If you’re near Tola and you’re looking for beautiful, sandy beaches, you’re most likely to park your towel on the Playa Pie de Gigante. It’s a 7 kilometre trek from the bus stop—or you can get a taxi for next to nothing—and this pristine beach surrounded by forest and mountains is well worth the trip. You’ll also find excellent surfing on the wide breaks in the ocean just off the beach and dozens of little shacks serving cheap, and deliciously fresh lobster. You’ll have to hire a boat to get to most of the breaks and it won’t be cheap. Most accommodations are barely affordable, but they’re very comfortable.