Tamarindo (Guanacaste) → Samara / Playa Carrillo (Guanacaste)

Sámara is a relaxed village on a wide, reef-protected bay whose calm water makes it one of the safest swimming beaches in Guanacaste. Palm-lined, walkable and unhurried, it draws families, language students and long-stay travellers. Playa Carrillo, ten minutes south, is a postcard crescent of white sand with almost nothing on it.

It is the beach town for people who found Tamarindo too busy.

Liberia Airport to Sámara is about 2 hours on paved road through Santa Cruz and Nicoya; Carrillo adds ten minutes. From Nosara it is 45 minutes to an hour, partly gravel. Your driver takes you to your hotel or house door in Sámara or along the Carrillo road.

• Swim anywhere in the bay; the reef keeps the waves small year-round.
• Playa Carrillo has no vendors or shade structures, so bring water and an umbrella.
• Sámara's Saturday farmers' market is worth a visit for fruit and baked goods.
• Kayak to Isla Chora at the south end of the bay for snorkelling.