Beach Towns: Playa Grande

Playa Grande is aptly named as it’s one of the longest beaches you’ll ever step on and the long sweeping curvature of the beach allows you to see from end to end on a clear day. Situated on the Gold Coast of Guanacaste, Playa Grande is just north of the most popular beach town in the area, Tamarindo, and is separated from that beach by the Matapalo River, located within Marino Las Baulas National Park.

Province: Guanacaste
Amenities: 4 Stars
Infrastructure: 3 Stars
Nearest City: Santa Cruz (35 minute drive)
Nearest Airport: Liberia (60 minute drive)
Nearest Hospital: Liberia CIMA (60 min. drive)

This beach was a popular nesting grounds for the leatherback turtle when thousands of turtles would bury their eggs here, but sadly, their population has drastically declined, and by 2008, there were only 32 turtles that arrived during the nesting season. For that reason, this area of the Marino Las Baulas National Park is fiercly protected and the turtle populations are on the rebound. In fact, you won’t find any camp fires along the beach at night as the beach itself is part of the national park, and rules prohibit visitors past sun down.

If there’s 1 singular thing Playa Grande is known for is surfing. The breaks are breath taking and attract surfers from all around the world. Breaks are moderate and constant, earning Grande a reputation of one of Costa Rica’s premier surf destinations. Here you’ll find lots of small hotels and very affordable hostels to house this constantly rotating crowd of surfing thrill seekers.

The beach is long and spread out, as is the sparse population. There’s really no town center, but there are several restaurants and shops up and down the main road to satisfy your needs. And for what ever you don’t find, Tamarindo is a short drive or even water taxi away where you can enjoy nightlife and shopping and the like. 

Costa Rica Real Estate For Sale: Playa Grande, Guanacaste