Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa

Playa Hermosa is a quaint community located just 5 minutes North of Santa Teresa, in the Nicoya Peninsula. Its laid-back nature has made it a hotspot for people looking to escape crowds but still wanting to experience the beauty of the Northern Pacific Coast. Hermosa is a beautiful, quiet town, which has thankfully avoided large-scale development and where amenities are limited to one local surf shop, a handful of restaurants, and a small grocery store; nonetheless, it remains one of the most popular beaches in the region. Its tranquil setting, natural richness, and ideal conditions for surfing keep garnering visitors from all over the world!

The Beauty of Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa is dotted by a handful of delicious restaurants (Couleur Cafe, TP8, Red´s, Kavita), a private school, surf camps, yoga shalas, and a small grocery store. But what it lacks in development, makes up for in beauty. The deep blue waters, soft sand, tide pools, and beautiful sunsets have turned it into a magnet for nature lovers, yogis, surfers, and just about everyone looking to unwind in a tranquil setting. The length of the beach is perfect to take a walk along the shoreline, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the waves. Thanks to the protected forest line, the backdrop for the beach is verdant foliage without any buildings or developments obstructing it, creating the perfect contrast. If you continue north, the beach stretches ahead of you for miles, with incredible coastal views towards Nosara.

Nature in Playa Hermosa

The unspoiled, pristine surroundings of the beach are also an ideal place to spot all types of wildlife. During the low tide, the rocky formations become filled with seawater and create charming tide pools that are great to freshen up and fun to snorkel in. The swaying trees along the shoreline offer more than just shade, they are also the home of many species of monkeys and birds. If you are lucky enough to visit during the whale spotting season, you will likely spot a whale and her calf breaching or hear their whale song from under the water.

Surfing in Playa Hermosa

Moreover, Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa is undoubtedly one of the best beaches to practice surfing in Costa Rica. It offers consistent waves for both beginner and experienced surfers, and pleasantly warm water. The right-hand point break on the north side facilitates beautiful long waves to ride.

Playa Hermosa’s rural charm, scenic beauty, and healing waters have made it a household name amongst the world-renowned beaches of the Northern Pacific of Costa Rica. Surfers, yogis, and wildlife lovers have found in this picturesque village an ideal place to settle and become part of a community. So, go ahead and add Playa Hermosa to your bucket list (if it’s not there yet) and discover the allure of one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful coastal villages.