Playa Hermosa

An important point that most tourists need to be aware of is the fact that there are two beaches named Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica. One is located in Guanacaste, while the other Playa Hermosa lies in Puntarenas.

The Playa Hermosa that is in Puntarenas is one of the best surfing havens in the country. However this Playa Hermosa located in Guanacaste is just 20 minutes from the Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia. One of the best maintained beaches in the country, Playa Hermosa, offers visitors crystal clear blue waters and gorgeous scenery, making it a very popular beach strip on the west coast.

Winner of the ‘Bandera Azul’ or ‘Blue Flag’, a prize given to beaches that demonstrate high environmental standards and excellent safety facilities, Playa Hermosa lies seven kilometers north of Playas del Coco. Meaning ‘beautiful beach’ in Spanish, Playa Hermosa has made a name for itself with its idyllic beauty and lush surroundings. A two-kilometer long grey sand beach, encircled by tropical forests and ridges of volcanic rock, Hermosa Beach is a great family destination for all to enjoy.

This beach is relaxed, rarely crowded and laid back most of the year, making it a great retreat for those who wish to just lie back leisurely and enjoy the sun. With warm water temperatures and ideal weather conditions all year long, Playa Hermosa is the perfect haven with convenient accommodations and restaurants that line the beach shore. Recently, many luxury hotels have also set up base out in Playa Hermosa to take advantage of the pristine conditions.


Perfect for swimming and scuba diving, Playa Hermosa offers amazing diving safaris and snorkeling opportunities for those who enjoy being out in the sea. With some of the best scuba diving in the country, you can also have great fun renting out kayaks, sailboards, windsurfing equipment, canoes, jet skis and water bikes from the many shops that line the beach. Local tourist companies also offer organized fishing trips as well as catamaran rides along the Hermosa coast for those who prefer a more tranquil holiday.