the best beginner waves near San Juan del Sur, popular with surf schools and families.Listed among the Pacific beaches for all surf levels.
Named by 2 of 86. PopoyoConsistent offshore winds make it one of the best places to surf in Central America.Popoyo Quarter Reef is a professional-level wave.
Named by 2 of 87. Isla de OmetepeAn island formed by two volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua, reached by ferry from San Jorge.Punta Jesus Maria is the beach named for volcano views.
Named by 2 of 88. Playa ColoradoOne of the most famous surf breaks in Nicaragua, with a consistent barreling beach break.
Named by 2 of 89. Playa El CocoDescribed as postcard-perfect and the nearest base to the La Flor turtle reserve.
Named by 2 of 810. Playa RemansoGentle waves for beginner surfers, often packed with surf schools.
Named by 2 of 811. La BoquitaDescribed as ideal for families, with ranchos on the beach.
Named by 2 of 812. PochomilIn San Rafael del Sur, 60 km from Managua, with restaurants, bars and horseback riding.
Named by 2 of 813. JiquililloSuited to quiet relaxation, 40 km from Chinandega, with ranchos and seafood.
14. Playa La FlorA protected nesting beach for leatherback and olive ridley turtles between July and January.Thousands of olive ridley turtles come ashore in mass nesting called an arribada.
15. El TránsitoA 90-minute drive from the Managua airport, with a close community of locals and a few expat families.
16. Pearl CaysReached from Pearl Lagoon, the usual base for reaching them is the town of Pearl Lagoon.
17. Playa GiganteA fishing village that is protected from surf, with affordable stays that surfers use as a base.
18. ManzanilloA beach with waves suited to beginners.Live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
Travel guides most often name November to April as the best time to visit Nicaragua.