Playa Hermosa, located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, will always hold a special place in our hearts. My husband and I traveled to Costa Rica for our 10-day honeymoon and already want to return for all the places we didn’t see.
It was my husband’s job to plan the honeymoon as I was dealing with all of the wedding details. He did a great job planning, and we decided to spend 5 days in La Fortuna and another 5 days at an all-inclusive called Secrets Papagayo. However, there was only one issue- my husband accidentally left a 1-day gap between the two destinations.
We decided to head to the coast after La Fortuna, and were looking for an affordable place to stay since we already spent a lot on two hotels. I quickly found a tiny airbnb on Playa Hermosa, which was less than 15 minutes from our resort. We absolutely fell in love with this beach and would’ve stayed longer if we didn’t have prior arrangements. Here are all the reasons why we loved the area and why you should plan your next Costa Rican vacation here.
If you plan to add more destinations to your Costa Rica itinerary, I highly recommend including La Fortuna. Click below for my La Fortuna itinerary and Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa Review.
Basic Information About PLAYA HERMOSA
The best time to visit is between December and early May. We visited in mid-May and experienced some rain as it was the beginning of the rainy season. If you don’t mind an afternoon shower, consider going around May or November to beat some of the crowds and heat.
Transportation
Playa Hermosa is one of the closest beaches to the airport, 24.5 km (15 miles) from Liberia. If you want to explore the surrounding area, I suggest renting a car or hiring a private car shuttle to get around. Additionally, if you are looking for excursions outside of Playa Hermosa and do not have a car, I would recommend checking to see if transportation is included, as taxis can be scarce and expensive.
Restaurants
Playa Hermosa has fewer bars and restaurants compared to other nearby towns. Below are some great restaurant options:
- Aqua Sport
- Robertos
- Gingers
Accommodations
We stayed at an AirBnB called Casa Marlin, but there were beautiful hotels located right on the beach. Linked below are a few options I think would be a great choice.
Hotels
AirBnB and VRBO
During our trip, we stayed at an Airbnb called Casa Marlin. I recommend this accommodation if you’re seeking a no-frills, budget-friendly option within walking distance of the beach. We enjoyed our stay, but I think it’s ideal for only a couple of days.
Reasons Why You Should Visit Playa Hermosa
1. Tranquility
I should preface this by saying that if you are looking for a beach town with more hustle and a lot of activity, then Playa Hermosa may not be the right place for you. I loved this area because there was a strong emphasis on relaxation and the natural beauty of the area.
We arrived at the beginning of the rainy season, so the beach was not busy at all. I would also imagine that compared to other towns during peak season, Playa Hermosa would still be a great option with not as many tourists.
The waves were very calm, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Looking back at the lush landscape was truly stunning.
2. Pura Vida Vibes
If you’ve done any research about Costa Rica, I’m sure you’ve come across the ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle. While there are many places in Costa Rica where you can experience this, I particularly enjoyed the relaxed and friendly ambiance of Playa Hermosa. Everyone we met there was incredibly welcoming.
3. Proximity
Playa Hermosa is a great option if you want to be close to the airport and other activities, but also enjoy being tucked away from the hustle and touristy areas. The beach itself is pretty secluded, but you are also 15 minutes from Playa Coco and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Tamarindo. This means you are far enough for relaxation and tranquility, but still within driving distance of all the action!
We did a sunset snorkel in Playa Coco and went to Tamarindo for surf lessons. There are so many options for excursions in the area so I would do your research on how you want to choose your adventure!
4. Playa Hermosa’s Natural Landscape
The Sunsets here were unreal. Nothing is more relaxing than sitting on the beach watching the different hues of the sunset change as it sets. We were so lucky to get a good glimpse the night we were there.
THANK YOU
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article by Squeeze with Louise. I’m very passionate about sharing my travel tips and recommendations with you. I would love to know your thoughts on how I can enhance my blog. Please feel free to comment below with any questions regarding this itinerary or general questions about Squeeze with Louise.
INTERESTED IN OTHER TRAVEL LOCATIONS?
Click below to see my articles on places in the following destinations:
