Nosara is a place where the jungle meets the sea; where every sunset feels like a gift, and where family moments become treasures. To get the most out of it, renting a car is essential. It gives you freedom to explore at your own speed and access beaches beyond the tourist trail. We split our two-week stay between Nosara and Santa Teresa, and it worked wonderfully. Nosara is relaxed, off-the-grid, and perfect for calming mornings. Santa Teresa, by contrast, is a lot livelier and has plenty of gorgeous restaurants and beautiful beaches.
A word on the beaches. Although breathtaking, they are very rustic. You need to go prepared, especially when going with young children like we did, so bring your own gear: umbrellas, coolers, snacks, water, towels, sun protection. If you do visit Nosara, I’d definitely recommend heading to Orgánico on Guiones Beach. It has all the beach-day essential – think healthy wraps, fresh coconuts, sunscreen and snacks.
If you’re visiting between August and October, making a trip to Ostional is a must. This spot has the most stunning black sand beaches and is famous for one of the world’s largest sea turtle arribadas, when hundreds of turtles come ashore to hatch. It’s truly magical. Another must-see is the sunset at Playa Guiones. They are incredible and make for a lovely evening walk on the beach. It is a huge stretch of beach with shallow waters at the right tide, making it perfect for little ones to splash, run and play safely for hours on end.
La Luna is hands down the best beachside spot, especially for families. When the tide goes out, natural little rock pools appear. Beyond the pools, La Luna has a beautiful shop filled with unique local finds and a menu that includes some of the most delicious pizzas. It’s a complete day out in one spot.
A very special spot is Nosara Beach Hotel. With stunning ocean views and gorgeous, thoughtful design throughout, it’s effortlessly beautiful, and its late-afternoon drinks are the perfect way to relax and take in the sunset. I’d recommend getting there early to secure a seat, as it can get busy because everyone goes to see the best views.
For food, Esh Bakery is the best place for fresh pastries and soft, fluffy buns in the morning. Locals line up early for good reason. Esh Mediterranean Street Food is perfect for lunch on the go, with flavourful wraps, falafel and hearty salads – all fast but fresh. Orgánico Bakery has it all: great coffee and tasty food, a fun mini-golf course for the kids, a boutique shop full of beautiful finds, and even a pool. It’s more than just a café.
Orgánico Grocer is your go-to for fresh juices, organic snacks and well-stocked shelves of healthy groceries, really good for beach-day supplies. We’d head there before every beach trip. Downtown Guiones is a relaxed but stylish hub with locally owned boutiques, surf shops and artisan goods.
For the perfect day, I’d recommend starting the morning at Restaurante Celajes, a hidden gem with a view. Perched near the Nosara airstrip, you can sip your coffee while watching tiny planes land and take off just steps away. Then we’d head toward The Gilded Iguana Hotel. This part of town is the perfect mix of laid-back and lively. You’re within easy walking distance to boutiques, juice bars and Playa Guiones, meaning there is something for everyone.
For dinner, Coyol Restaurant is an absolute must. Set in the hills above Nosara, it offers breathtaking views, open-air dining and, if you’re lucky, a few monkeys swinging by. As the sun sets over the jungle, it becomes one of the most unforgettable dining experiences in the region.
Ryan Thompson is a UK-based menswear and lifestyle writer, whose work has appeared in, among others, the Financial Times, Mr Porter, The Rake and Ape to Gentleman
