What to Expect in Playa Avellanas
Avellanas Beach (or Playa Avellanas) is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destination in Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s “Golden Coast.” It’s only 30 minutes south of Tamarindo and it works as a quiet, laid-back alternative to this more bustling party town.
Avellanas has seen quick growth in recent years, yet it is still away from Guanacaste’s major tourist spots. It has pristine turquoise waters with excellent waves for surfing, and it boasts sandy, winding beaches where you can truly relax. Guanacaste’s dry tropical forest greets the beach on the edge of the sand, providing shade during the hot hours. All this paints the picture of a place where you disconnect from the busiest aspects of modern life to recharge your batteries.
In spite of its relative popularity, Avellanas is not a fully-fledged town yet. It has small stores and popular restaurants and bars, but not much more. Hotels and cabins in this area are usually small, modest, and serene, catering mostly to surfers who visit the area to ride the waves.
Resort Amenities amidst True Costa Rican Nature
The higher-end options include resorts like the JW Marriott, in the nearby Hacienda Pinilla. This is the best hotel to stay in in Avellanas since you can experience both the quietness of the location plus the amenities and efficiency of an international hotel. It has top-notch service, a variety of restaurants, on-site pools, and even access to a golf course. Enjoying the peace and quaint charm of Avellanas does not mean you have to forget about the best of hospitality.
This beach is also a little over an hour from the Guanacaste International Airport. This makes it an accessible destination to those travelers arriving in Costa Rica in search of its natural beauty.
World-Class Surfing and Laid-Back Atmosphere by the Sea
Most visitors who come to Avellanas want to relax and/or enjoy the world-class surfing in the area. To get to the beach itself, you’ll most likely cross the famous wooden bridge surrounded by dry branches and trees. This bridge goes over a mangrove and is one of the most iconic sights in Avellanas. Be ready to find it to take your own picture!
With different breaks along the coast, Avellanas is one of the best surfing spots in Costa Rica. Waves reach 16-foot heights at times, all with the laid-back atmosphere and camaraderie of a true pura vida vacation. Surfing conditions are good most of the year, which is an advantage for travelers with limited travel windows.
As a surfing spot, Avellanas also offers a variety of difficulties and challenges, so it is ideal for both beginners and pros. If you’re just starting out, the spot known as “El Parqueo” (“The Parking Lot”) is your best bet. Waves are long and easy in this break, good for those getting the hang of their boards. It’s best experienced during the dry season and at half the tide. For experienced surfers, ask about “Little Hawai”. It’s a little away from the main Avellanas area, but it is a favorite among the locals. Be careful, though. Leave this one only for experts, since rocks are at the bottom of the break and the waves can reach heights of up to 18 feet. It’s best enjoyed when the tide is low.
Though Avellanas is not technically a town, locals and regulars have a history together, and it’s easy to find yourself immersed in it. For example, the most famous restaurant on the beach is Lola’s, named after a giant pet pig called Lolita. Lolita is a local celebrity who lives in the area, and she likes taking walks along the coastline and bathing in the ocean from time to time. You’ll want pictures with this icon too, so keep your eyes open.
This relaxed and welcoming ambiance is what awaits you near Avellanas Beach. And since it’s not so far away from Tamarindo, going to town to enjoy some nightlife is completely on the table.
What to Know about Avellanas Before Visiting
Avellanas is away from the trodden paths, but it is not completely incommunicated, especially if you stay in the JW Marriott. It’s around 10 miles from Tamarindo, where more stores, entertainment, and other points of interest are easy to access. Private collective transportation is available back and forth from Tamarindo to Avellanas.
Also, be sure to prepare for the weather. The dry season is between December and April, so it’s when the surfing reaches its peak too. During this time there are constant winds coming from the sea, and the skies are clear and blue. Perfect to lie down at the beach and laze the hours away as well!
