World champion of sustainable happiness, according to the Happy Planet Index, Costa Rica doubles all other nations in the world in the race for happiness and ecology. Incredible reward for such a small country whose motto could be: “To live happily, let’s keep a low profile!
Costa Rica surprises us with its gentle way of life, its incredible environmental richness and the kindness of its inhabitants, also known as Ticos. This is a country whose main credo is the protection of the environment, respect for life and the well-being of the population.
It offers its most beautiful panoramas from the top of a volcano, hides its most secret beaches at the bottom of hidden bays… All these treasures are discovered as you travel from the blue of the ocean to the green of a lush vegetation.
Like many travellers, you will go to Costa Rica to answer Mother Nature’s call. Behind this scenery lies a country where life is rather sweet, where a quarter of the territory is classified as national parks or nature reserves, with the ambition of protecting ever larger areas.
The discovery of Costa Rica is three-dimensional: the human, the natural and the spiritual, which is never far away.
The most practiced activity is the canopy tour, that is the flying from one side of the forest to the other hooked to a steel cable. But Costa Rica also offers wonderful beaches still little known and little frequented. Some overlook the Caribbean Sea, where, especially in the South, the sea is transparent and can easily compete with other destinations. Others, perhaps the most beautiful and unexpected, are found along the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
Here is a list with wonderful places to visit where you can find the best accommodation along Costa Rica coast in order experience an amazing trip around Costa Rica coast: you will find some places where you should stop along the coast, sleep near the sea and breathe Pura Vida!
Bahía de los Piratas – Playa Real
Just below the famous Playa Conchal, it is the most secret beach in Costa Rica. Two kilometres of pink sand framed on one side by rocks and on the other by islands, once secret hiding places for pirates. Here there are only a few hidden hotels in the tropical forest for tourists.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
It is located on the undervalued Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, about four hours drive from San José. The beach is largely unspoilt, making it an excellent haven to spot some of the country’s unique wildlife away from the crowds. It is also a short trip across the border in Panama, where you can access some breath-taking scenery, such as Bocas del Toro.
Santa Teresa – Playa Carmen – Malpaís
At the extreme tip of the Nicoya peninsula, these small beaches are only accessible by taking a dusty road. They are frequented by surfers because of the strong currents, but also by hippie families and street musicians. You can go shopping at the farmers’ market, which is set up every day.
Playa Rajada
It is located near the Nicaraguan border and is famous for the spectacular sunset that can be observed from here (the sunsets over the Pacific are always wonderful). It does not offer many facilities, on the other hand it has white and soft sand, rocks with a strange conformation and a lively marine life.
Playa Tamarindo – Langosta
Discovered by the first surfers to come to Costa Rica, this beach is now the most famous in South America for those in search of the perfect wave and for those who love camping life. Currently there are also numerous restaurants, some of which are among the most prestigious in the country.
Playa Avellanas
If you ask the surfers which is the best spot where to ride the waves will answer you: “Avellanas”. About twenty kilometers from the famous Tamarindo, is a white beach surrounded by mangroves. The Lola’s bar is the meeting point for all those who come to this beach.
Nosara
If you’re looking for the atmosphere of “Eat Pray Love”, Nosara is your place. Located in Guanacaste province, this city is home to numerous yoga retreats and pristine coastlines teeming with screaming monkeys, colorful birds and other wildlife. Don’t expect a high-class luxury here, but there are few better places to get your “om”.
A surfing paradise, extremely wild, but also a quiet place to snorkel, here you will never find a big crowd.
Playa Cuevas (Secret Beach)
Getting there is not easy. The road is tiring and all around there is absolutely nothing. But once you get there, you’ll find paradise. Rocky walls, caves and many hidden corners where you can rest easy. Even here the sunsets are spectacular.
Playa Danta – Playa Dantita
A few years ago, a community of people called Las Catalinas lived there, adopting a ‘green’ lifestyle and moving without a car. The small hotels overlooking the beach are managed by the locals and are absolutely sustainable.
Now, it is time to book your flight and live the Costa Rican pure life!
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