This picture-postcard setting invites visitors to spread out a towel on the white sand in the shade of the palm trees and admire the flight of pelicans diving into the ocean. Located on Isla Barú (actually a peninsula), this 3.5km-long beach overlooking turquoise waters is part of the Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario. It is safe to swim here as the currents are practically non-existent. Plan to spend a day at Playa Blanca in the middle of the week, when it is not quite as busy.