Surf mornings, places we love and the little details that make a stay easier. Explore Santa Teresa with our personal guide to the coast.
Villa Raya sits within a secure mountaintop community in Santa Teresa, Puntarenas Province. The beach, dining and surf are approximately five minutes away by car.
Start with the coast, find a table in town, then return to your own space above it all. For surfing, choose a local instructor and a break suited to your experience; conditions change with the swell.
Plan your arrivalSearch 27 local favorites and 20 activities. Save a shortlist on this device and use the map to plan your days.
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One of our breakfast favorites, with a bakery menu and a space that makes it easy to linger over the first meal of the day. It also serves lunch and dinner, so a morning visit can turn into a place you return to throughout your stay.
A dependable breakfast stop when everyone in the group wants something different. Smoothie bowls are a good place to start; later in the day, the choices extend to poke bowls, Asian dishes and plenty of other options.
Our pick for a proper brunch: a relaxed café, fresh food and time to settle in. Açaí bowls and matcha are among the things guests discuss, alongside more substantial savory options. Check the current menu for what is new.
A breakfast stop from our personal guide, with specialty coffee and a relaxed brunch menu. Pair a slow morning here with time on the coast, or make it a pause between the beach and the rest of your day.
Come for croissants and coffee, then stay for breakfast or lunch. The menu ranges from eggs and shakshuka to sandwiches, salads and fruit bowls, making it an easy stop when everyone wants something different.
A favorite for an easy evening on Playa Carmen. The beachfront restaurant pairs Brazilian-inspired food with cocktails and a front-row view of the ocean. Come with time to enjoy the sunset, and check ahead for a table close to the sand.
Our choice for fish and a sunset dinner with your feet close to the sand. The beachfront setting is the draw, with an extensive menu that also works when the group has different tastes.
Our tacos-and-sunsets stop. A casual beachfront meal here is a lovely way to finish a beach day; fish tacos and ceviche feature prominently in the Google listing and reviews. Take your time and enjoy the view.
A beautiful spot for dinner and a change of scene along the coast north of Santa Teresa. We come for the atmosphere: tropical greenery, the beach and a setting that invites you to make an evening of it.
A favorite for beautiful views and a memorable meal above the coast. Fish and steak are among the dishes guests talk about most. Plan dinner around the evening light, and reserve ahead if a sunset table is the priority.
Our pick for sunset drinks and a lively beach gathering. Come for the oceanfront setting and check the venue’s current events before choosing your evening. It works well as a place to meet after everyone has spent the day their own way.
A beach restaurant at Playa Carmen for a relaxed meal with the sea in view. Our guide highlights the pizzas; the venue also offers a broader lunch, dinner and drinks menu. A good option for gathering the group at the southern end of town.
Nantipa is one of the places highlighted in our personal guide. Its open-air Manzú restaurant brings the visit to the beachfront, with locally inspired food, cocktails and an ocean outlook for a long lunch or sunset dinner.
Dinner at Hotel Fermata’s restaurant comes with ocean views and dishes designed for sharing. Its current menu brings Mediterranean flavors together with French influences—a lovely choice for a relaxed, more polished evening with the group.
One of our favorites for exceptional food. This intimate spot suits an evening of ordering several plates for the table and trying something new. Seafood, shareable dishes and natural wines are recurring themes in the Google reviews.
Come for a meal, or pick up steaks for a barbecue back at Villa Raya. The smokehouse is a good choice when the group is in the mood for brisket, burgers and a lively bar setting. Ask about the day’s selection of meats to take home.
Our sushi pick for an evening in town. Creative rolls, seafood and Asian-inspired small plates make it easy to share a few different dishes. Add a cocktail and settle into the tropical setting.
A favorite for Asian food when everyone wants to try something different. The range spans sushi, dumplings, curries and other dishes, making it a useful choice for a group with several cravings.
Our go-to for ceviche. Start there, then see what fish is available that day if you want a fuller meal. It is a good stop for bright seafood flavors and a casual lunch or dinner in town.
A Japanese dinner recommendation from our personal guide, especially when the group is in the mood for sushi. Make an evening of it and leave room to ask what is available for dessert.
Our steak recommendation, with Argentine asado at the heart of the kitchen. Wood-fire cooking and a casual setting make it a good change of pace after seafood, sushi or a day spent on the beach.
A tapas recommendation from our personal guide for an evening of sharing smaller dishes. The restaurant describes a garden setting away from the road, with Spanish cooking, seafood and vegetarian options.
