Historically a small fishing village, more and more people are discovering San Juan del Sur to be the new Costa Rica. Stunning pacific sunsets, empty coastlines that stretch for miles and a growing community of foreigners make this town a comfortable spot to settle down.
The town has grown to offer most of a foreigners daily needs. A large market operates six days a week, selling all sort of produce, including the amazing fruits grown around the country. The town also has a well stocked grocery store, a yoga studio, spa, restaurants, coffee shops, internet cafes, a french bakery and arguably the best English language bookstore in Central America.
The town itself is located in a bay. However, this area is not particularly clean and swimming is more enjoyable along the beaches outside of town. Active adults will enjoy a number of recreational activities in the area. Swimming and surfing in the waves are quite popular. Sailing, diving and fishing are also great activities in the area. Running, hiking, walking and biking trails can be found around town, along the beach and in wilderness areas. However, knowing the safety of areas is important before finding oneself in an isolated spot. 18 kilometers outside of town is the Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor, a nature preserve with mangroves, a dry tropical forests, birds, wildlife and a coastline that is home to the amazing Olive Ridley turtle population, who comes on shore to lay eggs in October. The high gringo population may mean that you don't need your Spanish often, but the town is home to several language schools. | 
