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Aerial view of Playa Grande’s long surf beach, with the town, forest and hills of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Playa Grande Real Estate

Playa Grande is a low-key surf town on a long, protected beach across the estuary from Tamarindo. Much of the coastline sits inside Las Baulas National Marine Park, a leatherback turtle nesting site, so development stays low and the beach stays quiet and dark at night. For restaurants and nightlife, Tamarindo is under five minutes away by water taxi, or 30–45 minutes by road.

Property here is mostly single-family homes and building lots, from surf houses a short walk from the beach to larger ocean-view homes in the hills, including the gated community of Las Ventanas. Buyers come for the space, the surf and the protected setting rather than a busy town scene.

  • Location Cabo Velas district, Santa Cruz canton, Guanacaste
  • Properties & prices Homes & lots · mid-range to luxury
  • Beach Long, wide surf beach inside Las Baulas National Marine Park
  • Liberia airport 75–100 min

59 properties for sale in Playa Grande

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Sunset over the surf at Playa Grande, with the beach curving toward the headland in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Life in Playa Grande

A surf town that stays quiet

Life here revolves around the beach: a long, consistent surf break, wide open sand and dark, quiet nights. Days start with a surf check and end with sunset over the water, and when you want a bigger night out, Tamarindo is just across the estuary. The protected park setting keeps building low and the pace unhurried.

  • Consistent surf on one of Guanacaste’s best-known beach breaks
  • Turtle nesting season from October to March, with guided night tours through the national park
  • Mangrove kayaking and boat tours in the Tamarindo estuary
  • Laid-back cafés, restaurants and surf shops close to the beach

Getting around

Distances from Playa Grande

Playa Grande feels tucked away, but Tamarindo is a quick water taxi across the estuary, and Huacas has groceries, banks and services 15–20 minutes by road.

  • Liberia International Airport (LIR) 75–100 minutes
  • Tamarindo (water taxi across the estuary) Under 5 minutes
  • Tamarindo (by road) 30–45 minutes
  • Huacas 15–20 minutes
  • Playa Flamingo About 30 minutes
  • Liberia (town) 85–115 minutes

Times are by car from central Playa Grande unless noted, and vary with season and traffic.

Casa Camino Playa Grande modern villa with infinity pool and terrace in a gated community Playa Grande Costa Rica

The Playa Grande Real Estate Market

Playa Grande’s market is built around single-family homes, from surf houses near the beach to larger ocean-view homes in the hills, with a solid selection of building lots for buyers who want to build their own. There are currently 59 properties on the market.

Inventory leans toward the upper end, with most homes offering ocean views or an easy walk to the sand, and the national park around the beach keeps new development limited.

Titled (fee simple) property in Costa Rica can be owned by foreign buyers on the same terms as Costa Ricans. Land within 200 meters of the high-tide line is different: it falls under the Maritime Zone and is held by concession rather than title. Our agents will confirm the ownership status of any listing.

Where Playa Grande sits

Beyond Playa Grande

If Playa Grande isn’t quite the right fit, these nearby beach towns each offer a different pace and property mix.

  • Tamarindo

    Just across the estuary: Guanacaste’s best-known surf town, with the widest choice of restaurants, nightlife and property in the area.

    Explore Tamarindo →

  • Hacienda Pinilla

    A gated golf and beach club community just south of Tamarindo, with homes, condos and lots set around a championship course and private beach club.

    Explore Hacienda Pinilla →

  • Playa Flamingo

    A white-sand beach and hillside ocean views, with an established mix of luxury homes and condos.

    Explore Playa Flamingo →

  • Playa Potrero

    A quieter bay just north of Flamingo, with a relaxed feel and a wide range of homes, condos and lots.

    Explore Playa Potrero →

Playa Grande — Buyer FAQ

Can foreigners buy property in Playa Grande?

Yes. Titled (fee simple) property can be owned by foreign buyers on the same terms as Costa Ricans. Land within 200 meters of the high-tide line falls under the Maritime Zone and is held by concession, so our agents confirm the ownership status of every listing.

How far is Playa Grande from Liberia International Airport?

About 75–100 minutes by car. Liberia’s town center is another 10–15 minutes beyond the airport.

How do you get between Playa Grande and Tamarindo?

A water taxi crosses the estuary in under five minutes. By road it’s 30–45 minutes around the estuary.

What kind of property is for sale in Playa Grande?

Mostly single-family homes and building lots, from surf houses near the beach to larger ocean-view homes in the hills, including homes in the gated community of Las Ventanas.

When is turtle season in Playa Grande?

Turtles nest from October to March, with peak activity between November and January. Guided night tours run through Las Baulas National Marine Park during the season.

Gina Briguglio, broker and owner of Costa Rica Real Estate CR, on the Guanacaste coast

Thinking about buying in Playa Grande?

Whether you’re after a surf house near the beach, an ocean-view home in the hills or a lot to build on, our team can help you find the right fit in Playa Grande and along the Guanacaste coast. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll take it from there.

Get in touch and let us find your place in Playa Grande — Talk to an Agent.

Got Any Questions? Get In Touch