The Best Beaches in Uruguay

Ricarda Reininger

Uruguay’s natural landscape is not extraordinary. Most parts of the region are flat, the forests are few, and there are only a small number of ranges of hills. But, Uruguay has some of the most beautiful beaches in South America and the world. These can be found throughout the country, as well as in its capital city. When it comes to beaches, Uruguay really offers the whole package.

Montevideo

A city full of attractive beaches The capital city of Uruguay, Montevideo also has a lot of beaches. The city is surrounded by the Rambla, which could be seen as border between city and sea, and is about 22 kilometers long. Therefore, it is very easy to reach the city’s beaches by walking, riding a bicycle or by public transport. Some of the prettiest beaches are Playa de los Pocitos, which is located very close to the center, and is a busy place for sports fans. Another one is Playa Ramírez, which is close to the Parque Rodó, and is ideal for families and suitable for wheelchairs, and Playa Malvín, with some of the calmest and clearest waters in Uruguay. Montevideo Beaches, Montevideo, Uruguay

Montevideo

1. Punta del Este

Casino

Punta del Este

Beach with a lot of varied entertainment Punta del Este is located in the department Maldonado, on the east side of Uruguay. It has three beaches, of which Playa Brava and Playa Mansa are the most popular ones for tourists. The most famous attraction is ‘Los Dedos’, a sculpture made by a Chilean artist. But there is also a lighthouse, a casino and an annual film festival, the Festival Internacional de Cine de Punta del Este. Also, party people will find this the perfect place to make the best of the night. Punta del Este, Uruguay

The Hand © Marcelo Campi/FlickrThe Hand © Marcelo Campi/Flickr

3. Costa de Oro

Costa de Oro

The longest stretch of beaches in Uruguay Costa de Oro is a coastal section of Uruguay which is about 45 kilometers long and extends along several resorts and beaches. In the past it was an useless area, which was reclaimed by planting different trees and offering attractive activities for visitors. Mostly, Costa de Oro is visited by local tourists, but beaches like Costa Azul and La Floresta are popular places by foreign tourist too. All of them are highly recommendable, but the most beautiful ones are Neptunia, with its white and wide sandbanks and Jaureguiberry, which leads into a creek. Costa de Oro, Uruguay

Costa Azul © F7orRM/FlickrCosta Azul © F7orRM/Flickr

4. Punta del Diablo

Natural Feature

Welcoming and idyllic beach Punta del Diablo is located just a few kilometers from the Brazilian-Uruguayan boarder, and, originally, it was a calm fishing village. The majority of the locals are still working as fishermen or artists. Today, its three beaches are very popular among both Uruguayans and tourists, mostly Argentinians and Brazilians, as they offer a beautiful landscape and relaxing atmosphere. The colorful houses of Playa del Riveroare truly worth seeing, and anybody who wants to be active in a sporting way, will find a surfing school there. Punta del Diablo, Uruguay Punta del Diablo © Leo Alvarez/FlickrBy Ricarda Reininger

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