Imagine travelling along the 1,300 kilometers of magnificent coastline of Costa Rica, further south, where the waters of the Caribbean meet those of the Pacific.

This little corner of Central America is the perfect playground for surfers, swimmers or those who simply like to laze in the sun on the most popular white sand beaches.

And what’s more, every beach here is public, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect spot!

Playa Santa Teresa: the most beautiful beach on the Nicoya Peninsula

Nestled in the small, relaxed town of Santa Teresa on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Santa Teresa is a real secret treasure.

This spot, popular with surfers in search of authenticity, promises an off-the-beaten-track experience. During the day, the waves are excellent, attracting surfers of all levels.

As evening approaches, a ritual takes hold: locals and visitors gather on the beach to watch a breathtaking spectacle together – the sunset plunging into the ocean.

The beach restaurants are ready to treat your taste buds to a dinner of fresh grilled fish.

Playa Samara: a family paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula not to be missed during your trip to Costa Rica

Looking for a beach where the whole family can relax and enjoy a variety of activities?

Playa Samara, on the splendid Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste province, is the place to be.

Imagine yourself on a seven-kilometer stretch of coastline, where the clear sand is caressed by calm, crystal-clear waters, and lined with palm trees dancing in the breeze.

What makes Playa Samara particularly attractive is its legendary tranquility and breathtaking beauty.

Thanks to a protective coral reef, the waters are particularly calm, making it an ideal spot for families with children.

The big plus: all amenities within easy reach (a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes, toilets).

If you’re looking for adventure, why not explore the coast on horseback?

Horseback riding along this idyllic beach is a magical way to discover the coastline.

Playa Conchal: one of the country’s most beautiful beaches, a sandy setting on the Gold Coast near Guanacaste.

In the heart of the Gold Coast, in northern Guanacaste, lies Playa Conchal, recognized as one of Costa Rica’s most versatile and photogenic beaches. Here, you’ll find golden sands and tiny shells glistening beneath turquoise waters.

Perfect for those who aren’t exclusively into surfing, Playa Conchal offers the perfect setting for swimming. Snorkel among tropical fish and stingrays.

It’s a perfect spot for a seaside picnic.

Imagine diving into clear waters, exploring a colorful underwater world, then relaxing on the warm sand, lulled by the sound of the waves… That’s the Pura Vida so dear to Costa Ricans!

Discover Playa Uvita: one of the most popular beaches in the Ballena Marine Park

Playa Uvita, nestled in the heart of the Ballena Marine Park, is a true Costa Rican gem.

Imagine a beach of fine sand, shaded by palm trees, where crystal-clear turquoise waters invite you to swim, snorkel and enjoy a host of other water sports. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

But the highlight of Playa Uvita is undoubtedly the sand tombolo, which emerges at low tide to form a spectacular whale tail in the ocean.

This natural formation, the largest of its kind on the Pacific coast of Central America, attracts curious onlookers who come to admire this unique phenomenon.

The surrounding park is teeming with life: it’s a hotspot for watching humpback whales, dolphins and sea turtles.

Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, kayaking and diving, exploring the rich biodiversity of this exceptional region.

Playa Hermosa: the jewel of the Gulf of Papagayo on the Pacific coast

Among the coastal splendours of the Gulf of Papagayo, in the province of Guanacaste, Playa Hermosa stands out for its dark sand and clear, blue waters.

As its name suggests – “magnificent beach” in Spanish – it lives up to its reputation.

Recognized and honored by the Blue Flag label, Playa Hermosa is particularly suited to swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

It’s a place where underwater beauty is accessible in just a few fathoms, offering a colorful spectacle of marine life.

And that’s not all: the sunrises and sunsets here are spectacular, especially in the early morning, when the sun slowly emerges to illuminate the sky and sea in flamboyant colors.

How to find your way around Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches: Caribbean coast or Pacific coast?

Caribbean coast

• The beaches are generally narrower, but some of the most beautiful in the country, such as Cahuita, Playa Blanca, Playa Negra and Puerto Vargas.
• These beaches offer a calmer, more tranquil atmosphere in a postcard setting.
• The Caribbean Sea is reputed to have the best waves for surfing, especially at Salsa Brava.

Pacific coast

• The beaches are larger, lined with palm trees, with magnificent sunsets.
• The beaches are Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio, Playa Uvita and Playa Samara.
• The Pacific Ocean can be more dangerous for swimming in some places, unlike the calmer Caribbean Sea.
• The Pacific coast offers the best opportunities for wildlife watching, especially in the national parks.

Both coasts have their charms, but the Pacific coast seems to offer more vast and spectacular beaches, while the Caribbean coast stands out for its more tranquil ambience as well as better surfing on magnificent waves.

It’s up to you!