One of our favorite pizza spots, with pasta and cocktails to make it a full evening out. The setting is relaxed and lively—an easy choice for a family meal or a table of friends.
Another pizza favorite for a casual dinner in Santa Teresa. Thin-crust, wood-fired pizza gets plenty of attention in Google reviews, alongside pasta and generous portions. It is also a useful option when the plan is takeaway.
A reliable choice for a pizza craving or a table that wants a few Italian classics. Focaccia, lasagna and cocktails also feature in the Google review topics, giving the group plenty to choose from.
Trade the surf coast for a forest walk to the three cascades of the Montezuma River. Choose a route suited to your group: the saved map pin marks the river trailhead and parking area, while Sun Trails offers a separate trail-and-bridge approach. Pair the hike with a meal at Playa de los Artistas.
One of our favorites for a meal beside the sea in Montezuma. Mediterranean cooking, seafood and tables beneath the trees make Playa de los Artistas a lovely stop after the waterfall hike. Leave time to enjoy the setting and confirm opening hours and table availability before planning the day around lunch.
Start with a local instructor, a session suited to your experience and time for a relaxed breakfast afterward.
Make room for a lesson, a walk on the sand and time to watch the ocean at Santa Teresa’s northern end.
Compare beach-day plans and let local conditions, your experience and your group’s interests shape the choice.
Give a returning surfer’s trip a clear focus with a coach, useful feedback and space between sessions.
Travel lighter with a rental that suits your sessions. Plan equipment, board transport and collection before heading to the beach.
A flexible week for surfers and non-surfers, with shared meals, independent mornings and a few adventures together.
Ride through beach, forest and hillside scenery with a local guide. Ollie’s Adventures offers group and private options; choose the route for your experience and confirm helmets, rider requirements and the meeting point.
Make a canopy tour the centerpiece of a day across the peninsula, with time to enjoy Montezuma afterward.
Look closely at the rocky shoreline and small details in the shallows. Choose access and timing with current conditions in mind.
Walk beneath the forest canopy from the Cabuya entrance. Choose the shorter Danés forest loop or the longer Sueco trail toward Cabo Blanco beach, with time to enjoy the trees, birds and coastal views.
Discover forest, mangroves and coast on a nature-focused outing, with time to observe wildlife on its own terms.
Begin with curiosity and a knowledgeable guide. Curú and Cabo Blanco offer places to explore a new interest.
Connect with Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper about current opportunities to help care for the beaches you came to enjoy.
Plan a boat journey, snorkeling and island time, with clear arrangements for the land transfer and the return to Santa Teresa.
Explore an evening kayak outing to look for the natural glow in the water. Check moon conditions and arrange your return in advance.
Paddle along Gulf of Nicoya shorelines on a guided outing whose route follows the conditions and your group’s ability.
Consider a change from the surf coast. Choose suitable water, instruction and support before arranging a paddleboard outing.
Plan a half-day or full-day charter with a local captain. Compare inshore and offshore routes, then confirm boat capacity, equipment, permits, pickup and the weather policy. Santa Teresa Sport Fishing is one local operator to contact.
Find a class that matches the morning you want, then leave room for breakfast and a little time to yourself.
Pair a separately booked treatment with a long lunch and an unhurried afternoon on Villa Raya’s terraces.
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Use the south, town and north as a simple starting point. Plan your stops together, with time to enjoy the coast between them.
Start at the southern end of the coast: a rocky-shore outing in Mal País, then a beach stop or meal around Playa Carmen.
Explore the southern coast
Base a day around surf, cafés and the town’s restaurant scene. Mix a morning on the coast with errands, lunch and a table at sunset.
Find a place to eat
Head north for a beach-focused day. Plan a lesson around your experience and the conditions, then leave time for a walk and breakfast.
Plan a Hermosa daySurf mornings, forest trails and a different view from the water. Explore twenty activity ideas and planning guides, from outings in town to a day across the peninsula.
Find your wave, at your own pace.
Start with a local instructor, a session suited to your experience and time for a relaxed breakfast afterward.
Read the full story
Make room for a lesson, a walk on the sand and time to watch the ocean at Santa Teresa’s northern end.
Read the full story
Compare beach-day plans and let local conditions, your experience and your group’s interests shape the choice.
Read the full story
Give a returning surfer’s trip a clear focus with a coach, useful feedback and space between sessions.
Read the full story
Travel lighter with a rental that suits your sessions. Plan equipment, board transport and collection before heading to the beach.
Read the full story
A flexible week for surfers and non-surfers, with shared meals, independent mornings and a few adventures together.
