Quaint cobblestone roads and gurgling fountains in the town square overlooking the sea. This may sound like a small town nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, but you’ll find this charming beach town in Costa Rica! Las Catalinas is a relatively new development along the Gold Coast of Costa Rica with heaps of old-world charm. If you want to visit a beautiful, walkable community with safety and sociability at its core, then Las Catalinas vacation rentals should be at the top of your travel list.
Where is Las Catalinas?
Located along the Northwest Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Las Catalinas is a coastal development in the province of Guanacaste. It’s only 15 minutes from popular Flamingo Beach and its world-class marina. Only 42 kilometers (26 miles) from the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, you can be “wheels down” and in Las Catalinas in just over an hour.
What is Las Catalinas?
With construction beginning in 2009, the community of Las Catalinas is a relatively new town in Costa Rica. With a vision of “the good life” in mind, Las Catalinas was developed with ecological responsibility, sustainability, social cohesion, and personal connection in mind. Created to promote a healthy way of living and a safe place for children to play, Las Catalinas is a car-free community. Vehicles are parked in lots and residents and visitors are invited to walk the cobblestone streets freely and safely. There are also 1,000 acres of protected tropical dry forest with hiking and biking trails on the property.
Why Visit Las Catalinas?
If you are searching for luxury living in a walkable community that covers most of your needs, Las Catalinas is the place for you! There are shops, restaurants, swimming pools, a brewery, a beach club, boutique hotels, and various vacation rentals in Las Catalinas from condos to full houses with private pools. There are also two beautiful beaches that can be easily accessed from this seaside community on foot. With a concierge service that can arrange a private shuttle from the airport, you won’t need to rent a car to visit the walkable community of Las Catalinas!
Read more about the charming beach town of Las Catalinas, Costa Rica, and Las Catalinas rentals.
Top Things to Do in Las Catalinas
Explore the Town: It’s easy to enjoy this beach town on foot. Take a stroll through the main plaza and sip on cappuccinos while watching kids play in the splash pad fountain. Just relax and take it all in.
Hit the Beach: The white sand beach of Playa Danta stretches along the town of Las Catalinas, Costa Rica. With rocky outcropping on either end, it is protected from big waves and is ideal for swimming and water sports like stand-up paddle board (SUP). You can take a short hike to Playa Dantita if you are looking for more seclusion.
Snorkel and Scuba Dive: The Las Catalinas Islands found off of the coast of the community of Las Catalinas are famous for having some of the best diving in Costa Rica. These underwater volcanic rock formations are abundant with sea life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays. Excellent snorkeling can be done right off the shores of Playa Danta and Dantita.
Hiking and Biking: As part of their conservation and wellness efforts, Las Catalinas features 42 kilometers (26 miles) of maintained trails. These trails are designated for walking, running, biking, and hiking. There are 22 kilometers (13.6 miles) of single-track mountain biking trails with views of the coast and five world-class hiking trails to discover.
Sunset at Sentido Norte: Dining is an experience you have to try at Sentido Norte, especially at sunset. The glorious sunset overlooking the ocean is heralded by the sound of a large gong, struck by one of the restaurant’s lucky guests. Treat yourself to fine Mesoamerican cuisine as you dine al fresco while enjoying a vast ocean view. Reservations are strongly recommended to get a great seat for this epic sunset spot at Casa Chameleon Hotel at Las Catalinas.
Top Las Catalinas Vacation Rentals
Casa Alouatta: If you are traveling with a big group or two families traveling together but want your own space, then Casa Alouatta is the perfect Las Catalinas vacation rental for you. The main house has three bedrooms while the adjoining guesthouse has two bedrooms. Each has its own kitchen, living room, and beautiful ocean views.
The three-story main villa has two king suites with a private balcony, a children’s bunk bedroom with foosball, and a TV room with two daybeds for even more sleeping spots. The guesthouse has two queen suites.
The property features a swimming pool with an ocean view, a barbecue area, a covered terrace, a yoga palapa, and a path to the beach.
Casa Cazenovia: Just steps from the beach is one of the most unique Las Catalinas rentals – Casa Cazenovia. This four-bedroom vacation home is perfect for families. This villa blends indoor and outdoor living in a unique way, with a lap pool that spans the inside of the house! You will feel like you’re at a Grecian bathhouse with this unique feature you have to see to believe.
A guest favorite of this property has got to be the rooftop terrace, where you can hold your own little get-together and watch the sunset.
Casa Cazenovia 3 bedroom: accommodating eight guests, Casa Cazenovia 3 bedroom is the perfect choice for a family vacation or a couple’s trip with friends. Each of its three bedrooms has its own private bathroom.
The crown jewel of this Las Catalinas vacation rental is the rooftop terrace. Perfect for sunset cocktails and conversations around the grill.
Plaza Mercado 12: Looking for something smaller? Plaza Mercado 12 is a perfectly appointed two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo with an ocean view.
If you are looking for a unique coastal retreat with everything from restaurants to recreational facilities, town plazas to hiking trails, and swimming pools to beautiful beaches all within reach then booking a Las Catalinas vacation rental should be on your bucket list. With old-world charm blended with modern conveniences and conscious town planning built around well-being and enjoyment, you’ll experience “the good life” in Las Catalinas, Costa Rica.