Nearby Flamingo, it’s a town, has a very nice marina, and this beach stretches from the marina to the next town, all clean, soft, pale sand and dunes covered in those bright green ground covering creepers. The marina feeds the boats which in turn go fishing just off the coast and feed you your seafood dinner. *BR*A long way off to the north are some cliffs, but you have to pass across miles more beach and some mangroves before you reach them. Miles and miles of beach.

This gorgeous beach more than lives up to its tropical-sounding name. Its sands are clean, golden and powder-textured, the sea matches the cobalt blue sky, and the backdrop one of soaring mountains and lush forests. Renowned for its blue flag status, Playa Flamingo has clean water and is safe for swimmers, so you can spend all day snorkelling amongst the abundant marine life, enjoying a variety of watersports or fishing, and in the evening, simply sit back and gaze on one of Costa Rica’s most famously glorious sunset vistas.

Close to the bustling little town of Tamarindo, Langosta Beach is good for surfing and very popular, but large enough so that parts of it comprise a peaceful marine wildlife reserve, and non-surfers can easily find an empty patch all of their own. Good snorkelling and diving may also be had, but bear in mind that the sheer size of the beach means that some parts are safer than others, so look out for dangerous tides in some deeper areas and the odd rocky patch.

Ginger-brown sand that glows in the sunshine and stretches far into the shallow, warm pacific water makes up Playa Negra, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated beaches. Famous as a surfer’s paradise, with one of the best breaks in the country, this idyllic spot featured as a set in the film ‘Endless Summer’ and there are villas for rent almost directly on the beach, so you can run out and get started first thing every morning.

Playa Avellanas is excellent for surfing and popular with locals, and connects with other nearby beaches all along the coast so you can walk as far as Tamarindo – some ten kilometres away – on foot in the soft, pale sand. The water is shallow and also good for swimming, and there are shady places to sit and enjoy a drink at the bar between the palm trees.

Altough Montezuma has become a popular vacation spot in the last 50 years, the town still has quiet remote sections and nearly untouched beaches. On Costa Rica’s southern Nicoya Peninsula, the countryside teems with waterfalls and great waters for surfing.

Vacationers can also experience the closeness of the community and the richness of Montezuma’s local culture. An eco-friendly town that believes in conservation, Montezuma is home to several amateur and professional artists and musicians, as well as jungle animals such as monkeys and tigers.

Hermosa’s smooth, greyish sand and shallow, safe crystal waters are gentle on the eye and the vibe at the family end of this blue flag beach is equally laid back. Fringed by many species of trees and famous for local wildlife conservation efforts, it’s nevertheless large enough to offer a variety of seaside options down its length, with a selection of bars and restaurants to choose from along the promenade, a large faction of local and visiting surfers and a range of watersports available to those looking for a slightly less sedate experience.

For endless secluded beaches of dark volcanic sand, stretching away against a backdrop of swaying palm trees and lush tropical jungle, the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is hard to beat. There are abundant surfing and fishing possibilities. The sunsets here are among the most beautiful anywhere.

Playa Conchal is an amzing beach directly adjacent to Playa Brasilito in the Northern End of the Nicoya Peninsula. There is one resort there, but it is rather expensive. Budget travelers should stay in nearby brasilito and simply stroll 10 minutes along the beach to this amazing beach!