Best Beaches

    Costa Rica has 1,278 km (767 mi) of coastline to choose from, most of it lined with beaches which are, by law, all public. Most are not the picture-postcard white strands of the Caribbean Islands or Mexico; the dark sand here is of volcanic origin and waters tend to be rough, not crystal-blue. Note that beaches near population centers get strewn with trash quite quickly. It's one of the great ironies of        

    Costa Rica that a country renowned for its environmental achievements litters with such laissez-faire. Limited access tends to make for more scenic beaches. The following are some of our favorites. Dominical, South Pacific. A town's flavor does enhance the experience, and in that regard we recommend this great beach in a great beach town. Malpaís, Central Pacific. Accessed via a steep gravel road, Malpaís is a quiet strand ripe for beachcombing and sunning. Playa Flamingo, North Pacific. Though not very isolated, Flamingo is an example of how environmentally conscious communities can make their beaches sparkle. Playa Grande, North Pacific.    

    Conservationists have kept this beach pristine for nesting leatherback turtles. Playa Pavones, South Pacific. The surfing is good at remote Pavones, a stunning combination of black sand, tropical forest, and glistening waters. Punta Uva, Caribbean. The farthest from town of the Puerto Viejo de Talamanca beaches, and the most pristine. Tortuguero, Caribbean. The turtle population here makes this isolated beach one of the world's top naturalist draws.