Costa Rica holidays

Sand, surf and springs

With coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean, Costa Rica has some pretty amazing beaches – in fact it has almost 300 of them, and, with a year-round tropical climate, holidays in Costa Rica are perfect for a spot of sunbathing on the sand. Some of the beaches are so secluded that you’ll need a car, and the help of the locals, to actually find them, but there are plenty within easy reach. Tamarindo and Jaco are popular coastal getaways, with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants nearby. Nicknamed “Little Hawaii”, Playa Avellana is a particularly good surfing destination, with dramatic waves that can reach up to 18 feet high.

And, for a particularly relaxing getaway, head to the Arenal Volcano. Regularly active for several decades, the volcano hasn’t erupted since 2010, and the area is now home to several spa resorts, which are surrounded by lush forests and feature thermal baths, fed by natural hot springs.

Adventure awaits!

But it’s not all about R&R – Costa Rica holidays have plenty to offer to adrenaline junkies too. Lake Arenal, which sits at the base of the volcano, is widely regarded as one of the world’s best wind and kite surfing sites. The country is also famous for its white water rafting, with river routes suitable for both beginners and experts – from tranquil trips down to Penas Blanca River to thrilling rides down the Naranjo. You can also see Costa Rica’s forests from a different angle by zip-lining above the treetops on one of the country’s famous Canopy Tours, which have been a popular attraction since the 1970s.

Top sights in Costa Rica

• Golfo Dulce is one of the wettest places on earth. Located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, this rainforest is a haven for toucans, hummingbirds and scarlet macaws while its waters are perfect for snorkelling, surfing and fishing. 
  
  
• Lake Arenal is a man-made lake lying below the dormant Mount Arenal. Take a dip in the hot springs at Tabacón or admire the photogenic La Fortuna Waterfall. 
  
  
• The Teatro Nacional in San José with its neoclassical facade is one of the most-loved buildings in the country. Take a tour and marvel at the grandeur of its marble lobby and auditorium.
  
  
• Viento Fresco is a series of five waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. The biggest is the Arco Iris or Rainbow Falls, named after the colours created when the sun hits the water droplets. You can hike up the cascades to swim in the shallow pools. 
  
  
• The Wilson Botanical Garden at San Vito was only established in the 1960s but is renowned around the world for its collections of orchids and medicinal plants. It's also home to many rare birds.