Pack your bags and head to Costa Rica for the adventure of a lifetime. The beach holidays in Costa Rica are second to none, and if you have been promising to get away with the family or your significant other, now is the time.

You can stay in all inclusive resort which includes your accommodation, meals, beverages and a few activities, or stay in a hotel right on the beach.

One of the best places to spend your holidays is in one of the beautiful Costa Rican villas located steps from the sand.

Costa Rica is just north of the equator and has perfect tropical weather all year round. The rainy season runs from May to November and the most popular time to holiday in Costa Rica is during their summer which runs from December to May.

The food is delicious and extremely flavorful. You can expect fresh fruits and vegetables and lots of black beans and rice. Casado is a tradition in Costa Rica and consists of beans and rice and fish, chicken or pork. Salad rounds out the meal. Sometimes fried plantain, white cheese and corn tortillas are served with salsa on the side.

The beaches in Costa Rica are unparalleled. The warm waters are spread out over two thirds of the borders so there are plenty of white sandy shores for you to explore. The Nicoya Peninsula features beach cities like Tamarindo, Mal Pais and Montezuma.

If you are looking for someplace remote to spend your holidays, head to Nicoya. Manuel Antonio is considered to be the most stunning beach in the whole world. The bays shaped like horseshoes are surrounded by soft white sand and exquisite turquoise blue water. The hilltops in the background are dotted with tropical jungles and waterfalls. Visitors can snorkel, kayak, hike, bike, or take the zip line.

Playa Dominical is where the surfers head if they want to hang ten. The left and right breaks will challenge even the most advanced board riders.

If you want to experience the local Rastafarians and travelling bohemians Montezuma is the place to spend your holidays. The quaint little beach has tide pools, waterfalls and monkeys and crocodiles that will keep you and your family entertained.

Sitting on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is Tortuguero. Book a jungle canal tour, or go on a guided safari. The National Park plays host to some of Costa Rica’s endangered species. Bring your camera and snap manatees, green sea turtles, ocelots and tapir. If that is not enough, the beaches in Tortuguero are spectacular.

The Osa Peninsula is home to Corcovado which is considered to be one of the most idyllic beaches on the planet. The tall palm trees shade the darkened sand while Corcovado National Park lingers in the background. If you do make it to Corcovado be sure to take a boat trip to Isla del Cano. Enjoy the ride or go diving and explore the mystical stone spheres.

Closer to the Panama border and just south of Limon are quite a few beaches that exude the laid back lifestyle of the Caribbean’s. Pack your sleeping bag and camp in the Cahuita National Park. Down the coast is where you will witness unbelievable sunrises at Puerto Viejo. While you are there you must visit Manzanillo. The protected rainforest has incredible coral reefs and stunning beaches.

Tambor used to be home to the majestic whales that swim in the area, but these days you will find them farther out to sea because of the tourists. Keep your eye out though, because occasionally you may spot one of the largest mammals in the ocean. If you like to snorkel or swim you will not be disappointed. Tambor features mild bay waters which are perfect for a moonlight wade in the sea. You can also take a boat from Tambor and head to Tortuga Island which is home to some of the most spectacular beaches that you will ever see.

Costa Rica has something for everyone, and if you have never had the opportunity to visit this spectacular country in Central America you need to start making plans. A holiday in tropical paradise is more affordable than you think. Find out about discount packages and see what they include.

Start planning the trip of a lifetime. Stay in a beautiful Costa Rican villa and enjoy spectacular sun kissed days and warm and balmy evenings.

This article was written by Alan Horton on behalf of HomeAway Holiday-Rentals, who promote in excess of 250,000 holiday villas. Also visit the official Holiday-Rentals Twitter account for the latest tweets, news and offers.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 19th, 2011 at 11:16 am and is filed under Destinations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.