# Playa Hermosa: the long, quiet beach north of Santa Teresa

> Playa Hermosa is the wide, flat beach that continues north from Santa Teresa toward Manzanillo. It's quieter and more spread out than Santa Teresa, with softer beach-break waves that suit beginners, so it's a good base for families, learners and anyone who wants calm without being far from town.

Source: https://www.santa-teresa.com/playa-hermosa/
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Location: Playa Hermosa, Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Type: beach, surf
Best for: Beginner surfers, families, long beach walks, a quieter stay
Beach type: Long, wide, flat sand beach
Waves: Gentle beach break; a right-hand point at the northern end works on bigger swells at high tide
Location: North of Santa Teresa, between Santa Teresa and Manzanillo
Feel: Residential, with surf camps, yoga retreats and villas rather than a busy strip

## What it's like

Keep driving north out of Santa Teresa and the road eventually runs out of shops and cafes. That's roughly where Playa Hermosa begins. The name means "beautiful beach", and it's an apt one: a long, flat, wide stretch of sand with forest behind it and a lot more room to breathe than the beaches in town.

There's no real village center here. Instead you'll find surf camps, yoga retreats, villas and homes set back from the beach along side roads. Mornings are for surfing and walks, afternoons are slow, and evenings are quiet. If you want to eat out or go dancing, Santa Teresa's busier north end is a short drive away.

Note that there are several beaches called Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica, including a well-known surf beach near Jacó. This one is on the Nicoya Peninsula, just north of Santa Teresa.

## The surf

Playa Hermosa's main break is a mellow beach break that tends to be smaller and softer than [Playa Santa Teresa](/playa-santa-teresa/). That makes it a favorite with surf schools and learners, and a good option on days when Santa Teresa is too big. The lineup is usually less crowded too.

At the northern end of the bay, a right-hand point breaks off the rocks on bigger swells around high tide. It's for experienced surfers only, and the rocks can be hard to see when the water is up. See our [surf guide](/surfing/) for more on the area's breaks.

## Swimming and safety

The flat beach and gentler waves make Playa Hermosa one of the friendlier beaches in the area, but it's still the open Pacific. Currents form on bigger days and around tide changes. Swim when it's calm, stay near other people, and keep away from the rocks at the ends of the beach.

## Staying in Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa suits travelers who want space and quiet more than nightlife: families, surf-camp guests, yoga students and longer-stay visitors. Places to stay here include [Shaka Costa Rica](/shaka-beach-retreat/), an adult surf-and-yoga camp, and [House of Shakti](/house-of-shakti/), a yoga retreat in the hills. Having a car, ATV or bike makes life much easier, since restaurants and shops are spread out.

## Getting there

From Santa Teresa, follow the main coast road north. The road beyond town is unpaved in places, so expect dust in the dry season and puddles in the rainy months. Beach access paths lead down from the road and side streets.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Playa Hermosa good for beginners?
Yes. Its gentle beach break is one of the best places in the area to learn, and several surf schools use it.

### How far is Playa Hermosa from Santa Teresa?
It's just north of Santa Teresa along the coast road, a short drive or bike ride from the town's northern end.

### Is Playa Hermosa quieter than Santa Teresa?
Yes. It's mostly villas, surf camps and retreats, with few shops or bars, so evenings are much calmer.

### Is this the same Playa Hermosa as the one near Jacó?
No. That's a different beach on the central Pacific coast. This Playa Hermosa is on the Nicoya Peninsula, just north of Santa Teresa.