Costa Rica: Guanacaste beach escape

Surfers and beachgoers alike spend their days relaxing on sun-kissed shores, enjoying the ocean-view vibes. With great beaches up its sleeve such as Playa Grande and Playa Langosta, Tamarindo gives you romantic sunsets and fun-party sessions throughout the year. Bohemian, laidback and tropical, this feel-good town is a stone's throw away from Papagayo Gulf. Surf shacks, boutique stores, small restaurants and cosy cafes - where you can spend your mornings sipping local coffee – fill up the town’s main street, giving it a vibrant atmosphere. Embracing Costa Rica’s 'pura vida' at Tamarindo is second nature.

Small beach towns are what put Costa Rica on the map, and this one is rather unique. A world away from Guancaste’s touristic hotspots, Nosara swaps bustling hotels, shops and restaurants for secluded beaches and hilltop yoga retreats. Strong winds and year-round low tides make this town a surfer’s paradise. And there are several wildlife sanctuaries to discover, as well as a renowned biological reserve teeming with exotic plants and wildlife. What’s more, Nosara is located in the Nicoya Peninsula – one of the world’s five Blue Zones – where people tend to live longer and happier lives. If you’re looking to find your zen, this is the place.

Small and sleepy Samara is a piece of beachy paradise with tonnes to see and do. Unique in the fact that it’s achieved the ideal balance between tourism and local vibes, this coastal village is a must-visit during your Costa Rican holiday. The main attraction is, without question, the pristine Playa de Samara. With a long stretch of soft sand and gentle waters – some of Costa Rica’s safest – this family-friendly beach is perfect for swimming. A short drive out of town will have you exploring waterfalls and mountains, while sailing out to sea gives you the chance to discover a thriving underwater world. Samara also makes a great base for visiting nearby national parks, volcanoes and reserves.

The whole of the peninsula is a great place for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path retreat. Striking landscapes, lush jungle forests and sun-kissed coastlines are all accessible at your very fingertips. In recent years, Santa Teresa has become a trendy mecca for young expats, backpackers, digital nomads and young families alike. Surfer enthusiasts, beach goers come here all year thanks to its long stretch of golden-sand coastline. This cosy town offers ‘Pura Vida’ vibes with local-cuisine restaurants, rustic eco-stores, co-working spots, boutique hotels and chill-out cafes.

With all the ingredients for a perfect city break, Costa Rica’s capital – San Jose – should be on everyone’s travel wish list. World-class museums, theatres, markets and historic buildings – it’s got everything. And by night, the city lights up with a host of hip restaurants, stylish bars and a buzzing party scene. What’s more, its downtown is relatively compact, meaning most sights are within walking distance from each another.