SAMARA BEACH IN COSTA RICA

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path beach destination in Costa Rica, Playa Sámara in Guanacaste Province offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm, local culture, and beautiful coastal scenery. Less touristy than Tamarindo and less expensive than Nosara, Playa Sámara is ideal for travelers seeking a more authentic Costa Rica beach town experience.

Where to Eat in Playa Sámara

Sámara has a surprisingly diverse and international food scene. For local Costa Rican cuisine like ´casados´, Soda Yorleny and Soda La Perla serve generous portions at budget-friendly prices.

For beachfront local food, @sheriffrusticsamara offers great value, while @bahiahotel.playasamara is a lovely breakfast spot with reliable Starlink Wi-Fi.

@maliburestaurant_ serves the best ceviche in Sámara

Craving something different? Try @the_curry_shack for excellent Thai curries and vindaloo (so good we went twice!), and don’t miss brunch at @frogsamara, tuna tartare at @mar_y_fuego_samara, or proper Italian-style pizza from @cos_ita_cr.

Where to Stay

I stayed at Coconut Life Cabinas, a quietly located property with a shared pool, lush landscaping, and a short walk to the beach.

Playa Carrillo

Just a 10-minute drive south of Playa Samara, Playa Carrillo is often considered one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches in Costa Rica.
With its soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and palm tree-lined shore, it’s the perfect escape from the high-season crowds in Samara. The beach is undeveloped—no buildings on the sand—which keeps it clean, quiet, and ideal for swimming or relaxing under the shade of a palm tree.

Just above the bay is Puesta del Sol, an excellent restaurant for sunset.