The Neighborhood

Playa Potrero Offering easy access to three beaches (Potrero, Penca and Prieta), this town combines upscale lodging options with the charm of a traditional Costa Rican town (think central plaza with church, school and soccer field). There are plenty of restaurants, shops and other conveniences, and the downtown area has two mini supers (convenience stores), as well as a commercial plaza with a coffee shop, a hairdresser and other businesses. Some of the liveliest nightlife in the region can be found at Las Brisas Bar, right on the beach, though it’s normally hopping only on Wednesdays (Ladies’ Night). Potrero has several nice housing developments with “Villagio” in the name, popular among Italians and other expats. You can find Italian gelato shops, Costa Rican sodas (small, affordable restaurants) and hotels in a range of prices (Pitaya Lodge, Bahía La Esmeralda, Hotel Isolina, Bahía del Sol). Just to the south of Potrero lie all the attractions of Surfside, and to the north is a beautiful, hilly drive along the ocean, ending at the Mediterranean-style village of Las Catalinas. Potrero is within easy striking distance of several beaches, and it’s a great base to explore the entire region — for a sampler of both the high-end and the humble.