Fodor's Essential Costa Rica 2019 by Fodor's Travel Guides

Author:Fodor's Travel Guides [Fodor’s Travel Guides]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2018-12-11T00:00:00+00:00

PLAYA AVELLANAS

17 km (11 miles) south of Tamarindo.

Traditionally a far cry from its northern neighbor’s boom of real estate development, Avellanas has seen Tamarindo escapees slowly encroaching on it for years, building private houses and a smattering of small hotels. The 2008 opening of the massive gated community of Hacienda Pinilla—complete with a JW Marriott and golf course—marked the beginning of major development. As you bump along the dusty, rough beach road, most of the cars you pass have surfboards on top. But nonsurfers are welcome, as Avellanas (pronounced ah-vey- ya-nas) is a lovely spot for anyone who just likes sea and sand.

GETTING HERE AND AROUND

You have to drive inland from Tamarindo to Villa Real, where you turn right for the 13-km (8-mile) trip down a bumpy road to reach Playa Avellanas. It takes about 20 minutes. There are rivers to cross in rainy season, when you may want to drive via Paraíso and Playa Negra. All of the roads in the gated community of Hacienda Pinilla are paved.

Tamarindo Shuttle. If you’re without a car, take the Tamarindo Shuttle van. They have private transport to Playa Avellanas for $50 or to the JW Marriott at Hacienda Pinilla for $35. 2653–4444 www.tamarindoshuttle.com.

BEACHES

Playa Avellanas. This beach’s main claims to fame are surfing and hanging around at Lola’s, a very cool beach restaurant-bar. Wide and sandy at the main access point, the beach itself is beautiful, with a line of palms and beach almonds for shade. Rocky outcroppings and a small river mouth mark its southern end, and a mangrove swamp lies behind its northern half. Its Blue Flag designation means the water is clean, but you shouldn’t go in deeper than your waist when the waves are big, because of rip currents. That’s when the surfers take over. Jellyfish can be a problem, so you might want to wear a rash guard. Unfortunately, security is an issue here, as at most Costa Rican beaches; posted signs warn visitors not to leave anything of value in parked cars or unattended on the beach. There is guarded parking at the beach entrance near Lola’s; be sure to have small bills to tip the attendant when you leave. If you are staying in the gated resort community of Hacienda Pinilla, it is better to park in the private lot and enter from its beach club. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: surfing; walking. Playa Avellanas.

SPORTS AND THE OUTDOORS

SURFING

Locals claim there are eight breaks here when the swell is big, which means Avellanas doesn’t suffer the kind of overcrowding the breaks at Playas Negra and Langosta often do. Tamarindo-based surf schools can arrange day trips here.

Cabinas Las Olas. You can rent boards at Cabinas Las Olas for $20 a day. Main road, on right 2652–9315.

WHERE TO EAT

Fodor’sChoice Lola’s. $$ VEGETARIAN This hip beach café has exactly the kind of ambience one comes to Costa Rica for, with tables scattered along the beach amid palm and almond trees, hammocks swinging in the wind, palm fronds rustling, and surfers riding the glistening waves in front.

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