About Avellanas

Easily described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Tamarindo area, Playa Avellana boasts pristine beach wilderness with stretches of rocky tide pools and other areas of white sand. There is no native village or shops within Avellanas, as it is often referred to. It does however host a few easy-going hotels, cabinas, and surfer retreats. At the top of the to-do list: visit the local favorite bar, Lola’s, named one of AOL’s top beach bars in 2011, and spend the day drinking tropical drinks, fresh smoothies, cold beers and taking selfies with the beach loving pet pig, the beautifully large Lola.

Most visitors to Avellanas are not as interested in the attractions on shore as the surf conditions are nearly perfect throughout the entire year, drawing surfers to visit from all over the world. With several breaks to choose from, there is something for everyone. Swells approach the coast from both Northern and Southern Hemispheres, meaning surf conditions will vary from one area of the beach to the other.

Least experienced surfers should stay north of Lola’s, to El Parqueo beach break, as the surf tends to break long and smooth. The most northern part of the beach known as “Little Hawaii” beach break in front of the Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club is for the most experienced, thrill seeking, expert surfers! A 20-minute walk from Lola’s, Little Hawaii promises up to 18 feet waves, best enjoyed during dry season from December through April.

In recent years, paddleboarders have been charging double-overhead sets the outer reef at Avellanas. Occasionally a surfer will make it out, but the consistent beach breaks are enough to keep most everyone stoked.

There is no public transportation to Avellanas and will require a 16 km ride from Tamarindo, making it a 30 to 45 minute ride from Playa Grande. Road conditions have improved in recent years and visitors can typically find passage even during rainy season. 4×4 is recommended.