Atenas, Costa Rica, is a popular place for North American and European retirees due to its pleasant climate, scenic beauty, and welcoming community. It is commonly regarded as having the “best climate in the world” due to its consistent temperature and humidity levels throughout the year. The town is situated on the western edge of the Central Valley (Valle Central), 25 kilometers (15.53 miles) southwest of the provincial capitol city of Alajuela, 20 kilometers (12.43 miles) away from Juan Santamaria International Airport, and 35 kilometers (21.75 miles) from the national capitol city of San José.
The area features a range of altitudes, beginning at 300 meters above sea level in the Balsa and Rio Grande areas and ascending to 1,200 meters above sea level in the San Isidro area. This broad spectrum of elevations creates two distinct and well-defined climatic subregions within the greater Atenas area.
The town is enveloped by mountains and coffee plantations and is located in a prosperous agricultural region that hosts a weekly farmer’s market on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings. The town center features a church and a park lined with palm trees. The town has an abundant supply of amenities including a community health center, pharmacies, doctors, dentists, tennis court, fitness center, swimming pools, parks, banks, shops, bed-and-breakfasts, and restaurants in the village.
