Playa Montelimar, Pacific beach in San Rafael del Sur, Nicaragua

Playa Montelimar is a 3 km stretch of white sand on Nicaragua's Pacific coast in the municipality of San Rafael del Sur, Managua department. The Barcelo Hotel and Resort occupies the site of the old Somoza estate, and Somoza's former mansion now serves as a casino overlooking the Pacific. A low, flat rocky outcrop topped with green vegetation extends from the shore into the sea.

The land was originally owned by German immigrants and was seized by the government during World War II, eventually passing into the hands of the Somoza family. After the fall of the Somoza dictatorship, the property was turned into a resort open to tourism.

The beach takes its name from the old Somoza estate on which the Barcelo resort now stands; the family mansion was converted into a casino facing the Pacific. The 3 km of white sand are the setting for this resort, whose grounds were originally held by German immigrants.

Access to the beach is managed through the Barcelo Hotel and Resort, so it is worth checking in advance what conditions apply for non-guests. The beach itself faces the open Pacific, which means waves can be strong and swimmers should take care.

The land was originally owned by German immigrants and was confiscated by the Somoza dynasty after Nicaragua declared war on Germany in World War II, even though no fighting took place between the two countries. The old Somoza home on the estate now serves as a casino overlooking the Pacific.