Playas del Coco: Local identity with international flavor

With more than 130 beaches and 200 kilometers away from San José, Guanacaste province has its own history and identity This must-see destination in Costa Rica is unique for its beautiful hidden beaches and grasslands towered by Guanacaste trees with their distinctive hat shape

Next to a regional conservation area and hidden behind some hills lies the bay of Playas del Coco This small town located 20 minutes from the international airport and 30 minutes from Liberia, the province’s capital, is the largest community in an important touristic spot That has made it the home for plenty of international talent who originally came to work in the exclusive resorts in the area

But everyone understands there are magical places that allure their visitors into staying longer (or forever); Playas del Coco is one of those places With natural beauty all around, slow waves at the bay and indescribable sunsets, it is easy to discover why the expat community keeps growing

While walking through the city center in Playas del Coco you will notice, on one side, its purpose for fishing with the boats floating in the marina and, on the other, its global spirit with restaurants where you are greeted in English

And in this mix of local and international, innovative and traditional, an individual culture is flourishing; one of high cuisine and gastronomical experiences that we wanted to explore through these three stories

Posted by our copywriter at 2CRPapagayo Carolina Santos

Atizo: Cocina – Patio – Provisiones

Argentinian Chef Mariano Fernández offers a high quality experience at his restaurant Atizo An assortment of small plates with construction of flavor in all its dimension This restaurant has the perfect ambiance for groups interested in having a tasting menu dinner or brunch in a more relaxed manner

Soda Mediterránea:

“Only fresh fish, Mediterranean tradition, and plenty of heart” is how Alessandro del Bello describes Soda Mediterránea Paggio, as his friends call him, has been an important figure in the gastronomical development of the area, and Soda Mediterránea is his personal project This intimate restaurant serves 8 tables, offering a friendly and gourmet experience to the best style of an Italian trattoria or Costar Rican soda

Donde Claudio y Gloria

This beachfront restaurant is generaly bustling with locals and visitors looking for an authentic Costarrican meal after a morning swim in the ocean It offers tables directly on the sand, good coffee and an immediate holiday feeling It first opened in 1955 and is still ran by the Rojas family, native to Playas del Coco