The Nicoya Peninsula Beaches

The Nicoya Peninsula and the wider Guanacaste coast form Costa Rica's sun-drenched Pacific playground, a long stretch of golden beaches, reliable surf and laid-back beach towns. From the lively surf hub of Tamarindo and the yoga-and-surf haven of Santa Teresa to quieter, wilder sands and turtle-nesting beaches, it is a place to surf, relax and soak up the pura vida lifestyle, in a region also famous as one of the world's rare Blue Zones of exceptional longevity.

What you actually see

• The surf beaches - the reliable breaks of Tamarindo and Santa Teresa.
• The laid-back towns - the relaxed beach and yoga towns.
• The sunsets - the spectacular Pacific sunsets.
• The turtle beaches - the nesting beaches like Ostional.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the sunniest, driest weather, when the northwest is at its most reliable; the green season brings rain but also lush landscapes and fewer crowds. The surf is good year-round.

Honest expectations

The dry-season northwest is the country's sunniest region but also its driest and, in places, browner, quite unlike the lush rainforest image. Popular towns like Tamarindo have become developed and touristy, while quieter beaches take more effort to reach on rough roads. Some beaches have strong rip currents, so heed local advice.

Nearby

The Rincon de la Vieja volcano and the wider Guanacaste region are inland.