Read the full storyA different way to see the coast.
Ride through beach, forest and hillside scenery with a local guide. Ollie’s Adventures offers group and private options; choose the route for your experience and confirm helmets, rider requirements and the meeting point.
Read the full story
Make a canopy tour the centerpiece of a day across the peninsula, with time to enjoy Montezuma afterward.
Read the full story
Look closely at the rocky shoreline and small details in the shallows. Choose access and timing with current conditions in mind.
Read the full storyLeave a little time to look closer.
Walk beneath the forest canopy from the Cabuya entrance. Choose the shorter Danés forest loop or the longer Sueco trail toward Cabo Blanco beach, with time to enjoy the trees, birds and coastal views.
SINAC’s published visitor schedule (PDF) · Reserve office: +506 2642 0093
Read the full story
Discover forest, mangroves and coast on a nature-focused outing, with time to observe wildlife on its own terms.
Read the full story
Begin with curiosity and a knowledgeable guide. Curú and Cabo Blanco offer places to explore a new interest.
Read the full story
Connect with Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper about current opportunities to help care for the beaches you came to enjoy.
Read the full storySee another side of the peninsula.
Plan a boat journey, snorkeling and island time, with clear arrangements for the land transfer and the return to Santa Teresa.
Read the full story
Explore an evening kayak outing to look for the natural glow in the water. Check moon conditions and arrange your return in advance.
Read the full story
Paddle along Gulf of Nicoya shorelines on a guided outing whose route follows the conditions and your group’s ability.
Read the full story
Consider a change from the surf coast. Choose suitable water, instruction and support before arranging a paddleboard outing.
Read the full story
Plan a half-day or full-day charter with a local captain. Compare inshore and offshore routes, then confirm boat capacity, equipment, permits, pickup and the weather policy. Santa Teresa Sport Fishing is one local operator to contact.
Read the full storyMake space for a quieter day.
Find a class that matches the morning you want, then leave room for breakfast and a little time to yourself.
Read the full story
Pair a separately booked treatment with a long lunch and an unhurried afternoon on Villa Raya’s terraces.
Read the full storyCompare the day trips to choose an outing for your group. Activities are arranged separately with their providers. Each story includes sources and planning notes; confirm current access, availability and conditions before booking.
27 personal favorites, from breakfast in town to dinner by the sea. Our own recommendations and Alina’s travel notes, with additional detail from Google listings, traveler reviews and the venues themselves.
Our favorite ways to start a day in Santa Teresa, from a quick bowl to a long, unhurried brunch.
One of our breakfast favorites, with a bakery menu and a space that makes it easy to linger over the first meal of the day. It also serves lunch and dinner, so a morning visit can turn into a place you return to throughout your stay.
Google reviewers highlight the thoughtfully designed setting, attentive team and atmosphere.
A dependable breakfast stop when everyone in the group wants something different. Smoothie bowls are a good place to start; later in the day, the choices extend to poke bowls, Asian dishes and plenty of other options.
Google reviews mention the variety, quick service and easygoing setting for groups.
Our pick for a proper brunch: a relaxed café, fresh food and time to settle in. Açaí bowls and matcha are among the things guests discuss, alongside more substantial savory options. Check the current menu for what is new.
Google reviewers praise the welcoming owners, fresh ingredients and pretty café setting.
A breakfast stop from our personal guide, with specialty coffee and a relaxed brunch menu. Pair a slow morning here with time on the coast, or make it a pause between the beach and the rest of your day.
Host tip: a lovely option when the morning is about breakfast, conversation and taking your time.
Come for croissants and coffee, then stay for breakfast or lunch. The menu ranges from eggs and shakshuka to sandwiches, salads and fruit bowls, making it an easy stop when everyone wants something different.
Alina’s pick: the croissants. It is also a useful stop before a day out on the peninsula.
Tables near the water, a drink in hand and dinner that starts before the sun disappears. These are places we love for the setting as much as the meal.
A favorite for an easy evening on Playa Carmen. The beachfront restaurant pairs Brazilian-inspired food with cocktails and a front-row view of the ocean. Come with time to enjoy the sunset, and check ahead for a table close to the sand.
Google restaurant reviews mention Brazilian dishes, seafood, warm service and sunset dinners.
Our choice for fish and a sunset dinner with your feet close to the sand. The beachfront setting is the draw, with an extensive menu that also works when the group has different tastes.
Google reviewers describe tables on the sand, atmospheric evening lighting and live music on some visits.
