Uruguay’s Best Beach Towns

By South American standards, Uruguay is a relatively small country. In fact, Uruguay is the continent’s smallest country and its modest size is highlighted by its much larger neighbours; Brazil to the north and Argentina to the south. In a way, Uruguay’s position between Brazil and Argentina is a blessing as it means the beach towns along its pristine stretch of coastline are often quiet and not thronged with visitors.

What’s So Special About Uruguay’s Beaches?

Many visitors to Uruguay limit their visit to its varied and historical capital city, Montevideo. However, look past the city’s skyline and northwards up the coastline and you’ll discover the lesser-known and quieter parts of the country. Rustic towns are hidden away behind groves of palms. Dusty ranches and health vineyards serve a rich and increasingly respected wine industry. Then there are the unpretentious resorts close to spectacular beaches. 

As mentioned, one of Uruguay’s biggest draws aside from the mostly untouched coastline is the fact that there are few crowds. Uruguay’s beaches are up there as one of South America’s best-kept secrets. Understated, elegant huts are dotted amongst rocky outcrops interspersed along clean beaches of sparkling, white sand. There’s also the fact that Uruguay enjoys almost year-round sun

Beach lovers have plenty to choose from. From remote, uncomplicated areas like Cabo Polonio, perfect for those looking for a truly relaxing holiday to more lively, upmarket areas like Punta del Este which is comparable to Ibiza and is best avoided during the peak season between December and February, when large numbers of Argentinians descend on the town and prices soar. 

Another point to note is that Uruguay is consistently considered to be Latin America’s most peaceful country. With its quiet roads and the fact that Uruguay is the size of the state of Florida, it’s possible to pack in quite a lot, if you’re so inclined.

Check out our list of Uruguayan beach towns and start picturing yourself on a relaxing beach holiday.

Punta del Este

Punta del Este is the most glamorous beachside town on our list. Between December and February, the town fills up with wealthy Argentineans and Brazilians looking for a combination of partying in the trendy bars and clubs and relaxing on the golden beaches.

More pricey than other beach towns Punta del Este has many of the finer things; high-end restaurants, exclusive hotels, top amenities and regular parties. If you do decide to indulge in some fine dining in Punta de Este, the Grand Hotel serves up prime cuts of beef. Celebrities are often spotted at the Yacht Harbour or strolling along the breezy Playa Brava, the sight of the famous Hand in the Sand. 

Jose Ignacio

Another stylish beach town, connected to the Punta del Este scene is Jose Ignacio. Jose Ignacio is known for its seafood restaurants and boutique hotels. Casa Suaya and La Huella are two of the popular boutique hotels but you’ll also simple find beach huts and beachside grills offering fire-roasted meats, and a range of cooked-to-order seafood.

Punta del Diablo

If you happen to be the type of traveller who prefers to avoid busy tourist areas and wants to get closer to the local way of life then Punta del Diablo will likely appeal to you. This tiny fishing village of only 850 people gives a glimpse into the slow life along Uruguay’s coast. 

The beaches here are comparable to the beaches in Brazil but without the loud crowds. The village is also known for its bright architecture with buildings that wouldn’t look out of place in some animated movie.

Punta del Diablo is mostly quiet and peaceful but can get busy during the busy period between December and February. Visit outside of those months however and you’ll enjoy a peaceful stay as you settle into a slower pace of life. 

La Paloma

La Paloma is a town in the southeast of Uruguay. There are some stunning beaches including Bahia Grande and Bahia Chica. Laguna de Rocha, a wetland nature reserve that surrounds the town, is a picturesque day out if you fancy something other than sand and surf.

Other beaches nearby La Paloma include Anaconda beach where people go to sunbathe and then catch the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean. This town and beach is another destination for those looking for a chilled-out beachside holiday.

Cabo Polonio

To the northeast of La Paloma, Cabo Polonio is one of those wild and rugged areas with miles of quiet beaches, many of which are bordered by large sand dunes. It’s a dramatic area that is also home to Uruguay’s second largest sea-lion colony.

In 2009, the Cabo Polonio region was declared a national park. This is the place to visit if you’d like to see Uruguay’s wide open and rugged nature, as well as relaxing beaches. To the north of Cabo Polonio is the resort of Valizas from where you can discover La Esmeralda, a secluded beach, much quieter than the more nearby town of Punta del Diablo.

La Pedrera

The village of La Pedrera is just 7km from La Paloma. Pedrera is referred to as ‘bohemian-chic’ mainly due to its more affordable prices and unpretentious vibe. The reasonable prices are reflected by the type of traveller who chooses to visit La Pedrera – mostly young couples and backpackers.

Amongst the backpackers and young couples, there are plenty of surfers and yoga enthusiasts. Many of them spend hours on the beaches before sharing an Asado, a traditional Uruguayan BBQ.

Planning Your Trip to Uruguay

If you’re interested in Uruguay and can see yourself relaxing on one of the beach towns on our list, get in touch. I’d be happy to answer any questions over the phone or via email and get started putting your custom itinerary together.