Lola’s on the Beach

Península de Nicoya


Hang out at this stylish beach cafe while waiting for the waves. Slanted wood chairs are planted in the sand beneath thatched umbrellas. A tree-stump bar overlooks an open kitchen, where the beachy cuisine is tops. Kudos for its determined efforts to recycle cooking oils and not use any plastics (you'll get a paper straw).

In case you're wondering, Lola was an enormous and lovable pig, aka the 'Queen of Avellanas.' She has since passed, but her legacy lives on in 'little' Lolita!


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Península de Nicoya attractions

3. Sibu Sanctuary

20.5 MILES

Reservations are required to visit this wildlife sanctuary, set on 50 glorious acres of jungle and garden. The sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing,…

4. Reserva Biológica Nosara

21.1 MILES

The private 35-hectare reserve behind Lagarta Lodge has trails leading through a mangrove wetland down to the river and beach. Stop in the Lagarta lobby…

5. Playa Pelada

21.98 MILES

North of Guiones, Playa Pelada is a family gathering place for sunset, swimming and surfing, though the waves can get a bit rough. On the northern end,…

6. International Animal Rescue Costa Rica

22.64 MILES

Make an appointment to visit this animal rescue center. Brenda Bombard is an incurable animal lover who has devoted two decades to caring for injured and…

7. Playa Guiones

24.89 MILES

Nosara's most developed beach is also a stunner, with a wide, generous arc of marbled sand (and a few pebbles and shells mixed in), excellent beach breaks…

8. Playa Garza

25.63 MILES

From the south, the first beach you'll hit is Playa Garza, still a sleepy Tico fishing village with an arc of pale brown sand, and headlands on either…