Playa Maderas & San Juan Del Sur: A Guide to Our Favorite Spots
Hey traveler!
If you’re heading to Playa Maderas or San Juan Del Sur, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re here for the waves, the jungle vibes, or the incredible food scene, this little slice of Nicaragua has something for everyone.
We’ve put together a list of our favourite places to eat, shop, and explore—from beachfront ceviche to live music nights, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Maderas and San Juan Del Sur!
San Juan Del Sur: Where to Eat, Drink & Shop
San Juan Del Sur (SJDS) is the closest town to Playa Maderas, about 25 minutes away by car. It’s a lively surf town packed with great eats, boutique shops, and the occasional Sunday Funday party.
🍽️ Where to Eat in SJDS
🌿 Lunch Spots:
🥗 Wrap & Roll – Fresh poke bowls, Asian-fusion dishes, and healthy salads.
🥗 Ding Repair – Fantastic salads, fresh juices, and great coffee.
🥪 Art Warehouse – Toasties, bowls, and a huge range of delicious eats. Tip: They have a pool, so bring your swimsuit!
🍛 Reina Del Sur – A super cheap, local-style canteen for a real taste of Nicaragua.
🍕 Dinner Spots:
🍝 La Terezza – Affordable and delicious Italian with homemade pasta and pizza.
🍕 La Vicinana Signori – Some of the best pizza in town.
🥙 Hijo de Pita – Lebanese cuisine, perfect for something different.
🥗 Simon Says – A solid option for salads, sandwiches, and fresh, healthy bites.
☕ Cafés & Bakeries:
🥖 Sourdough Bakehouse – Freshly baked sourdough and amazing pastries.
🍰 Peace & Cake – A dreamy little bakery for all things sweet - the cookies here are some of the best in the land.
🥯 Bagels & Bakes – The solid bagels—perfect for breakfast on the go.
🛍️ Where to Shop in SJDS
👕 San Juan Surf – A cool mix of surf apparel and coffee.
🌊 We Stay Lost – A stylish boutique for surf-inspired fashion.
🏄 Osci Surf Apparel – Locally designed tees and gear.
🌴 Nica Naturals - Natural cosmetics and yummy snacks - you’re bound to find something you like in here.
Playa Maderas: Where to Eat, Stay & Play
Playa Maderas is where our home BVSC is located, it’s our favourite surf break, and entertains some of the best sunsets in Nicaragua. This little jungle-meets-beach paradise is perfect for surf sessions, yoga flows, and laid-back beach hangs.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Playa Maderas
🏝️ Beachfront Bites:
🐟 Juanita’s Kitchen – Fresh fish, chicken curry, and ceviche, plus incredible cocktails & fresh juices - super mellow vibes, this is our date night spot.
🍹 Sunset Maderas – A relaxed beach spot for green juice, piña coladas, and tostones con queso.
🌿 More Nearby Eats:
🥗 Machete (25-minute walk inland) – A hidden gem serving up a mix of local and international dishes. A great daytime café and an even better place to work remotely! Friday night means pizza night, not one to be missed.
🌮 Hush (15-minute walk) – Stunning ocean views with a menu full of tacos, burgers, and fresh bowls. Visit at the start of the week for “Taco Mondays” to score a $1.50 taco.
🎉 Weekly Events in Maderas & SJDS
💃 Monday: Taco Night at Hush
🎶 Friday: Live Music & Pizza Night at Machete
🎉 Sunday: The legendary Sunday Funday at Pachamama
🌙 Ad-Hoc: Keep an eye on Clandestino Hostel for pop-up parties & gatherings.
🌊 Activities Around Maderas & SJDS
🚤 Catamaran Boat Day – Set sail with Salt Nica for a full-day adventure at sea.
🎣 Fishing Tour – Join Captain Alfred for a morning on the water.
🐋 Whale Watching – Seasonal, but absolutely magical if you time it right!
💃 Salsa Classes – Shake it at Tree Casa (Mondays & Fridays).
🌿 Good to Know
🥖 Local Baker: Kawahe – our neighbour and your go-to guy for fresh, locally made sourdough bread or cinnamon rolls.
Planning Your Trip?
If you’re heading to Playa Maderas, why not make it extra special? This April 5-12, we’re hosting Radiant Waves, a 7-night Yoga & Surf Retreat at BVSC! Expect soulful yoga flows, epic surf sessions, and breathtaking sunsets in our jungle paradise. 🌴✨
See you on the beach!
Josh & Sophie 💙