Playa Pan de Azúcar (Sugar Beach)
Beach · Guanacaste · hidden gem
A pretty, little-visited crescent known as Sugar Beach, reached on foot by short natural trails from Playa Prieta; a viewpoint hike above gives a view over the bay.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 4 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 7 / 10
- Effort
- 3 / 10
- Location
- 10.47674, -85.78066 — Google Maps
Tip
Bring water, sun protection and sturdy sandals: there are no facilities and the trails are rocky.
Be careful
Rocky trail sections and strong sun; swim only when the sea is calm, no lifeguard.
Getting there
On foot from the Playa Prieta side; no services on the beach.
Places nearby
- Casa Chameleon at Las CatalinasStaysAdults-only boutique resort on a hillside above the bay at Las Catalinas.
- Pura Vida Ride (Las Catalinas)Surf, Boats & DivingOutdoor shop in car-free Las Catalinas that rents mountain bikes, kayaks and paddleboards and guides rides on the town's trail network, with a coffee stand on Playa Danta.
- Soda MarcellSodas & Local FoodNo-frills Potrero soda for local-style casados and fish plates, with milkshakes; it closes early afternoon.
- The Shack Restaurant & BarFood & CoffeeLong-running open-air locals' hangout on the main road in Surfside, Potrero: lots of TVs, local craft beer and live music.
- Potrero Brewing CompanyFood & CoffeeCraft brewery in the middle of Potrero with an outdoor food court next door (sandwiches and donuts, pizza, burritos) - order from the stalls and drink local beer.
- Surf BoxFood & CoffeeA café-restaurant near Playa Flamingo that's known for its breakfasts and fresh-tasting food, with a bar and outdoor seating – a good start before a beach day at Penca, Potrero or Flamingo.
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/1231961503 · https://criacademy.com/best-beaches-in-guanacaste-top-10/ · https://ict.go.cr/flipbook/guias/flip-en/GUIA_GUANACASTE_SUR/files/basic-html/page7.html