Playa Avellanas: Everything You Should Know Before Visiting

If you are looking for an unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica. Playa Avellanas, tucked away on Costa Rica’s stunning Guanacaste coast, is calling your name!

Whether you are a surfing enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape, this hidden gem has something for everyone. But before you pack your bags and head to this paradise, have you considered what makes Playa Avellanas so special?

Let’s find out why Playa Avellanas is so special. Stay Tuned!

Where is Playa Avellanas

Playa Avellanas is located along Guanacaste’s Golden Coast, a short drive from the lively beach town of Tamarindo and approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Guanacaste Airport.

How to get to Playa Avellanas

As there is no public transport connecting this part of Guanacaste with nearby towns to reach Playa Avellanas, driving is the best option. Even though it is close to Tamarindo, still it takes 30 minutes due to road conditions. If you are adventurous this driving experience is none less than adventure.

Talking about the town of Paraiso, the roads to Avellanas become unpaved and are often filled with potholes. While a 4×4 isn’t necessary, especially in the dry season, a high-clearance vehicle will make the ride more comfortable. If you don’t have a car you can book a private shuttle van for a smoother trip.

Directions to Playa Avellanas

If you are coming from Tamarindo, start by heading inland to connect with Route 152 in the bustling town of Villareal. From there, drive south on Route 152 for about 3.5 km. After that take a right toward Hacienda Pinilla Resort.

After this turn, the road is partially paved but has many potholes. Stay left at the Hacienda Pinilla turnoff. Though it’s a bit bumpy at times, it’s generally refined and flat, so a 4×4 isn’t necessary.

Continue past the small town of Pinilla. Follow the road to the right, following signs for Avellanas. The beach is about a 10-minute drive from there. Once you arrive, you will find a guarded parking area next to Lola’s restaurant. You have to give a small tip to the attendants for the safety of the car.

Parking Facilities

Playa Avellanas doesn’t have specific guarded parking spots. You can park your vehicle along the road leading up to Lola’s restaurant. If you can arrive early please do you will get a spot closer to the beach.

In Costa Rica, it’s common to find local individuals offering to guard your car for a tip. This service is typically available during the day, so it might not be offered in the early morning or late evening.

Best Time to Visit Playa Avellanas

Playa Avellanas in Costa Rica offers excellent surf conditions throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on your interest.

December–April: This is the dry season, with clear skies, steady winds, and consistent surf. It’s also a great time for lower hotel prices.
August–December: During the rainy season, you have the best chance to witness turtles nesting, including at the famous Las Baulas.
May–June or November: These months represent the green season, a peace period when you can experience the changing seasons and enjoy less crowded national parks.

Things to Do in Playa Avellanas

Find out the best things to do in Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica. From surfing world-class waves to relaxing on pristine beaches and exploring lush nature reserves, find the ultimate guide to enjoying this tropical paradise.

1. Walk on the Avellanas Bridge

The Puente Avellanas, or Avellanas Bridge, is a wooden plank bridge elevated over marshlands with mangroves.

You can take a stroll on this delicate bridge and enjoy the view of the barren branches on either side. For a peaceful experience, visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and witness an array of birds. You might spot aquatic birds like pipers, herons, and storks in the marshlands, and see parakeets and raptors soaring above the empty branches.

Attention! There is a sign on the bridge indicating that only guests are allowed beyond a certain point. Be sure to respect this rule as the rest of the bridge leads to Cabinas Las Olas Hotel.

2. Relax on the Avellanas Beach

Blue clean and clear water and brown sand on the

Playa Avellanas is a favorite among the locals in Guanacaste. This 3 km stretch of golden sand runs from Playa Negra in the south to Tamarindo’s Playa Langosta in the north. Surrounded by old, rainforests, shrubs, twisted trees, and mangroves, it offers a peaceful retreat.

In the mornings, you will find surfers and a few professional surf photographers. As the day passes more visitors start arriving, creating a lively atmosphere. However, even with a larger crowd, you can still find yourself on the beach.

While you are there, you will find the resident pigs named Ana and Ave. They are the successors to ‘Lolita,’ the 400 kg pig, and ‘Lola,’ the namesake of the bar. You might spot them lounging in their pen under the trees or cooling off in the shallows.

3. Watch Sunset at Playa Avellanas

It's sunset time and sky turn into various colors

At Playa Avellanas, the open sky over the ocean creates the perfect setting for stunning sunsets. As you soak up the golden hour sun by the beach, you will see surfers shadowed against a vibrant sky, catching the last waves of the day.

