Costa Rica Beaches

Playa Avellana

Playa Avellana, or ‘little Hawaii’, is a secluded white sand beach located just fifteen miles south of Tamarindo. The beach is nestled between mangrove trees and stretches both long and wide. The offshore waves can reach up to five meters making it a favorite surf spot for advanced surfers from around the world. There are as many as eight different breaks, both left and right, and it is considered one of the top surf spots in Costa Rica. Although it is not ideal for swimmers due to the strong currents, its isolated beach makes for a quiet and peaceful location to sunbath, take a nap or watch the surfers. The beach town does not have a town center and hotels and restaurants are scattered throughout the country side.

Beach Pig

Playa Avellanas beach front restaurant Lola’s is probably best known for its celebrity resident, Lola the pig. Lola weighed at least 400 lbs and loved to go sunbathing and swimming. Ever social, she would muzzle people for snacks, or meander down the beach in search of a friendly tourist. Lola passed away at age ten and her claim to fame has been taken over by Lolita.

Getting to Playa Avellana

Playa Avellanas is located 20 km south of Tamarindo. Cars can be rented in San Jose (4.5 hrs), Liberia (1.5 hr) and in Tamarindo (30 min). The closest national airport is Tamarindo Airport, serviced by Nature Air and Sansa. Bus shuttles to Tamarindo can be arranged through Interbus and Grayline. Taxi service from Tamarindo is readily available.

Playa Avellana Listings