Visiting Santa Teresa Beach
Santa Teresa is a small town in Costa Rica, located in the Puntarenas province about 93 miles (150 km) west of San José, the country's capital. This coastal town, set within the Nicoya Peninsula, now operates on the schedule of the travelers who frequent its shoreline.
History
Like many coastal settlements, Santa Teresa began as a secluded fishing village. At that time, locals relied on small-scale farming, livestock, and artisanal fishing. As transportation infrastructure improved, visitors began flocking to the rugged beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. Today, fishing and agriculture have largely been replaced by tourism. The town is defined by one main road lined with hotels, hostels, bars, and restaurants.
The Beach
One of the primary draws here is the forest that borders the sand. It creates a landscape quite distinct from typical resort heavy areas. The trees are also home to wildlife, including howler monkeys and capuchins.
Santa Teresa is a well-known destination for surfers, as the breaks are consistent throughout the year. A thriving local economy has emerged around the sport, and you will find surf shops, rental agencies, and surf schools throughout the town.
For other water-based activities, you can try scuba diving in waters teeming with tropical fish.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can join Pilates or Yoga classes right on the beach. Alternatively, you can claim a lounge chair and work on a tan that will make your coworkers jealous when you get home.
Once you have finished your day, you can grab a drink and dinner on a patio before heading back to your hotel.
I visited 3 beaches in Costa Rica (Tamarindo, Santa Teresa and Montezuma) and I think this one was my favorite. It is hard to choose because they were all different, but when I arrived at this one, there was practically no one there so I felt like I was away from it all, and I really loved it!!! The next day there were more surfers, but the vibe remains very calm and natural. The village nearby is tiny, and that might be why there is not too much action in the area, but if you are looking for a beach for peace and relaxation (or surfing), it is PERFECT!