Pacific Beaches & Surf: San Juan del Sur

Today you explore graceful Granada and cruise the islets of Lake Nicaragua. In the morning you walk the handsome central plaza, dominated by the ochre-yellow cathedral, climb the bell tower of La Merced church for a sweeping rooftop panorama of red-tiled roofs, lake and the Mombacho volcano, and wander the lively Calle La Calzada lined with cafes. In the afternoon you board a boat to glide among Las Isletas, a beautiful archipelago of 365 tiny tropical islands scattered off the city, drifting past lush green islets fringed with palms, spotting herons, cormorants and playful monkeys, with the great volcano rising behind. The colour of the city and the serenity of the lake are captivating. As the day ends, you return to Granada. This evening, savour its relaxed atmosphere. Rest well, for tomorrow you cross to the Pacific coast.

Today you cross to the golden Pacific coast and the laid-back beach town of San Juan del Sur. You travel south through a landscape of volcanoes, plantations and rolling hills, reaching the wide horseshoe bay of San Juan del Sur, ringed by green headlands and topped by a hilltop statue of Christ gazing out to sea. You settle into your beach hotel, then head down to the palm-shaded malecon, lined with easygoing beach bars, seafood shacks and surf shops, and feel the warm, relaxed rhythm of the coast. As the day cools, you gather on the golden sand to watch your first glorious Pacific sunset, the great red sun sinking flaming into the ocean in a blaze of colour. This evening, savour fresh seafood by the bay. Rest well, ready for sun, surf and sand.

Today is given to sun, surf and sand. In the morning you take a surf lesson at a beautiful, beginner-friendly beach such as Playa Maderas, feeling the thrill of catching a wave on the golden sand beneath green headlands, with the warm Pacific water and the encouragement of your instructor; more experienced surfers can head for legendary breaks like Playa Hermosa or Colorado. Between sessions you laze on the sand, swim in the warm ocean, and sip a smoothie in a beach shack. In the afternoon, back in San Juan del Sur, you might stroll the bay, browse surf shops and craft stalls, or simply relax in a hammock. As evening falls, you watch another flaming sunset from the sand. This evening, savour the town's easygoing energy. Rest well.

Today you explore the string of hidden coves and boho beach towns along this beautiful coast, at your own relaxed pace. You might hop north to golden bays like Playa Marsella and Playa Gigante, lazing on near-empty sands, snorkelling in clear coves and browsing laid-back beach communities of yoga studios, smoothie bars and hammocks; or, in nesting season, arrange an evening visit to a protected reserve such as La Flor, where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles may heave ashore under moonlight to nest, an unforgettable natural spectacle. Alternatively, simply unwind on the beach at San Juan del Sur, swimming and reading beneath the palms. The freedom and wild beauty of the coast are wonderful. As the day ends, you gather once more for the sunset. This evening, savour the bay. Rest well.

Today you enjoy a final, flexible day on the golden Pacific coast. You might take one more surf session or a stand-up paddleboard along the bay, join a boat trip to snorkel or fish and look for dolphins offshore, take a horseback ride along a near-empty beach, or simply laze on the sand, swim in the warm ocean and unwind in a hammock beneath the palms. You might climb to the hilltop Christ statue for a sweeping view over the bay and coast, or browse the beach town for crafts and souvenirs. This flexible day lets you savour the coast and reflect on your journey. As the day ends, you watch a final, glorious Pacific sunset sink into the ocean. This evening, savour a farewell seafood dinner by the bay. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.

After a final morning by the Pacific, perhaps a last swim, a beach walk or a coffee overlooking the bay, you are transferred back to Managua airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced the golden soul of Nicaragua's Pacific coast, the surf breaks and beach-boho energy of San Juan del Sur, the flaming sunsets sinking into the ocean, the hidden coves and turtle beaches, and the colonial beauty of Granada with its lakeside islets. The images stay vivid long after you land, the horseshoe bay dotted with fishing boats, the golden sand at sunset, the thrill of a caught wave, and the emerald islets of Lake Nicaragua. Nicaragua offers golden beaches, warm water, world-class surf and genuine warmth in abundance, still far from the crowds, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this beautiful coast.