Playas del Coco
The vibrant heart of Guanacaste. Beach life, restaurants, services and everyday convenience all in one town.
-
~35 min
to LIR Airport -
Most
Walkable -
Restaurants
& Services -
Large Expat
Community -
Condos, Homes
& Land
What Life Is Like Here
Playas del Coco is the hub of this part of Guanacaste's coast — a full-time, lived-in town with a working boat launch, a long stretch of restaurants and bars, grocery stores, pharmacies, and a large, established expat community, all approximately 35 minutes from Liberia International Airport (LIR), depending on traffic and your exact starting point. The town centers on its main strip along the water, with more nightlife and foot traffic than any other town on this stretch of coast.
- Walk to restaurants, shops and nightlife
- The most active, full-time town on this coast
- Home port for sportfishing and diving trips
- Widest range of property types and the largest expat community on this coast
- Easiest resale on this coast, per Juan Pablo
Is This Area Right for You?
A Good Fit If You...
- Want convenience and walkability
- Enjoy being close to restaurants and things to do
- Want strong resale value and a central home base
- Prefer a lively, social atmosphere
- Want the widest choice of property types nearby
Consider Another Area If...
- You want total privacy and quiet
- You want a quiet, postcard beach right outside your door — see Ocotal or Hermosa
- You don't want traffic or a busier town
- You're after a calmer, more resort-style setting — see Playa Panamá
Juan Pablo's Take
Coco is the town I point most first-time buyers toward, and for good reason. It's the easiest place to enjoy everything Costa Rica offers — beach, dining, services, activities and community — without giving up convenience. It's also where I see the strongest rental demand and where properties hold value.
Real Estate in Playas del Coco
Condos
Low-maintenance options, vacation homes and investment properties throughout Coco.
Homes
Residential homes and villas in established communities, neighborhoods and hillside locations.
Land
Titled lots and opportunities to build where appropriate.
For a closer look at current pricing trends in town, see my Playas del Coco market update, or browse two properties currently for sale here: a home in Tucanes and a titled lot.
View Available PropertiesLife in Playas del Coco
Dining
The largest selection of restaurants in the area, from casual local sodas to international cuisine and harbor-view dining.
Shopping & Services
Groceries, pharmacies, banks, medical services, hardware stores and everyday conveniences, all close by.
Beach & Activities
Home port for sportfishing, diving and boating trips, with calmer swimming beaches just a few minutes away.
Social Life
The most active coastal town in the area, with restaurants, nightlife and a large, established expat community.
See Recommended Restaurants in Playas del Coco
- La Dolce Vita — wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta, casual and family friendly.
- Restaurante Mar Azul — fresh seafood and ceviche with a harbor view.
- Oggi Bistro — upscale Italian, good for a proper sit-down dinner.
- Taru — upscale Costa Rican and Latin fusion, worth booking for a special occasion.
- Coconutz Sports Bar & The Wave — casual American bar food and wings, good for catching a game.
- Soda Mar y Tierra & Soda Teresita — classic casados and seafood at local prices.
- Guayoyo Coffee House — coffee, breakfast, and a laid-back co-working space a block from the beach.
- Buzzed Monkey BBQ & Grill — slow-smoked Southern-style barbecue.
Nearby Areas to Compare
Playa Ocotal
Quiet bay, beautiful views and a relaxed expat community.
5-10 min
Playa Hermosa
Calmer beach, residential feel and family friendly.
10-15 min
Sardinal
Inland community with more affordability, local services and growing amenities.
10-15 minCompare Two Areas
See side-by-side differences to find the best fit for your lifestyle.
Compare CommunitiesQuick Answers
How far is Playas del Coco from Liberia International Airport?
About 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Does Playas del Coco have a good beach for swimming?
It's more functional than picture-perfect, since it shares space with the boat launch and fishing boats. Most residents drive a few minutes to swim at Playa Hermosa or Playa Ocotal instead.
Can I walk to restaurants and shops in Playas del Coco?
Yes. Coco is the most walkable town on this stretch of coast, restaurants, shops and services are all within easy walking distance of most condos and homes in town.
What types of properties are available in Playas del Coco?
Coco has the widest range of property types on this stretch of coast, from condos and titled lots to single-family homes.
Thinking About Playas del Coco?
Let's find out whether Coco fits the lifestyle and property you have in mind.