Playa Avellanas travel guide
Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
A spread-out, laid-back surf village of dirt roads and beach bars, so close to Tamarindo but worlds away.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From LIR airport
About 1.5 hours
Best Airport
LIR
Temperature
Hot and sunny
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Our take
Who Playa Avellanas is for
Avellanas is so close to big, busy Tamarindo, but it feels worlds away. The village is really spread out, with no downtown, just dirt roads and a few minutes’ drive between restaurants and hotels. It’s perfect for surfers, yoga lovers and anyone who wants a relaxed beach escape.
One thing to keep in mind: Some places don’t take credit cards, and the nearest ATM is in Tamarindo. Bring colones.
How long to stay: Three to five nights for surfing, beach bars and a day trip to Tamarindo.
Avellanas or Tamarindo?
Choose Avellanas if…
You want a quiet, rustic surf village with beach bars and eco lodges, away from the crowds.
Choose Tamarindo if…
You want lots of restaurants, shops, nightlife and everything within walking distance.
Our take
Stay in Avellanas for the vibe and drive to Tamarindo when you want more action.
Getting there
Getting to Playa Avellanas
From Liberia Airport
About 1.5 hours on main roads until the dirt road into Avellanas. Easy for a somewhat experienced driver.
From San José it’s about 5 hours. You’ll take a toll highway (cash only), then a long main road with lots of trucks, then Paso de Tempisque. There’s a plaza with fast food just before that turn. Use Waze, since police often check speed there.
For more info:
Rental car
You don’t need a 4×4, but we suggest an SUV with decent clearance. The dirt roads are packed down and easy to drive.
Flights and shuttles
The fastest option is a domestic flight to Tamarindo, then a taxi or Adobe car delivery. Shuttles are easy too. Use Bookaway with code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
Where it is
Avellanas is on the North Pacific coast of Guanacaste, just south of Tamarindo and Hacienda Pinilla.
Good to know: It’s sometimes called Avellana (without the “s”). Same place!
Weather
Playa Avellanas weather and best time to visit
Temperature and rain by month
Swipe to see all months →
Average daytime highs and rainfall in Playa Avellanas. Bars show relative rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are for the 15th of each month.
Dry season (late Dec, early May)
Extremely hot with no rain. From late February to mid-April, everything turns brown and dry.
Rainy season (May: Nov)
We love May to mid-August. There’s a daily afternoon storm, but far fewer tourists and everything green. Mid-August to December is cooler, rainier and hard to predict.
Daytime
Hot and sunny
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:30 AM / about 5:30 PM
Rain usually starts
Afternoon
Our tip
Our tip: Every time we’ve been here, it’s been really hot and sunny. Bring plenty of strong sunscreen.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Playa Avellanas
JW Marriott Guanacaste
Luxury · Hacienda Pinilla · Golf
In the private Hacienda Pinilla community, with an 18-hole golf course, nine restaurants, a beach club, pools and a spa.
Mikado Natural Lodge
Boutique · Natural
I love this place. It has a natural, boutique hotel feel, about a ten-minute drive from the beach.
Latica, Alternative Resort
Jungle · Beautiful pool
A bit out of town (you’ll drive to the beach), but so fun. The staff is the best. Last time they welcomed us with coffee and banana bread.
The Point
Apartments · Walk to beach
Great for families or two couples who want to walk to the beach. Every apartment has a big kitchen and pool access.
Also worth considering: Los Altos de Eros (adults-only, in the hills), SoulShine (eco bungalows near the beach), Vida Verde Eco-Guesthouse and our budget pick, Finca Avellanas.
See our favorite Tamarindo area hotels →
Our pick
Rent a villa
In Hacienda Pinilla (with beach club, spa, equestrian center and golf), we love Casa Bonita Beach, which is modern, sleeps 19, with a pool waterslide!
Outside Pinilla, try La Vida Mar (next to the beach, no pool) or Casa Oasis (bungalows around a big pool).
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Playa Avellanas rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Playa Avellanas
Our favorite
Go surfing
The main attraction here is definitely the surf. There are several places to rent boards or take lessons.
Good to know
Bring a UV rash guard, because the sun is strong.
Day trip
Marino Las Baulas and Playa Grande
Just north of Tamarindo, Playa Grande has a beautiful white sand beach that’s far less busy than Tamarindo. It’s also a leatherback turtle nesting site at certain times of year.
Also try
A kayak or boat estuary tour, where your guide will point out tons of wildlife.
Take a yoga class
Avellanas is popular for yoga, with classes at several lodges.
Go sport fishing
Book with Captain Noah of Sea Breeze Fishing for sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi and more. Trips leave from Tamarindo.
Day trip to Tamarindo
Fun shops for souvenirs and TONS of delicious restaurants, just a short drive north.
Sunset at Lola’s
Our go-to beach bar, with great food and drinks with seats right on the sand.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Playa Avellanas
Lola’s
Beach bar · Seats on the sand
Our go-to beach bar here. The food and drinks are excellent, with seats right on the beach.
La Purruja
Beachfront · Tacos
Another beachfront spot. Get the tacos, because they’re on point!
Vibe 528
Elevated local cuisine
Excellent local cuisine in a more elevated way. It’s really good.
For more choices, Tamarindo is about 20 minutes away.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Packing for Playa Avellanas
Casual clothes
The town is very relaxed, and the dirt roads get dusty.
Flip flops and a backpack
We bring a camping backpack so we don’t wheel a suitcase through the dirt.
Rash guard
If you’re surfing, a UV rash guard is a must.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
Avellanas is relaxed and generally safe. Watch your belongings on the beach and don’t leave anything in your car.
Good to know
Practical basics
ATMs and banks
Not everywhere takes cards in small beach villages, so carry colones. The nearest ATM is in Tamarindo.
Getting around
Getting around Playa Avellanas
We suggest a rental car here. Everything is somewhat spread out, unless you’re staying at a resort with on-site restaurants and activities.
Rental car
Came by shuttle? Pick up from Adobe’s Tamarindo office and ask for delivery to Avellanas (a small fee may apply).
Taxis and tours
Taxis can take you to Tamarindo, and many tours include pickup.
FAQ
Playa Avellanas FAQ: your questions
Is Playa Avellanas worth visiting?
Yes, especially for surfers and anyone wanting a relaxed, rustic beach escape close to Tamarindo.
How far is Playa Avellanas from Tamarindo?
About 20 minutes by car.
How far is Playa Avellanas from Liberia Airport?
About 1.5 hours by car.
Do I need a 4×4 in Avellanas?
No, but an SUV with decent clearance helps on the dirt roads.
Is there an ATM in Avellanas?
No. The nearest ATM is in Tamarindo, so bring colones.
Is it Avellanas or Avellana?
Both! It’s the same place.
Every guide
