Las Catalinas – Pedestrian Beach Town with Resort Amenities and Expanding Development
Las Catalinas is a master-planned coastal town located north of Flamingo on Costa Rica’s Gold Coast. The community was designed as a pedestrian-only town, with no cars inside the main residential area, creating a walkable layout centered around the beach, plazas, restaurants, and outdoor recreation. Parking is located outside the town, with valet and concierge services available for residents and guests.
The town was designed to resemble traditional European and Mediterranean coastal villages, with narrow streets, plazas, terraces, and buildings positioned to maximize views and natural airflow. The design follows principles of New Urbanism, with the goal of creating a compact town where daily life can be done on foot.
Las Catalinas sits between Playa Danta and Playa Dantita and is surrounded by protected hills and forest, which helps preserve the setting and keeps the community separate from larger tourist areas.
Amenities and Lifestyle
Las Catalinas offers one of the most complete amenity packages on the Gold Coast, all within walking distance.
Amenities include:
- Private Beach Club
- Over 40 km of hiking and biking trails
- Pedestrian-only streets and plazas
- Chak Fitness beachfront gym and indoor fitness center
- Group fitness classes and wellness programs
- Multiple community pools
- Wake Day Spa
- Several on-site restaurants and cafés
- Fine dining including Sentido Norte
- Small grocery, shops, and services
- Water sports and outdoor activities
- 24/7 security
The trail system surrounding the town is one of the largest private trail networks in the region and is a major draw for residents who enjoy biking, running, and hiking.
New Areas and Expansion Across the Road
Las Catalinas continues to expand beyond the original beachfront town, with new neighborhoods and amenity areas being developed across the main access road. These newer sections were designed to support more full-time residents while keeping the same architectural style and planning standards as the original community.
The expansion includes the Central Park and El Prado areas, which add additional homes, parks, and recreation space to the development. This part of the project includes sports fields, tennis courts, and multi-use courts, along with playgrounds, walking areas, and open green space designed for everyday use by residents. New streets and homesites are being built in phases, along with additional pools and community gathering areas, allowing the town to grow without changing the overall layout and character that Las Catalinas is known for.
These new sections are helping turn Las Catalinas into a more complete residential community, not just a beachfront destination, while still keeping the pedestrian-focused design and strong building guidelines that define the project.
These new sections are designed to support more full-time residents while keeping the same architectural style and planning standards as the original town.
Future development also includes additional commercial space, new buildings, and expanded public areas, showing that the project is still growing and evolving.
Real Estate in Las Catalinas
Properties in Las Catalinas range from studios and condos to large ocean-view villas and beachfront homes. Because the town is master-planned with strict architectural guidelines, the overall look and quality remain consistent.
Homes are designed with terraces, courtyards, and shaded outdoor spaces to work with the climate, and many properties offer ocean, town, or hillside views.
Rental demand is strong due to the walkable layout, beach access, and resort-style amenities, making the community popular with both full-time owners and investors.
One of the Most Unique Developments in Guanacaste
Las Catalinas is different from most beach communities in Costa Rica because it functions as a small town rather than a subdivision. The pedestrian design, strong building standards, and large trail system have made it one of the most recognizable developments on the Gold Coast.
Its location near Flamingo, Potrero, and the new marina keeps it close to services while still feeling private.
For buyers looking for a walkable beach community with strong amenities and long-term value, Las Catalinas remains one of the most established options in the region.
If you are considering buying or investing in Las Catalinas or the surrounding Flamingo / Potrero area, contact Josh Roistacher for current listings, resale opportunities, and available properties inside the community.