Flamingo Beach Guide

Flamingo Beach, or Playa Flamingo is situated on the northwest coast of Costa Rica's Guanacaste region. Originally called Playa Blanca (white beach) owing to the stunning postcard-esque white sand beaches, the name was changed to flamingo when the first resort hotel was opened in the 1950's. Since then, it is not only the name that has changed but Playa Flamingo has undergone extensive urbanization with luxury hotels and chic holiday homes popping up all over the place. The native charm that much of Costa Rica beholds has undoubtedly been replaced by wealthy holiday makers enjoying the beauty that the Costa Rican coast has to offer. There are tons of activities to embark on in and around Flamingo Beach, from deep sea fishing and golfing on an 18 hole championship golf course, to scuba diving and endless water sports.

When you've made the most of Flamingo Beach, it is definitely worth exploring the surrounding areas which offer a sharp contrast to the tourist haven of Playa Flamingo. Nearby Santa Rosa holds the title of Costa Rica's first ever National Park and covers a huge 49,515 hectares. Santa Rosa is one of the last dry tropical forests and contains the most diverse selection of habitations in the world, from evergreen forests to mangrove swamps to savannahs. There are also some beautiful untouched beaches to be discovered and budding surfers flock to test the waves at Roca Bruja (Witches Rock).

If you want to experience some real Costa Rican life then the neighbouring bays of Brasilito and Potrero are still fairly untouched and traditional. Whilst Brasilito has grey sand instead of the pure white sand found in Portrero and Flamingo, both towns offer unmissable sunsets and a little slice of real Costa Rican culture.