Sámara, situated along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica's Guanacaste area, has long been a favorite vacation spot for both, Costa Ricans and foreigners. The town itself is rather small (approximately 1500 full-time residents, including close-by towns such as Torito and Cantarrana) with main street leading directly to the beach. Hotels and restaurants are plentiful and cater to all budgets while other tourist services (tour operators, car rental, internet cafes, etc.) are also available. The town has a healthy mix of local and foreign residents and still maintains a somewhat authentically Costa Rican atmosphere. The largest expatriate groups living in Sámara are generally Italian, Canadian, German, and U.S.-American. Visitors vary depending on holiday season with certain times being dominated by European vacationers while at other times, U.S.-American visitors are the largest group of vacationers. Around Christmas, Easter, and during other school holidays the town is flooded with Costa Rican visitors and hotels and campgrounds are often booked months in advance.