Exploring Costa Rica Guidebook

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ATENAS

Founded after Costa Rica’s independence and named after its Greek counterpart, Atenas offers charm, mountain views and a sampling of local flavors sold at road-side stands like prestiños (elephant ear pastries) and toronja rellena (grapefruit filled with sweet jelly).

GRECIA

With its plant-laden central square, famous metal church and surrounding hillsides, Grecia  makes for a nice stop on a coffee-towns tour. Like its neighbor Atenas, Grecia was named in honor of the Greeks who fought for their independence from Turkey.

NARANJO

A tiny town more off the beaten path than Sarchí, Naranjo also depended historically on the coffee harvest, but many of its residents today commute to San José to work. Steep, quiet streets open up to lovely mountain scenery.

PALMARES

Best known for its annual January festival that draws crowds from all over the country, Palmares stays calm during the rest of the year, making it a good spot to poke around local eateries and shops, visit the church and relax in the lush central park, housing herbs and medicinal plants.