Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

There are places you visit once, and there are places that quietly become part of you. Santa Teresa is one of those places. Life here revolves around the ocean, surfboards leaning against palm trees, dusty roads, barefoot afternoons and sunsets that somehow never get old. There's no rush, no dress code—just good food, great coffee and the kind of energy that makes you instantly slow down.

Where to eat & drink?

Breakfast at Somos or great coffee at Somos Cafe
Our first stop of the day. Great coffee, relaxed vibes and exactly the kind of place where breakfast easily turns into a slow morning.

Breakfast or lunch at Chez Coco
One of the cutest cafés in town. Fresh, colourful plates, excellent coffee and a laid-back atmosphere you'll want to return to.

Coffee break at Café Social
A neighbourhood favourite for a quality coffee and an easy afternoon pause.

Healthy lunch at Gula Café
Fresh, vibrant and perfect after a morning in the ocean. Think nourishing bowls, juices and tropical flavours.

Breakfast or Lunch at Ani's
Surf vibes guaranteed, welcoming and always a good idea. One of those places where everything on the menu sounds tempting and is just good!

Cocktails at Rocamar
Come for sunset, stay for another cocktail. Ocean views, a beautiful setting and one of our favourite places to end the day.

Dinner at Koji's
When you're craving great sushi, this is the place to be. Fresh fish, beautiful flavours and easily one of our favourite dinners in Santa Teresa.

Eat Street
If there's one place that captures the spirit of Santa Teresa, it's Eat Street. From breakfast burritos and excellent coffee in the morning to burgers, cocktails and buzzing dinners after sunset, this vibrant open-air food spot has something for every moment of the day. Come hungry, stay longer than planned and simply see where the evening takes you.

If you're heading to Playa Hermosa...
Don't miss Mantarraya Café. A true beach favourite and absolutely worth the short drive.

Beach Sunsets 
Our favourite tip? Skip the bar. Stop by the local supermarket, grab a few cold drinks and head to the beach. Barefoot in the sand with friends is exactly how sunset is meant to be here.

Don't leave Santa Teresa without...

• Taking a surf lesson—or simply watching the surf crowd from the beach.
• Ending every day with sunset drinks in the sand.
• Visiting the beautiful Montezuma Waterfalls.
• Driving to Playa de los Artistas for one of the most memorable beachfront lunches.
• Spending an afternoon exploring the different beaches between Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa.

WHAT TO PACK?

Santa Teresa is all about effortless dressing. Pieces that move with you—from an early coffee run to an afternoon in the ocean and dinner straight afterwards.

Our Santa Teresa suitcase would look something like this:

• The Elena Shirt — worn oversized over swimwear or tied with shorts.
• An easy cotton dress — for beach lunches and sunset dinners.
• Relaxed shorts or lightweight trousers — comfortable enough for exploring all day.
• A bikini you'll practically live in.
• Leather sandals that can handle sandy roads.
• A large woven beach bag for towels, books and market finds.
• A cap and sunglasses for long days in the tropical sun.
• A Coco Polo for breezy evenings by the ocean.

Santa Teresa doesn't ask for much. Just slow down, stay barefoot whenever you can, and never say no to one more sunset.