Most tourists go to El Tunco, the surfer hotspot only 45 minutes away from San Salvador. In the weekend people from the capital go there for party hard. The Costa del Sol is the opposite: no partying, luxury accommodation, and wide great beaches.
Of course, this is not one small village but a long narrow stretch of land, 15 kilometres at least from the Playa Costa del Sol to La Puntilla, where the road ends to open up an exit for the estuary of many rivers. There are some hotels here, some great restaurants, and lots of villas.
Location
This is the place where the more affluent people go. It is a bit further away than El Tunco (actually just beyond the international airport), public transport connections are worse, but obviously the beach here is amazing. We stayed in a luxury ranch with swimming pool for several days, not exactly a backpacker location, but that is absolutely the way to enjoy this place.
Food and drinks
When you get close to La Puntilla, there are several quality options on the north side. La Pampa is part of a chain of luxury steakhouses, Ajacutla next door has great sea food. And these were only the options within driving distance of our villa, so explore for yourself. You can even get decent fishfood on the main beaches in huts.
The beaches
Wherever you are along the Costa del Sol, beaches are wide and you will have all the space in the world. An annoying habit is the four-wheel drives and quads being driven by some people, though police occasionally comes around to fine them and chase them away. Otherwise: enjoy the glorious waves.