During the dry season, you can enjoy clear skies where the sun sets and create beautiful views. During the rainy season, the clouds become more dramatic as the sunset turns clouds into a vibrant canvas of colors.

4. Enjoy Beachfront Dining at Lola’s Avellanas

Lola’s Restaurant offers a perfect sunset drink at Playa Avellanas. With its relaxed seating arrangement and a hammock right on the beach, it’s an ideal spot for beachfront dining.

It’s open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, making it a great place for breakfast or lunch as well. Be sure to check out their menu, both the meals and cocktails are delicious here.

5. Hit the Waves at Avellanas

There are surf boards on the beach and people are playing on the beach

Playa Avellanas isn’t as famous as other tourist spots in Costa Rica, it has long been a favorite among the surfers. Surf enthusiasts from around the globe come here to enjoy the fantastic surf breaks. If you’re an experienced surfer, you might want to challenge yourself at a spot called Little Hawaii, as it is considered a difficult spot to surf. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or expert surfer, this spot is perfect for surfing.

6. Try other Water Sports

If surfing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other water sports to try. At Avellanas Surf School, you can rent boogie boards.

You might also enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding to explore the mangroves and estuaries around Playa Avellanas. Keep an eye out for various birds, and you might even spot crocodiles and monkeys. For an extra thrill, consider a river-rafting experience.

7. Volunteer at a Turtle Conservation Centre

If your trip to Playa Avellanas aligns with turtle hatching season, you can volunteer with Asociación Vida Verdiazul, a local turtle conservation group located in Junquillal. If you are passionate about sea turtle conservation you must go there.

During hatching season, you can assist with various tasks such as setting up beach urns and nesting sites, night patrols to protect newly laid eggs from poaching, helping newly hatched turtles reach the sea, and monitoring protected nests. Even outside of the nesting season, there are opportunities to get involved with reforestation efforts and beach cleanups.

Where to eat in Playa Avellanas

Here is the list of the best places to eat in Playa Avellanas:

Where to stay near Playa Avellanas

Here is the list of the best places to stay near Playa Avellanas:

Jw Marriott Hotel Guanacaste Resort & Spa
Rapture Surfcamp Costa Rica – Avellanas
Drift Away Lodge
SoulShine Hotel & Restaurant
Swell Costa Rica
Cabinas Las Olas
Mar Botánico – Avellanas Beach Hotel
Hotel Mauna Loa
Hotel Cabinas La Playa

Tips for traveling to Playa Avellanas

Bring travel essentials like sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and comfortable clothing. Don’t forget a good pair of water shoes or sandals for the beach.
While many places accept cash, it’s handy to carry some cash for smaller purchases. You will find an ATM at the JW Marriott.
Renting a car is often the most convenient way to explore Playa Avellanas and nearby attractions.
Playa Avellanas is home to diverse wildlife. Observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitats.
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

Nearby Beaches

If you are looking to visit more best beaches in Costa Rica other than Playa Avellanas you can visit other nearby beaches.

Playa Negra (Black Beach)

This is black sand beach and there is clean and clear water on the beach and there are big rocks near water

Playa Negra is a beautiful beach located on Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast, known for its unique black sand and excellent surfing conditions. The beach is famous for its consistent and challenging waves, making it a popular spot for all surfers. Besides surfing, Playa Negra offers stunning coastal views and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the more crowded tourist spots.

Playa Junquillal

There are three stones in the clean and clear water and

Playa Junquillal is a tranquil beach located in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and pristine, golden sand, it’s a great spot for relaxation and enjoying nature. The beach is less crowded compared to other nearby destinations. It also offers good conditions for surfing. The surrounding area features rich vegetation and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, including various bird species and marine life.

FAQs

Where is Playa Avellanas?

Guanacaste Province

Playa Avellana is located on Guanacaste’s “Golden Coast,” just minutes from the popular beach town of Tamarindo. The Guanacaste Province is renowned for its outstanding beauty, gorgeous beaches, and sunny radiance.

How many beaches are in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica: The paradise for the sun lovers

It is estimated that 600 beaches surround the entire national territory.

Is Costa Rica expensive?

Yes, if we’re talking big picture, overall without any further explanations, Costa Rica is more expensive than other countries in Central America. Instead of leaving it at that, it’s worth diving into WHY it’s a little bit more costly.