Nicoya, a flower hidden in the Garden of Eden
Centrally located on the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste province, the city of Nicoya is often referred to as the political and cultural capital of the peninsula.
Neither the Nicoya Peninsula or the city of Nicoya are known as a tourist destinations, but Nicoya is sometimes used as a stopover town for those more adventurous souls exploring the peninsula’s many beautiful beaches, refuges and national parks in the area.
Nicoya is thought to be among the oldest towns in Costa Rica. Its main attraction is its 500 year old church Iglesia de San Blas, which sits in the center of town in the Parque Central. This church dates back to the 1600’s and is home to a number of colonial religious relics and artifacts. Another noteworthy place to visit in town is the La Casa de Cultura, which exhibits the authentic work of local artists from around the region. An excellent buy is some of the traditional pottery that is on sale here. Much of the art is very, very good and can also be purchased from some of the stores in town. With plenty of services and facilities in town i.e restaurants and accommodations, Nicoya is a nice place to spend the day or night. For accommodations or lodgings, book through Owner Direct Vacation Rentals for worry free accommodation bookings. Let the professional vacation rental specialists look after securing your condo rental or family vacation rental. You deserve for your Costa Rican vacation to be worry free.
Generally a relaxed and laidback place, in mid July the city celebrates the Dia de Guanacaste festival, which is when Nicoya comes alive with parties and music. Nicoya does have hotel accommodation and lodging for her guests, and Santa Cruz a neighboring city with addition vacation rentals, condo rentals and lodging is only fifteen miles down the road .
The countryside of the Nicoya Peninsula goes overlooked by most travelers but those who stray from the beaten paths will find great options for eco-tourism.
The most noted feature of the Peninsula de Nicoya are the beaches. Within the vast expanse of coastline vistas are innumerable magnificent beaches with dramatic coastal scenery, and small villages each with its own distinct charm. This is the real Costa Rica, real people living real lives, generally unspoiled by the tourist dollar.
Water sports such as surfing, fishing, snorkeling and diving define much of the character of the villages. Most areas have been discovered by surfers as the Pacific side of Costa Rica boasts one of the best stretches of surfing coastline in the world.
Various eco-systems provide habitat for numerous plant species and animals. As with all of Costa Rica, the Nicoya Peninsula is blessed with some spectacular natural assets ranging from turtle beaches, to subterranean caves, birding hotspots, and maritime riches which are protected in several nature and wildlife reserves.