Our tacos-and-sunsets stop. A casual beachfront meal here is a lovely way to finish a beach day; fish tacos and ceviche feature prominently in the Google listing and reviews. Take your time and enjoy the view.
Google reviews repeatedly mention the waterfront setting and sunset views.
A beautiful spot for dinner and a change of scene along the coast north of Santa Teresa. We come for the atmosphere: tropical greenery, the beach and a setting that invites you to make an evening of it.
Google reviewers describe the lush surroundings, peaceful feel and beachfront location. Check dining reservations and current beach-club access directly.
A favorite for beautiful views and a memorable meal above the coast. Fish and steak are among the dishes guests talk about most. Plan dinner around the evening light, and reserve ahead if a sunset table is the priority.
Google reviewers highlight the ocean panorama, sunset dinners, flank steak and whole fish.
Our pick for sunset drinks and a lively beach gathering. Come for the oceanfront setting and check the venue’s current events before choosing your evening. It works well as a place to meet after everyone has spent the day their own way.
Host tip: we recommend it especially for drinks, sunset and atmosphere.
A beach restaurant at Playa Carmen for a relaxed meal with the sea in view. Our guide highlights the pizzas; the venue also offers a broader lunch, dinner and drinks menu. A good option for gathering the group at the southern end of town.
Host tip: combine it with a Playa Carmen beach afternoon and reserve ahead for a larger table.
Nantipa is one of the places highlighted in our personal guide. Its open-air Manzú restaurant brings the visit to the beachfront, with locally inspired food, cocktails and an ocean outlook for a long lunch or sunset dinner.
Planning note: contact the restaurant directly about a table; hotel facilities and wellness sessions have separate arrangements.
Seafood, sushi, Asian flavors and the places we recommend when someone asks where to eat tonight.
Dinner at Hotel Fermata’s restaurant comes with ocean views and dishes designed for sharing. Its current menu brings Mediterranean flavors together with French influences—a lovely choice for a relaxed, more polished evening with the group.
The restaurant’s own description emphasizes shared dishes, sea views and its Mediterranean approach.
One of our favorites for exceptional food. This intimate spot suits an evening of ordering several plates for the table and trying something new. Seafood, shareable dishes and natural wines are recurring themes in the Google reviews.
Google reviewers describe a small, charming setting and highlight the fish sandwich and thoughtful flavors.
Come for a meal, or pick up steaks for a barbecue back at Villa Raya. The smokehouse is a good choice when the group is in the mood for brisket, burgers and a lively bar setting. Ask about the day’s selection of meats to take home.
Google reviews mention smoked brisket, live music and the shop’s premium meats, cheeses and wines.
Our sushi pick for an evening in town. Creative rolls, seafood and Asian-inspired small plates make it easy to share a few different dishes. Add a cocktail and settle into the tropical setting.
The business describes Japanese fusion with local ingredients; Google reviewers mention the sushi rolls, tuna bites and cocktails.
A favorite for Asian food when everyone wants to try something different. The range spans sushi, dumplings, curries and other dishes, making it a useful choice for a group with several cravings.
Google reviews highlight spring rolls, sushi, pad Thai and vegetarian options, including samosas and mango sticky rice.
Our go-to for ceviche. Start there, then see what fish is available that day if you want a fuller meal. It is a good stop for bright seafood flavors and a casual lunch or dinner in town.
Google reviewers praise the ceviche, grilled fish and seafood combinations; the tropical ceviche is one guest favorite.
A Japanese dinner recommendation from our personal guide, especially when the group is in the mood for sushi. Make an evening of it and leave room to ask what is available for dessert.
Alina’s pick: the ice cream and desserts. Book ahead, particularly for busy holiday dates.
Our steak recommendation, with Argentine asado at the heart of the kitchen. Wood-fire cooking and a casual setting make it a good change of pace after seafood, sushi or a day spent on the beach.
Host tip: choose it for a proper grill dinner; check the current menu and reserve with the restaurant.
A tapas recommendation from our personal guide for an evening of sharing smaller dishes. The restaurant describes a garden setting away from the road, with Spanish cooking, seafood and vegetarian options.
Planning note: reserve directly and ask about the day’s menu when arranging your table.
Three of our pizza favorites, whether you are heading out for dinner or bringing something easy back to the villa.
One of our favorite pizza spots, with pasta and cocktails to make it a full evening out. The setting is relaxed and lively—an easy choice for a family meal or a table of friends.
Google reviews and review topics highlight pizza, pesto pasta, gnocchi and cocktails.
