Playa Avellanas

Playa Avellanas is what people hope Guanacaste still looks like, a long, wide, mostly wild beach of golden sand backed by mangrove and palms, about twenty minutes of rough road south of Tamarindo. Surfers know it as one of the most consistent and varied breaks on the coast, sometimes called Little Hawaii, with waves to suit beginners through to the experienced spread along the same long stretch. It is quieter and more natural than Tamarindo, and that is exactly the appeal.

And then there is Lola's. The open air restaurant under the palms is not just a place to eat, it is the soul of the beach, a run of wooden tables and big shaded loungers facing the surf, famous for fresh fish, poke, smoothies and a cold beer with your toes in the sand. For the food and culture traveller it is reason enough to make the trip, and the honest rhythm of a day here is simple: surf or walk in the morning, then settle in at Lola's for a long, slow lunch as the tide turns.

Two honest cautions. First, this is an exposed surf beach with currents and no reliable lifeguard, so it rewards surfers and confident swimmers rather than families wanting a calm paddle. For that, Playa Hermosa or Playa Conchal are far better. Second, Lola's traditionally closes on Mondays and gets genuinely packed on weekends, so a quiet weekday that is not a Monday is the sweet spot for both the waves and a table.

Come for the surf, the space and the long lunch, and leave the calm swimming for elsewhere. For wild surf and turtles head north to Playa Grande, for the lively town and easiest beginner surf go to Playa Tamarindo, and for the calmest family water try Playa Hermosa. To compare verified beachfront venues and surf friendly stays, use our Guanacaste beach clubs directory.