Tucked along Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa and Nosara often get mentioned in the same breath.
Both remote, stylish surf destinations are loved by travelers seeking nature, movement, surf, and intentional living. Yet even within their similarities, each town has a distinct personality. This guide isn’t about choosing one over the other—it’s about understanding what makes each special and how they might fit into your Costa Rica experience.
Whether you’re planning a wellness retreat, a remote-work getaway, or simply craving surf, sun, and sophistication, here’s how these two beloved towns compare—and why experiencing both is highly recommended.
When It Comes to Wellness & Yoga
Both towns offer exceptional quality in wellness—think yoga, breathwork, movement practices, and restorative experiences. Nosara has long been considered Costa Rica’s center for holistic wellness, where the culture took root early. Classes, retreats, and instructors here have a global reputation that draws people from around the world.
Santa Teresa now matches that level, with a growing roster of studios and instructors offering diverse practices. Though newer, the wellness scene here has developed with care and intention. Both towns provide transformative experiences—just with slightly different flavors.
When It Comes to Surf Culture
Surf is part of the DNA in both Santa Teresa and Nosara. Daily life revolves around the waves, with surfers hitting the water at sunrise and again before sunset.
In Santa Teresa, breaks like La Lora, Playa Carmen, and Suck Rock offer conditions from mellow whitewater to steeper reef waves, all within easy reach. For a relaxed session, Playa Hermosa is ideal.
Nosara centers around Playa Guiones, a wide sandy beach known for long rides and consistent swell. It’s beginner-friendly but still fun for advanced surfers. In contrast, Santa Teresa gives quick access to more challenging waves along a buzzing stretch of coast.
When It Comes to Nature & Layout
Santa Teresa runs along a single coastal road, giving the town a linear, beach-meets-jungle feel that’s easy to navigate. Nosara is made up of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. Playa Guiones sits within the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, free from beachfront development, giving it a particularly lush, open feel. Both towns are walkable, and complimentary bicycles at Sendero Hotel and Hotel Fermata make exploring simple.
Nature adventures are abundant in both destinations. In Santa Teresa, you can visit Montezuma’s waterfalls or Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica’s first national park. In Nosara, you might explore Pilas Blancas waterfall, kayak through mangrove forests, or enjoy cultural experiences like a local coffee tour. While the dry season makes some areas drier, the natural beauty remains stunning.
When It Comes to Design & Hotels
Refinement is present in both towns, with boutique hotels as the norm. Hotel Fermata in Santa Teresa features an intentional aesthetic—traditional lines, natural materials, and design that honors its surroundings. It’s a thoughtful retreat blending style with ease.
In Nosara, hotels lean more residential and relaxed. Sendero Hotel captures that energy with traditional Costa Rican architecture, arched doorways, earthy tones, and naturally stained wood, while embracing contemporary luxury comforts.
When It Comes to Food & Drink
Santa Teresa has long led the region with elevated cuisine: inventive menus, creative cocktails, and upscale dining options in a remote setting.
Nosara’s food scene has grown steadily, now offering chef-led restaurants, wellness cafes, and fresh, nourishing menus. Both towns celebrate local ingredients while keeping authenticity intact.
When It Comes to Getting There
Both towns are remote yet accessible, which is part of their charm.
- Nosara: About 2½ hours by car from Liberia or 6 hours from San José. Domestic flights are also available.
- Santa Teresa: About 5–6 hours from San José, often including a scenic ferry ride. From Liberia, it’s roughly 3½–4 hours by car.
Traveling between the two? Driving takes about 3½–4 hours, or a boat ride can get you there in just a couple of hours.
When It Comes to Evening Energy
Neither town is a party hotspot—but Santa Teresa has more buzz after dark, with beachside gatherings, live music, cocktails, and dancing under the stars.
Nosara, by contrast, winds down gently. Evenings are quieter, reflective, and perfect for shared dinners, conversation, or stargazing.
So… Which One’s For You?
Honestly, both. If possible, spend time in each. They share values—surf, design, wellness, and nature—but deliver different energies.
Santa Teresa offers vibrant variety, ocean rhythm, and lively nights. Nosara brings calm, rich wellness, and a deeper sense of stillness. Together, they showcase Costa Rica’s richness, where you can live slowly, intentionally, and with joy.
Ready to explore both sides of the peninsula? Book your stay at Hotel Fermata in Santa Teresa and Sendero Hotel & Villas in Nosara to experience the best of both worlds.
