Playa Avellanas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Area Guide  ·  Guanacaste

Avellanas.

Legendary waves and a get-away-from-it-all feel, just south of Tamarindo.

The Character

Barefoot, rustic, and ahead of the curve.

About 15 minutes south of Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas is a surfer’s beach — long, beautiful, and decidedly quieter than its famous neighbor, with waves that intermediate and advanced surfers travel for.

Life here is rustic and unhurried: dirt access roads, Lola’s beach restaurant under the trees, and a mix of surf retreats and a growing layer of quiet luxury homes set back in the dry forest.

It’s the version of this coast people picture before the crowds — and it’s still attainable.

Life Here

What it’s like, day to day.

The surf

Uncrowded, legendary waves for intermediate-to-advanced surfers.

The scene

Lola’s, surf camps, and forest-set homes — rustic, not resort.

Getting there

About 15 minutes south of Tamarindo; ~1h15 from Liberia (LIR).

The feel

Quiet, barefoot and back-to-nature.

Costa Rica lifestyle

The Opportunity

Why we’re watching Avellanas.

We don’t publish listings — but we do track where the real opportunities are. Here’s why Avellanas is on our list.

01

Tamarindo-close, Tamarindo-quiet

Minutes from the hub’s services, but a fraction of the density.

02

Early luxury layer

Higher-end homes are only now arriving — buyers here are ahead of the curve.

03

Durable surf demand

A genuine world-class break underpins long-term rental and resale interest.

Best for: surfers and buyers who want rustic quiet within reach of Tamarindo.

We Have Opportunities Here

Looking in Avellanas? Let’s talk before you do.

Tell us what you’re after and we’ll share what we’re seeing in Avellanas — including opportunities that never reach a public listing.

Get The Insider Bundle

Common Questions

Asked before buying here.

What is Playa Avellanas known for?

Legendary, uncrowded surf — including the famous 'Little Hawaii' break — about 15 minutes south of Tamarindo, with a rustic, barefoot feel built around Lola's beach restaurant and forest-set homes.

Is Avellanas a good investment?

It's earlier on the curve than Tamarindo: dirt-road rustic today, with a quiet layer of higher-end homes arriving. The world-class break underpins durable rental and resale interest.

Can foreigners buy in Avellanas?

Yes. Foreigners hold the same fee-simple ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens on titled land in Avellanas. The exception is the first 200 meters from the high-tide line (the Maritime Zone), where most land is concession-based with extra rules — your attorney verifies title before you commit.

How far is Avellanas from Tamarindo?

About 15 minutes by road south of Tamarindo, and roughly 1h15 from Liberia International (LIR). Access roads are partly unpaved.

Is Avellanas good for beginners learning to surf?

The main breaks suit intermediate-to-advanced surfers; beginners usually learn on Tamarindo's gentler beach break and graduate to Avellanas.

CRPI Exclusive · Insider Perspective

What do locals really think of Avellanas?

What people love, what locals complain about, the biggest surprise — and the most common regret.

See What Locals Think

Free Insider Tools

Plan your move like a local.

Need help buying in Costa Rica?

Get Insider Kit Schedule Call
Insider Kit Call