Discover Santa Teresa: 6 tips for an amazing trip

1. Rent a (4x4) car or a scooter. The distances between the beaches, cute shops, and bars in Santa Teresa are quite far, making it a bit too far to explore on foot. Also, the roads are not in great condition, and there are no separate sidewalks, which can make walking a little bit unsafe. The roads are also extremely dry, creating a lot of dust when a car drives by. That’s why I recommend renting a car, scooter, or quad in Santa Teresa. It allows you to explore the best spots more quickly. Personally, I prefer a car because of all the dust in the air, but if that doesn’t bother you, a scooter or quad is a great option too. 2. Discover the delicious treats at The Bakery. You’ve probably already heard of it, but The Bakery is a must-visit breakfast and lunch spot where you can also get delicious pastries. Like everywhere in Costa Rica, it’s not cheap, but you definitely get your money’s worth—the food is amazing! Staying at an Airbnb? Stop by to grab some fresh croissants for breakfast. Prefer to have breakfast at the restaurant there? That’s possible too! It’s also the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon treat. 3. Buy fresh fruit for the beach at Fruitworld. When you’re in Santa Teresa, you will probably spend a lot of time at the beach. I loved buying fresh fruit and enjoying it while watching the sunset. As mentioned earlier, some places and supermarkets can be quite expensive, but we discovered Fruitworld, a great local shop where you can buy delicious fresh fruit for a more reasonable price. Think about ripe mangoes, pineapples, passion fruits, different types of melons, and more. Bring a knife to the beach, slice up your fruit, and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand! 4. Discover the more secluded beaches: Playa Hermosa & Playa Manzanillo. Santa Teresa can get quite busy, and you’ll sometimes notice that on the beach as well. I personally prefer more secluded spots, so I went to Playa Hermosa, a 15-minute drive from the center. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen! So big, wide open views with a misty ocean breeze that gave it a magical touch. There are no lounge chairs or resorts, but you’ll find handmade palm-leaf huts where you can relax in the shade. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a free one and can spend the whole day there. For lunch, check out Mantarraya Café, a lovely spot serving healthy meals—the passion fruit lemonade is a must-try! Playa Manzanillo is even further away (about 25 minutes from the center), making it even more secluded. Because of this, you’ll barely find other people on the beach. You can drive along the coastal road with your car or scooter and pick your own perfect spot. There aren’t any cafés nearby, so be sure to bring your own food and drinks. 5. Go shopping in beautiful boutique shops. Santa Teresa is home to some amazing boutique shops. My favorites? Green Folk and Pawo! Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for unique finds. 6. Enjoy a cocktail and sunset at Nectar Restaurant. There aren’t many beachfront restaurants in Santa Teresa, but some resorts offer great dining experiences. We went to Nectar Restaurant at Florblanca Hotel, where you can watch the sunset with your feet in the sand and enjoy a delicious meal afterward. The setting is perfect for a date night, and they also serve great sushi! Enjoy your time in Santa Teresa!

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