Grecia Overview

Located 45km northwest of San José and 9km southeast of Sarchí, the small town of Grecia is the historical and cultural center of its cantón. Locals and tourists linger in the park to admire the unique red-iron church, imported from Belgium after two wooden churches on the same spot burned down. Grecia’s most-recent international claim to fame was its selection as the cleanest city in Latin America in 1989. T Recycling bins still abound today. The pleasant town, along with the nearby serpentarium, butterfly gardens, and Volcán Poás (35min. away) make Grecia a great city to visit for a day or two.

To reach Grecia, catch a bus from San José, between Av. 5 and C. 18 (30min., M-F 5am-10pm, ¢535). The bus terminal in town is about 400m west of the main plaza past the mercado. From the bus station, go up the hill and take your first right; this leads to the parque central and the church. The police station (☎2494 8750) is 400m south of the bus terminal at the corner of the cemetery, and the Red Cross is 100m north and 125m east of the northeast side of the church. (☎2494 3805. Open M-F 7:30am-5pm. Emergencies 24hr.)

Use It, Don’T Flaunt It. While the parque central in Grecia offers free Wi-Fi, it’s not the best idea to flaunt your laptop so publicly, as theft may be an issue. Additionally, downpours begin in Costa Rica without a moment’s notice. To keep your laptop safe and dry, head into one of the restaurants surrounding the park and browse the web from there.

Accommodations

B&B Grecia (☎2454 2573; www.bandbgrecia.com), 150m south of the southwest corner of the parque. Owned by a Canadian, this B&B is a rare find. Lounge in a hammock in the garden or the sitting room with cable TV. Free high-speed Internet access and Wi-Fi, coffee, spacious kitchen, and huge breakfast. Laundry US$3. Private room US$30 for 1 person, US$50 for 2; with hot tub US$40/70. US$/¢.
Healthy Day Country Inn Resort and Spa (☎2444 5903 or 2494 7357; www.healthyday-hotel.com), 1.5km from the center of town, to your left on the way to Sarchí Sur. Get back into shape or pamper yourself with mud baths and aromatherapy massages. Use of full cardio and weight gym, pool, and tennis courts is complimentary for guests. Breakfast included. Singles US$40; doubles US$48.

Food

Don Efrain Bar and Restaurant (☎2494 0923), a 20min. walk down the road from Grecia to Sarchí. Hidden on a hill below street level just past the Healthy Day Country Inn, Don Efrain is one of Grecia’s best-kept secrets, serving excellent seafood in a small dining room with bright blue-and-gold walls and a covered patio. Shrimp dishes ¢4800. Corvina al ajillo ¢4100. Lobster ¢12,000. Open Tu-Su 11am-11pm. MC/V/US$/¢.
Café Delicias, 50m west of the southwest corner of the parque. An airy, European-style cafe that serves unmatched coffee drinks (¢540-1000), sandwiches (¢1400-1900), and desserts (¢700-1250). Don’t miss the frozen café delicias (¢980), made with cappuccino and ice cream. Free Wi-Fi. Open daily 8am-8pm. V/US$/¢.
Cucina Italiana y Pizza (☎2444 5665), 100m north and 50m east of ICE, just north of the church. Fresh-baked bread accompanies meals at this authentic Italian eatery, known for its antipasto salads (¢2700) and homemade gelato (¢1000). Enjoy a hot, fresh pizza (¢4800-7000). Open Tu 4-11pm, W-Su 11:30am-11pm. MC/V/US$/¢.