Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Playa Hermosa, a well protected beach in the lower part of the Gulf of Papagayo, is about 9.5 km west of Sardinal on the main road to Playa del Coco; its is approximately a 30-minute drive from the Daniel Oduber International Airport near Liberia, Guanacaste, and about 3.5 hours’ drive from San Jose. The calm turquoise waters in the broad and peaceful bay provide perfect swimming conditions year round. A mix of budget accommodation and full service hotels and resorts spread along the golden-sand beach, as well as tourist shops, kiosks and restaurants. The area’s natural beauty and tranquility have in recent years attracted a swarm of development which has transformed the surrounding hillsides into luxury resort communities. However, aside from real estate development, the laid back atmosphere in the surrounding fishing communities remains. Swimming and sunset cruises are popular on Playa Hermosa, not least due to its west-facing orientation, which makes sunsets all the more impressive.