Playa Avellanas is about twenty minutes south from Tamarindo and is located immediately between the sprawling Hacienda Pinilla development to the north and the internationally known surf spot of Playa Negra to the south. In case you're having trouble finding a detailed map of the area, click here.  At Playa Avellanas there is something for everyone including excellent surf and a beautiful white sandy beach which is perfect for relaxing or sunbathing.

Recently, it has shaken off its image as a place that is hard to get to with its two new bridges built in 2007. Now visitors can easily drive over two rivers rather than make a mad splash across the rivers. Even better, the dirt road has been recently resurfaced with gravel in May 2009 which makes the trip even more comfortable. So, if you had problems or questions about getting there, you no longer need to worry.

The new road passes right past the turn for the beach, so you have to keep your eye out for the right turn (coming from the North) onto the beach access road which takes you straight to the parking lot at Playa Avellanas beach. Some nearaby places to stay include Cabinas Las Olas (www.cabinaslasolas.co.cr)  which has a full restaurant and bar and Las Avellanas Villas (www.lasavellanasvillas.com). There are other accommodations, but do not have telephones or web sites.

There is a very small cafe on the road to the beach called Casa Surf, but the main attraction right on the beach is Lola's. It has been a popular hangout for visitors for the area for over ten years (phone number 506-2652-9097). They are known for their fresh organic food and especially their fruit smoothies. Food is served under large palm trees on interesting, custom wood tables with several nice hammocks for just relaxing.

Advice: They are closed on Mondays and do not accept credit cards.