The most popular beach in all of Costa Rica, Playa Samara, attracts vacationing Tico families, backpackers, snorkellers, wealthy tourists and surfers. It's tranquil, reasonably developed and easily accessible by public transport. The village is undergoing a facelift, with ageing shop fronts and restaurants being given a general spruce up, to earn its reputation as the most upmarket destination on the central peninsula.

Tourist Offices
There is a bank, a laundry service and Internet access.

Around and closeby
Just 4km south of Samara is Playa Carrillo, a postcard perfect beach which is also popular for sport-fishing.

Sightseeing
You can visit Jaime at the Koss Art Gallery, which isn't hard to find – his studio is right on the beach!

Getting there
Getting to Samara is easy. It's 35km south-west of Nicoya along a good road. There is an airport halfway between Samara and Carrillo with flights to and from San José daily. Buses also operate regularly from San José and Nicoya.