Playa Avellanas

Playa Avellanas is a small secluded white beach renowned for having some of the best surf breaks in the area. It has so far managed to escape the development experienced by Tamarindo, and remains a tiny, peaceful, unassuming village. The downside of this is that it is not served by public transport, so reaching Avellanas will require a car or taxi. It is only about a 3km walk to neighboring Playa Negra, however, which is served by daily buses to Santa Cruz. It is often quite easy to hitch a ride on the road that runs between the two villages.

Life in Avellanas is definitely quiet; the village really just consists of a long dirt track along which are dotted the few restaurants and accommodation options. Apart from surfing and horse riding (in the dry season) the only potential activities around here are lying on the beach with a good book or a smoothie. Accommodations are generally fairly low budget – all of them can be found spread out along the main road which leads from Avellanas to Negra. Cabinas Las Olas is a good option for those looking for something a little more comfortable, as the individual bungalows are all served with hot water. For those on a tighter budget, Rancho Iguana Verde provides basic hostel-style accommodation for $10 a night. Rooms are sparse but there is a communal kitchen and plenty of hammocks. If you want to wake up literally on the beach, then the hostel Dos Lunas is the perfect choice – the Argentinean owner Lucas has four cabin-style ocean-view rooms that he rents for $20 per night, or $25 including breakfast. There is also space for camping ($7 per night), and a restaurant on site, serving up a mixture of French and Italian food. Casa Avellanas campsite is probably the most basic option, but again provides spots right in front of the ocean for $7 per night.

In terms of eating out in Avellanas, choices are limited. However, Gregorios Bar and Restaurant – located on the main road between Avellanas and Negra – is a popular local place which serves up typical dishes all day. A full tico breakfast (gallo pinto with eggs, cheese and coffee) will cost you about $5, and lunch and dinner options slightly more. Lola’s, a bit further along the same road, serves delicious food and has a great selection of fresh fruit smoothies; the perfect way to refresh after a long surf session.

Neighborhoods in Playa Avellanas: Playa Avellanas, Playa Avellanas,

Other places nearby Playa Avellanas: Sámara, Refugio Nacional De Fauna Silvestre Ostional, Playa Junquillal, Tamarindo, Playa Negra, Santa Cruz, Santa Teresa, Playa Carrillo, Montezuma and Nosara.