Beaches In and Around Malpais

The western coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula is home to scores of beaches that offer up a fine place to swim, surf, relax or play. The playas that line this section of the Pacific are charming—the water crashes onto broad stretches of sand that's backed by rows of palm and almendro trees. The teal-blue ocean alternates between calm and wavy areas, much to the appreciation of swimmers and swell-hungry surfers alike. Even better, many beaches border small towns and thus allow beach-goers to stock up on supplies like cold beer and mangoes.

Heading north from Malpaís, you first hit Playa Carmen, a clean and attractive beach. Just beyond this is Santa Teresa, an up-and-coming area with more development and services than most places on the peninsula. Next comes Playa Hermosa, a beach that truly lives up to its name (hermosa means beautiful in Spanish)—here you'll find a mellow, grey-sand coastline nestled between two forested mountains. The final beach in the area is Manzanillo, a spot that has awesome tide pools, snorkeling and swimming.

Most travelers will spend a good deal of time on the beach. Using the profiles below to learn more about your options will make your time in the sun and on the sand all the more pleasant. And as always, don't hesitate to ask us if you have any questions.

Links of Interest

Hotels and Lodging In and Around Malpais