Published on Thursday, June 18, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica has secured three spots in the 2026 edition of Corona Beach 100, an international guide that highlights coastal destinations for their connection to nature, beach culture and scenic beauty.

The Corona Beach 100 is a curated global travel guide that ranks the world's 100 most iconic beaches. Created by the Corona beer brand as part of its 100th anniversary celebration and its "This Is Living" platform, the guide has been described as the "Michelin Guide of coastlines."

The latest edition was released in conjunction with World Oceans Day and expanded its scope by adding new destinations. The rankings were compiled using feedback from more than 300,000 travelers through Tripadvisor and an analysis of conservation initiatives developed in partnership with the environmental organization Oceanic Global.

Three Costa Rican beaches earned a place on the list: Conchal Beach in Guanacaste Province, Uvita Beach in Puntarenas Province and Cocles Beach in Limón Province.

According to the report, Conchal Beach stands out for its distinctive shoreline made of crushed shells, crystal-clear waters and welcoming atmosphere.

"It’s a photogenic memory-maker with a unique shell-sand combo, tranquil, transparent waters and the trademark warm Costa Rican hospitality," the report states. "This beach is more chilled than its sandy relatives; it offers bone-deep relaxation and a closer bond with nature."

Uvita Beach was described as a tropical paradise featuring some of the planet's most celebrated natural attractions.

"Warm, blue Pacific water. Soft tan beaches. Spectacular birds and animals," the report says. "It also has a neat trick: a sandbar forms a whale tail shape when the tide recedes. It’s a less-than-subtle reveal of Uvita’s best secret: it’s a favorite holiday spot for one of the most majestic creatures in our oceans."

Cocles Beach was also recognized for its unique natural beauty and surfing conditions.

"It doesn’t need to shout to stand out. It’s one of Costa Rica’s most consistent surf beaches — a warm-water break with year-round waves and a laid-back lineup that welcomes all levels," the guide states. "

But there’s more than just swell here. The beach is framed by wild jungle, lined with golden sand, and soundtracked by reggae drifting from local cafés. Coconut palms lean toward the sea, sloths nap overhead, and the scent of grilled plantains lingers in the breeze. It’s the kind of place where you come for the surf, and stay for the rhythm that hums through everything."

The complete Corona Beach 100 list, which includes destinations across the Americas, Europe, Asia and other regions, is available on the Corona website.

The recognition adds to a growing list of international accolades for Costa Rica's tourism industry. Recently, Costa Rica was ranked as the country where solo female travelers feel safest in a report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the United Kingdom's national broadcaster.

Costa Rica’s tourism industry has continued to expand in recent years. The Tourism Institute (ICT) reported that Costa Rica welcomed more than 1 million tourists by air during the first quarter of 2026.

The country recorded more than 2.6 million air arrivals in 2025.

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