Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula's sparkling 80-mile shoreline boasts beach-centric towns with cream-colored shores and dense forests. Nosara Beach's powdery sands line the Nicoya Peninsula's western edge. You'll also find fishing and cattle-ranching communities east of the rustic coastline. After a significant rise in tourism that began in the 1970s, an influx of restaurants and hotels has enticed visitors to the peninsula's sandy coast.

Recent visitors highlight Nosara Beach's gorgeous sunsets, colorful fish, and turquoise waters as ideal for surfers and beach lovers alike. One TripAdvisor user says that Nosara is "A beautiful beach whether you are a surfer or not. However, there are rip currents and there is no shade, so a sunset walk on the beach is perfect." Another hot spot is Montezuma, a charming coastal town that boasts affordable hotel accommodations and untamed splendors, like magnificent waterfalls and gentle cerulean waves.

The Nicoya Peninsula extends from Costa Rica's northwestern tip and skirts the Pacific. You can reach the peninsula by car from San José; the drive will take approximately two to three hours. Or, if you opt out of a stopover at San José, you can fly directly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). To learn more, visit our guide to Getting Around Costa Rica.