Ranking of Costa Rica’s Beaches from 5 to 1: Which is the Best in the Country?

Which beaches are the best in the North Pacific, Caribbean, and Costa Rica? After visiting more than 200 destinations by car, I’ve chosen the five spots that impressed me the most.

How can I dare! And I don’t say that with ‘sarcasm’ or irony…

Choosing the five best beaches in Costa Rica is like claiming Guanacaste is more beautiful than Limón; each destination has its own charm, culture, and natural beauty, so comparing them can spark an impossible-to-resolve debate.

The same goes for beaches. I’ve visited around 210 destinations, and no matter how ‘modest’ a spot might seem, it’s impossible not to enjoy the unique details of its essence.

So, there’s a dose of subjectivity in claiming that ‘X’ beach is the “best of all,” especially when I might hop in the car and stumble upon a hidden route leading to a breathtaking beach I never imagined.

That’s Costa Rica! A country full of beaches and magical places.

But anyway, leaving behind the ‘romanticism’ with which I started this blog, I’m going to choose the five best beaches in the country. But first, I’ll outline the factors I considered to create this “audacious” list.

I took into account the beach’s size, the quality of the sea, the scenic beauty, the color of the sand, and perhaps 100% subjective aspects like the vibe of the place.

That said, having visited so many beaches allows me to compare them and create this ranking.

Let’s begin!

5 Playa Quesera (Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas)

This is a relatively small white sand beach. However, the magic of this spot is that it belongs to a wildlife refuge called Curú, which protects it and showcases the enormous beauty of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Its main differentiator is the turquoise and transparent sea, which at night produces a particular phenomenon called “bioluminescence.” Basically, you can snorkel in the beach and see tiny lights under the water.

It’s like gazing at a sky full of stars, but underwater.

The landscape is also beautiful, with dozens of islets, palm trees, shade, and a striking turquoise view. As an added value, there’s the prior adventure: To reach the beach, you need to board a boat or walk a trail.

Tip: I suggest you check with Adobe Rent a Car for a 4×4 vehicle. To visit these beaches, it’s best to go prepared, as some roads can be a bit rough.

4 Playa Manzanillo (Limón)

Even though Punta Uva beach is often the most “photogenic” spot in the Talamanca region of the Caribbean in Costa Rica, with magazine-perfect photos ready for Instagram, the truth is that Manzanillo has some incredible features.

Besides being part of a wildlife refuge, the beach is beautiful and, in some ways, very different from other destinations. Before you enter the refuge, there’s an extensive, multicolored, and stunning beach with golden sand.

Moreover, within the protected area, there are small “beaches” surrounded by palm trees and lush vegetation. It’s all part of Manzanillo’s essence.

Weather: Remember that if you want to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean and enjoy the Summer, it’s better to travel between September and November. Unlike the rest of Costa Rica, Limón’s summer occurs at this time of year.

3 Playa Huevos (Guanacaste)

Perhaps it’s the boat ride, or maybe the caves hidden on one side of the beach. There are many reasons to fall in love with Playa Huevos in the Gulf of Papagayo (North Pacific of Costa Rica), but I couldn’t leave it out of this ranking.

The landscape, filled with islets decorating the Gulf, and that calm, incredible beach that looks like it’s straight out of a movie; the essence of an impressive destination, perfect for relaxation.

I must say that very close by is another extraordinary virgin beach called Nacascolito. Less known, but with a sea that reflects intense colors and white sand.

2 Playa Conchal (Guanacaste)

Yes, I know! Everyone knows Conchal, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica, in the province of Guanacaste.

…But I couldn’t leave it out. The small shells that line the coast, the intense white color of the sand, and the turquoise sea make it very special.

I would say it’s a ‘must-visit’ destination in Costa Rica.

1 Playa Naranjo (Peña Bruja or Roca Bruja, Guanacaste)

I’d say there isn’t a ‘wilder’ destination in Costa Rica than Playa Naranjo, also known as ‘Peña Bruja’ or ‘Roca Bruja.’

It’s a destination for adventurers who truly appreciate natural beauty. From the difficult access road itself to reaching this vast beach that sometimes seems endless and like a fantasy.

I placed it in the first position because of everything it offers: It belongs to Santa Rosa National Park in the North Pacific of Costa Rica, which preserves its virgin essence.

It has one of the best surfing waves in Costa Rica, with a giant rock that adorns the landscape (and is the reason for its nickname).

Additionally, the leatherback turtle, one of the most impressive marine species, nests here, and you can observe the bioluminescence phenomenon at certain times of the year. Add to all of this its remote geographic location.

It’s hard to get to, but it’s worth it. This spot is only for adventurers.