Playas del Coco - Hermosa - Ocotal

🌴 Playas del Coco, Guanacaste

Overview

Playas del Coco (often called “El Coco”) is one of the oldest and most developed beach towns in Guanacaste. Just 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport, it’s a prime location for full-time residents, vacationers, and investors alike. With paved roads, modern amenities, high-speed internet, and year-round tourism, Coco offers a balance of convenience and laid-back beach life.

Lifestyle & Attractions

• Bustling main street with shops, nightlife, and local markets

• Ideal hub for fishing charters, diving, and snorkeling (Catalina & Bat Islands nearby)

• Catamaran tours, sunset sails, and paddleboarding available daily

• Lively nightlife at Zi Lounge, Coconutz, and Bambu Beach Bar

• Nearby beaches: Ocotal, Playa Penca, and Playa Hermosa

Dining Highlights

• La Caveja – Italian-owned with gourmet pasta and seafood

• Soda Teresita – Local Costa Rican comfort food

• Simbiosis Café – Organic coffee and healthy breakfast/lunch

• Sal y Fuego – Upscale steak and seafood option

• Pacifico Beach Club – Elegant beachfront dining and events

Real Estate & Investment Insight

• Strong expat community and steady vacation rental demand

• Popular for condos, villas, and turnkey rental properties

• Affordable entry points for investors compared to Tamarindo or Nosara

• Gated communities like Pacifico, Las Palmas, and Isabella offer amenities, pools, and rental management services

• Ideal for Airbnb-style short-term rentals with high occupancy during high season (Nov–April)

• Commercial investment opportunities growing (retail, boutique hotels, and mixed-use spaces)

🏖️ Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

Overview

Just 10 minutes north of Coco, Playa Hermosa is a quieter, more upscale beach community. With its Blue Flag beach status, calm waters, and lush green hills, Hermosa attracts families, retirees, and high-end vacationers. It’s a preferred destination for those seeking privacy, tranquility, and refined living.

Lifestyle & Attractions

• Wide crescent bay perfect for swimming and paddleboarding

• Nearby nature trails and waterfalls

• Popular for beach yoga, sunset strolls, and spa retreats

• Family-friendly atmosphere, less touristy than neighboring towns

• Short drive to Papagayo Peninsula and the Four Seasons Resort

Dining Highlights

• Ginger – Treehouse-style fine dining with fusion tapas

• La Casita del Marisco – Exceptional beachfront seafood

• Roberto’s – Steak, seafood, and sunset cocktails at La Gaviota

• Aqua Sport – Casual dining right on the sand

• Buzzed Monkey BBQ – Local favorite for smoked meats and live music

Real Estate & Investment Insight

• Home to luxury villas, boutique hotels, and ocean-view estates

• Popular with retirees, digital nomads, and second-home buyers

• Properties in developments like Hermosa Heights, Monte Bello, and Villas Sol offer gated security, ocean views, and community amenities

• Stable property values with growth driven by proximity to Liberia airport and Papagayo resorts

• Opportunity for long-term appreciation and vacation rental revenue

• Limited inventory means high demand for ocean-view homes and income-producing properties

🏡 Coco vs. Hermosa for Real Estate

Final Thoughts for Buyers & Investors

Both communities offer strong real estate potential but cater to slightly different buyer profiles:

• Playas del Coco is better suited for investors focused on rental income and accessible beach town living with modern infrastructure.

• Playa Hermosa is ideal for buyers looking for a peaceful luxury retreat with long-term appreciation and lifestyle perks.