Playa Chiquita, between Playa Cocles and Punta Uva, is the quietest beach in the central stretch — a series of small sandy bays separated by rocky outcrops, fronted by coastal forest where you'll often spot howler monkeys and toucans from the path.
There are no big bars and no surf schools here, which is the point. Bring snorkel gear at low tide and you can poke around the rocks for tropical fish; otherwise it's just a hammock-and-book beach. The neighbourhood has filled with low-key guesthouses and yoga retreats over the years, but the beach itself remains relatively undeveloped.