Costa Rica Snapshot: Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

Sink you toes into the sands of this laid-back beach, where there's never a crowd

 

In the northwestern corner of Costa Rica, a trio of scallop-shaped bays open into the Gulf of Papagayo. Each offers a sandy beach, waterfront accommodations and spectacular sunsets, but it is the middle of the three, Playa Hermosa, that is the choice of many in- the-know travelers.

The scene on this mile-long stretch of gray sand is a bit more laid back then that at the flanking beaches of Playa Coco and Playa Panama, and you’ll never have to fight to find room to spread a beach blanket. Calm surf makes it a favorite with swimmers and snorkelers, and the clean waters have earned Hermosa the coveted title of a Blue Flag certified beach.

The beachside town of Hermosa offers a range of accommodations, restaurants, bars and shops. After beach time, there are several national parks nearby including Parque Nacional Palo Verde and Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja. Best of all, this is one of the easiest resorts in Costa Rica to reach. Fly into the Liberia International Airport and you can be on the beach at Playa Hermosa in half an hour.