La Paz Centro

Costa del Sol beach is a coastal gem located in the department of La Paz in central El Salvador.

In contrast to the rocky formations and cliffs that dominate the beaches in the eastern and western regions of the country, this beach nestles in a stunning valley surrounded by towering Salvadoran volcanoes that look out over rolling fields of sugarcane and other local crops.

Costa del Sol offers a perfect combination of attractions that make it a premier beach destination. If you're looking for a place to enjoy the sunset over an endless white sand beach, a wide range of lodging options and Salvadoran and international cuisine, Costa del Sol is your answer. The beach is also surrounded by an immense navigable estuary and surfable waves.

Along this spectacular 15-kilometer stretch of beach, surfing is characterized by the sandbanks that form throughout the breaker area, generating fast waves that break both left and right and often form barrels. These waves can be truly challenging with a little northerly wind, which builds the faces and can pump the walls up to 9 feet (3 meters).

The best time of year to surf Costa del Sol is from November to January, when the swells from the South Pacific Ocean are not as large and powerful, allowing the waves to break gentler and cleaner. You'll even find mellow zones with small, foamy waves that are ideal for beginners.

Beyond excellent surfing, Costa del Sol has an impressive selection of hotels and rental properties. There are numerous restaurants along the main strip by the beach, ranging from casual palm-thatched spots to sophisticated gourmet establishments.

This beach is surrounded by the vast Jaltepeque Estuary, which is home to complex, pristine mangrove forests that are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing. Renting a small boat for a peaceful tour is another perfect option. Adventure-seekers can rent one of the luxury yachts that dock at the marina, and cruise into open water for an exhilarating sportfishing expedition for mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, sailfish or marlin.

If you decide to visit this incredible destination, take Comalapa Highway from San Salvador toward La Paz, then take the coastal highway west. Once you reach the road to La Herradura, take the exit and follow the signs to Costa del Sol.