This large, light gray sand beach has long been one of the Nicoya Peninsula’s most popular destinations among vacationing Ticos. Its relative proximity to San José—the first big beach on the Nicoya Peninsula serviced by decent roads—lures a steady stream of middle- and upper-class Costa Rican families on weekends and holidays. Unlike many beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula, there’s no single activity or superlative that defines Samara. No “must-see” reason to visit. Instead, Samara offers a little bit of everything—swimming, snorkeling, sea kayaking, nightlife—in a beach town that remains true to its Tico roots. There are no mega-resorts dominated by foreigners here, just a number of small-scale hotels, bars and restaurants scattered along the palm-fringed beach. All in all, the town remains charming in a scruffy kind of way. If you’re looking for luxury, look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a reasonably-priced, family-friendly beach that isn’t overdeveloped—yet still has plenty to do—Samara is a good bet.
= Recommended
= Good Value
= Rated 4 or 5 “Green Leaves” by Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program
Samara Hotels – Luxury
Punta Islita
Samara Hotels – Moderately Priced
Hideaway Hotel
Las Ranas Lodge
Villas Kalimba
El Pequeño Gecko Verde
Casitas Laz Divas B&B
Montelaguna
Samara Treehouse Inn
Hotel Giada
Sámara Palm Lodge
Hotel Belvedere
Hotel Flying Crocodile
Casa Coba
Fenix Hotel
Hotel Sol Sámara
Sámara Pacific Lodge
Hotel Sámara Inn
Casa del Mar
Tico Adventure Lodge
Locanda Samara Lodge
Samara Hotels – Budget
Entre Dos Aguas
Pension Playa Samara
El Cactus Hostel
Hostel Matilori
Las Mariposas
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