Sámara (Guanacaste Province)

Sámara — The Nicoya Peninsula's Most Family-Friendly Beach Town

Sámara sits on a protected bay on the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste Province, about 2 to 2.5 hours from Liberia International Airport. It is one of the few beach towns in Costa Rica that genuinely deserves the word calm — not just as a description of the pace of life but as a literal description of the water. A natural offshore reef keeps the bay sheltered year-round, creating swimming conditions that are safe for children, retirees, and anyone who wants to be in the ocean every day without worrying about currents or waves.

The town itself is small, walkable, and genuinely community-oriented. Sámara attracts families, retirees, and a growing number of remote workers who have specifically chosen it over busier beach towns because they want connection over spectacle. The Friday farmers market is as much a social gathering as a place to buy produce. The surf schools, language classes, and yoga studios create the kind of natural gathering points where long-term friendships form. People who move to Sámara tend to stay — and that says something important about the place.

Nearby Playa Carrillo — just 10 minutes south — is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica and gives Sámara residents a stunning alternative beach that most visitors never discover. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge 30 minutes north is one of the world's most important sea turtle nesting sites.

Sámara is not the right choice for everyone. Services are limited compared to larger towns, the drive from Liberia involves some rough road sections, and internet connectivity is improving but still variable. For families with young children, retirees seeking a peaceful and safe environment, and expats who prioritize community over convenience, it is one of the most consistently rewarding places to live in Costa Rica.

View from Restaurant Gusto Beach in Samara, Mark Weiss (CC By 4.0)

Thinking About Making Sámara Home?

Sámara is just one piece of the picture. If you're seriously researching a move to Costa Rica, these guides will help you build the full picture:

• Cost of Living in Costa Rica

• Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

• Residency and Visas

• Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica

• Moving to Costa Rica

• Costa Rica Relocation Checklist