If a trip around South America is on your radar, you cannot miss these top beaches.
Uruguay, one of the smallest countries in South America, has a natural landscape with some of the most beautiful beaches in its region and the world. Its coast may not be full of palm trees and turquoise waters, but it has plenty of charming soft, rolling dunes.
The water throughout Uruguay is warm enough to swim and practice water sports without freezing (it does not exceed 20°C), either on the River Plate or the Atlantic Ocean.
Uruguay has been rated several times as having the best quality of life in Latin America. The Uruguayans are passionate about their laid-back, relaxing lifestyle. The country was at the forefront of the wave of cannabis legalisation. Back in 2013, it was the first in the entire world to approve the national legalisation of the cannabis plant for recreational purposes which many US states are now following. It was also at the forefront of decriminalising buying CBD oil for medicinal uses which is now commonplace in most countries.
Check out these 3 top-rated beaches to visit in your next Uruguayan getaway.
Punta del Este
Located on Uruguay’s southern coast, Punta del Este is a beautiful city and a true beach paradise. The sea in Punta del Este is divided into two different beaches, Playa Mansa (calm beach) and Playa Brava (rugged coast).
As the name suggests, the sea at Playa Mansa is flat, making it the perfect spot for families and swimming. On the other hand, Playa Brava is ideal for surfing and is quite famous among young people.
Punta del Este has everything you could want. It is a big city where you can make the most of your stay by learning about the country’s history and culture, going to parties and events, enjoying different sports and activities, or just hanging out, drinking mate, and eating chivitos with locals (the Uruguayans are extremely friendly!).
Mate is an infused drink made with yerba (a dry herb) and is one of Uruguayan society’s more symbolic and familiar traditions. On the other hand, the chivito is Uruguay’s national dish. It consists of a thin slice of tender cooked beef steak topped with ham, a fried egg, lettuce, and tomato, all on a toasted roll. Worth it!
Remember that Punta del Este might not be a cheap city for travelling on a tight budget. It is one of the most expensive beaches in South America, especially during peak months (December, January, and February). The city reeks of cash and cool. Celebrities gather and own houses there, as well as bankers and politicians.
Punta del Diablo
After Punta del Este, Punta del Diablo is Uruguay’s most popular beach destination. Located close to the Brazilian border, the small village has a hippie and relaxed vibe, totally different from Punta del Este.
A few decades ago, Punta del Diablo’s stable population were mainly fishermen and artisans who made crafts from shells, starfish, pebbles, and driftwood. With the massive arrival of tourists (mainly from Argentina and Brazil), the city has changed and considerably grown in size.
You can even find a wide range of luxury accommodation. Thanks to strict building codes, however, there are no high rises or enormous structures, so you will see mainly small boutiques, hotels and cabins that maintain the hippie look and vibe of the town.
Punta del Diablo has over 10 kilometres of coastline. The Fisherman’s Beach and the Rivero’s Beach are close to the centre, quite famous among surfers and people looking to get some fresh fish and seafood to cook up for dinner.
During high season in Punta del Diablo, locals and visitors are often gathered around beach fires at night, playing guitars and singing songs. Also, as you come down the little promenade, you can find several restaurants and food stands to grab a bite.
Interesting fact: Uruguay’s coastline has several great whale-watching spots, without the need of paying an expensive tourist boat trip to see these fantastic beauties. During winter, you can visit the port and wait to spot the southern right whales that visit the country’s shores every year. It is a fantastic way to enjoy nature.
Montevideo (Playa Pocitos)
Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is a charming and calm city with a mixture of old and new buildings that do not just have a great culture; it also has many fine beaches that locals and visitors take advantage of all year round. For that reason, many people say that Montevideo is the perfect combination of natural and urban environments.
Playa de Los Pocitos, also known as Playa Pocitos, is a beach located in an upscale and fashionable safe neighbourhood on the eastern side of Montevideo. The name comes from the colonial period where women washed clothes in “pocitos”, the Spanish word for “little holes”.
The main attraction of the Playa Pocitos is the Rambla, the main path along the water, both for cars and pedestrians. It has plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and bakeries, and you will also find opportunities for all sorts of shopping. A great area to grab a bite while enjoying beautiful views out to sea as far as the eye can see.
In Playa Pocitos beach there is a lot of sporting activity, especially in the evenings. During weekdays, you can look across the horizon and find many locals practising some kind of sport. Its promenade is frequented by people running, cycling, and rollerblading. You can also find footballers, beach volleyballers and sunbathers along with people out for walks with their dogs.
After Punta del Este and Punta del Diablo, Playa Pocitos is one of the most famous and most visited beaches in the whole country. An absolute must-see for anyone travelling to Montevideo.