Another pizza favorite for a casual dinner in Santa Teresa. Thin-crust, wood-fired pizza gets plenty of attention in Google reviews, alongside pasta and generous portions. It is also a useful option when the plan is takeaway.
Google reviewers mention the pizza, relaxed atmosphere and takeaway meals.
A reliable choice for a pizza craving or a table that wants a few Italian classics. Focaccia, lasagna and cocktails also feature in the Google review topics, giving the group plenty to choose from.
Google reviewers mention the friendly team, cocktails and air-conditioned dining space.
Make Montezuma a day trip from Santa Teresa: a waterfall hike through the forest, followed by a leisurely seaside meal at Playa de los Artistas. Leave time for the drive and confirm the trail conditions and restaurant opening before setting out.
Trade the surf coast for a forest walk to the three cascades of the Montezuma River. Choose a route suited to your group: the saved map pin marks the river trailhead and parking area, while Sun Trails offers a separate trail-and-bridge approach. Pair the hike with a meal at Playa de los Artistas.
Google reviews describe tree roots, rocks and river crossings; visitors report that rain can change the trail conditions.
One of our favorites for a meal beside the sea in Montezuma. Mediterranean cooking, seafood and tables beneath the trees make Playa de los Artistas a lovely stop after the waterfall hike. Leave time to enjoy the setting and confirm opening hours and table availability before planning the day around lunch.
Google reviewers highlight the shaded waterfront setting, tuna carpaccio, ceviche and relaxed atmosphere.
Menus, hours and availability change. Open each Google Maps link for current details, directions and more reviews; reserve ahead when you have a particular evening in mind. Guide updated September 2026.
Our personal guide’s grocery and delivery suggestions, for easy breakfasts, poolside lunches and dinner at home.
Our guide’s pick for eggs, produce and ingredients for breakfast at the villa. Ask the store about current stock and whether delivery is available for your dates.
Find Green World
A practical stop for a larger grocery run. Pick up the basics for your first morning, beach-day snacks and the ingredients for an evening around the villa’s table.
Find Super Ronny’s
A produce-delivery contact from our personal guide for stocking up before a relaxed week at the villa. Ask Alina for current ordering details, delivery days and availability.
Ask about produce delivery
A Santa Teresa wine shop with a selection of wines, spirits and craft beer. Browse its delivery menu or contact the shop when planning a long dinner at the villa.
Visit TipsyPlanning a barbecue? Our Kooks recommendation includes a stop for steaks to grill at the villa. Read our groceries, wine and villa dinner guide for a plan that includes chef arrangements for lunch or dinner. Confirm stock and delivery directly with each business.
For the personal contacts in our guide, ask Suren and Alina for an introduction and current availability.
Ask about Lorenzo, a surf teacher recommended in Alina’s guide. Arrange your lesson early and discuss your experience, equipment and the beach for the day.
Read the surf lesson guide
Our guide includes therapists for a massage at home, including options for couples. Ask us for current recommendations, then agree the treatment, timing and price with the provider.
Plan a slower day
Make room for a quieter morning. Ask about our guide’s local breathwork and sound-session contacts, or explore yoga classes around town.
Explore yoga in Santa TeresaChoose your route, arrange transport and leave room for the unexpected. We share the final property directions through your booking.
We recommend arranging a 4×4 in advance for a stay at Villa Raya. The villa is on a hill, so plan transport between the house, beaches and restaurants. Confirm the final route, rental requirements and any transfer arrangements with Suren and Alina before arrival.
Plan transport with the hostsCompare international arrivals into San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR), then plan the onward journey before booking. SANSA and Green Airways list flights from San José to Cóbano (ACO). From Cóbano, arrange a separate transfer or rental car to Villa Raya; schedules, baggage rules and connections vary.
Check SANSA flightsWhen approaching from San José, travel to Puntarenas on the mainland and take the ferry to Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula. Continue by road toward Cóbano and Santa Teresa. Check Naviera Tambor’s current sailing schedule and vehicle-ticket availability before you set out.
Check the ferry scheduleReserve ahead for a large group, a special dinner or busy holiday dates. Koji’s and Katana are two places highlighted in our personal guide for advance planning. Contact each restaurant for current hours, menus, events and availability.
Choose a restaurantChoose the beach and session with a local instructor who knows the day’s conditions. Rip currents and surf can change; a beach that suits a lesson is not automatically suitable for casual swimming. Ask locally about conditions before entering the water, and keep valuables with someone in your group.
Plan a first surf lessonFree parking is available at the villa. Travel times depend on the route, weather and road conditions. Transport, treatments and excursions are arranged separately from your stay.