Uruguay has a population of just three million. During the summer the number doubles. The vast majority of visitors are from Argentina—many who have holiday homes here. Followed by Brazilians who love the safety a holiday in Uruguay offers.
This not a recent phenomenon. Uruguayan beaches have been hugely popular tourist destinations for over a century especially with Argentinians. The Hotel Argentino in Piriapolis was the largest and most glamorous resort in the whole of South America when it was built in the 1920s.
North Americans and Europeans make up just one in ten visitors and you’re in the vanguard. So where are the best beaches in Uruguay? Where should you go for your beach holiday?
The beaches of Rocha
The wildest beaches are in the department of Rocha (say ROH-cha) on the Atlantic coast closest to Brazil. These beaches were isolated and frequented solely by locals until a trickle of intrepid Argentinian backpackers started arriving in the 90s. In the last few years Punta del Diablo and La Pedrera have become party towns for younger Argentinians and Brazilians around New Year but there’s almost perfect solitude the rest of the year. The vibe at most Rochense beaches is Uruguayan hippie.
The beaches of Maldonado
The most well-established beaches with the best infrastructure are in the department of Maldonado. Punta del Este is probably the most famous beach resort in South America after Rio de Janeiro, full of highrises and a frenetic summer scene. La Barra is hipper with surfing competitions and art galleries. Jose Ignacio, a tiny semi-rural peninsula with 28 permanent residents, has become the vacation choice of an international jet-set—think Mark Zuckerberg. If Punta is glitzy and La Barra hippie-chic, Jose Ignacio inclines to the haute-hippie.
The beaches of the Costa de Oro
Beaches on the Costa de Oro or Gold Coast in the department of Canelones have a kind of nostalgic fifties summer air to them. Sleepy towns and simple pleasures. Middle-class Uruguayan families own holiday homes here passed from generation to generation. A vacation in these towns feel like you have been transported back to the kind of holidays you might have had when you were a kid.
You’ll find much more information on each of Uruguay’s beach regions (and essential insider tips) in The Guru’Guay Guide to Uruguay: Beaches, Ranches and Wine Country, as well as the scoop on beaches in Montevideo, historic Colonia del Sacramento and Carmelo, wine country. The Guru’Guay website has a ton of information but the guidebooks have even more.
We keep our collected Top Picks of where to stay in Uruguay in our free guide, updated every three months. You can download the guide for free.
Photos: Gabriel Millos, ASCOM, Casas en el Este
[Article created Aug 22, 2018 and last updated at the date above]
Hello,
I love your site! There is so much helpful information. I was wondering if La Balconada beach was really crowded during the end of February? We are planning a trip and have heard so many awesome things about this area, but I know in the summer months it can get a little crazy.
Hi Kristin, so glad you love the site! February is definitely more chill than January. Beaches will be crowded on weekends but less so during the week. You can also walk a ways away and then will find lovely empty sand with few neighbours. Btw, not sure if you have it, but if you love the site you will ADORE my Guru’Guay Guide to Uruguay: Beaches, Ranches & Wine Country. The guides include MUCH more information than the site. Enjoy!
Thanks to you Karen, we’re just missing La Pedrera which we’ll visit in Fabruary
Hi Valerie, I go into detail about the beaches mentioned in the article, La Pedrera and lots of other lovely beaches in The Guru’Guay Guide to Uruguay: Beaches, Ranches and Wine Country. I definitely recommend it. All the best, Karen PS. Definitely sign up to our monthly newsletter to find out the latest finds.
I love the Guide to Montevideo which I purchased this week from Amazon. Sadly it isn’t the 2020 Edition. Never the less I am eager to visit Uruguay this February. I have ordered the companion volume as well.
Hi Ron, oh no! Did you order the first edition of the paperback? We are surprised (and disappointed) that you were able to order that. We understood that Amazon was only selling the newest version. Let us know. Sooo good you ordered the companion Guru’Guay Guide to Uruguay: Beaches, Ranches and Wine Country too.. Best, Karen