Away from the hustle and bustle, holidays to Playa Conchal are slices of paradise served with generous helpings of sand and sea.

Secluded shores

Playa Conchal's in a sleepy spot at the north end of Costa Rica, ringed on one side by Pacific waves and Guanacaste's tropical rainforest on the other. It's removed from the usual tourist trappings, so expect a mix of peace, quiet and the occasional snorkelling trip.

Sands of shells

The waves on Playa Conchal have been washing corals and seashells onto the shore to make sand for millennia. Make sure to pack your shades – the sand's dazzlingly white. As for the namesake shells – Playa Conchal means 'Shell Beach', after all – look for glimmers of pink in the crystal-clear water to find one of these beauties.

Life off the sands

There's plenty of action to be had beyond the beach. In Brasilito, a 10-minute walk away, watch fishermen hauling in their daily catch and cracking open cold beers in front of the sunset. A 30-minute drive takes you to the resort destination of Tamarindo. It's got animated clubs and bars for if you fancy dancing the night away.

At a Glance

  • Pick up seashells along soft white shorelines
  • Explore a technicolour world beneath the waves
  • Visit Brasilito to feast on fish fresh from the sea