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Piriápolis is a small beach resort mainly frequented by Uruguayans, just over an hour’s drive from Montevideo.
It has a long promenade and a slightly faded 1950s air – its charm in my view.
The beach is wide and flat and as the water is extremely calm and shallow it’s an ideal spot to take small children.
The Hotel Argentino, the art-deco gem, was South America’s largest—and most glamorous—resort in the 1920s and is an iconic part of Piriápolis.
There is a chairlift up the San Antonio Hill which can be fun if hair-raising – it looks rather precarious – let me just say I’ve braved it myself and never actually heard of an accident 😉 The view from above of the bay is stunning.
1. Piriápolis is a good destination for people looking for a no frills, relaxing, maybe even nostaglia-filled, holiday. If you are like me you will feel like you’ve stepped back into one of the seaside resorts of your childhood.
It’s an excellent option for families with young children (teenagers will find it boring unless they are with friends of their own age – and can roam free – then they will LOVE it) and adults looking for simple pleasures. Plan to hire a house rather than stay at a hotel.
2. It is a great day trip/beach destination from Montevideo.
If you’d like to see some of the Uruguayan coast and don’t have much time, this is probably your best option. Piriápolis is charming, accessibly sized to walk all over and the bus station is just a few blocks from the beach.
Buses leave Montevideo for Piriápolis every 30-60 minutes and take 1.5 hours. You can check the bus timetable online.
Namasté — Vegetarian restaurant in Montevideo
Namasté is more than just a vegetarian restaurant in Montevideo. This colourful, family-run spot has been serving vegetarian and vegan food since 2008. And the food is only part of the experience. Come for a relaxed meal, stay for the atmosphere, the friendly service and the chance to slow down for a while.
Dance tango in Uruguay. Whether a complete newbie or you already dance, the tango scene in Montevideo is a great way to make friends.
Estancia Los Plátanos – Authentic 6th generation ranch
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Fine white sands, pines, mysterious structures—an eagle head & a UNESCO Heritage church. This Uruguay beach town is 30′ from the airport.
Montevideo beaches have fine white sand, are great for swimming, kitesurfing, paddling, sailing and some have wheelchair access.
First Argentina’s rich & beautiful, then the Hearsts and Rockefellers. How did a rocky Uruguay peninsula become the jewel of the jetset?
Looking for a Uruguay travel itinerary that will take you to some unforgettable locations in the east coast? Here’s your plan.
Looking for a Uruguay travel itinerary that will take you to some unforgettable locations in the east coast and inland? Here’s your plan.
Elon Musk and a Murdoch Jr have owned houses in tiny Jose Ignacio. But we’re still at the beach, in Uruguay. So streets are unpaved and service unhurried.
9 responses
Hi ! I am a Uruguayan who lives in New York City. When I saw your story on Facebook, I shared it because I loved it. My country is small but people with a big heart live !! I would love to contact you, I wish you the best! Hugs
Mariela, so lovely to hear from you! You must have come to me thanks to my article in El Pais. Join our newsletter and we’ll be in touch every month! — All the best Karen Besos de Montevideo!
Hello!! I’m a Piriapolense by choice (I’ve lived here for more than 20 years) and I loved your article on our city. Just so you know, we have a very large community of foreigners here in Piriápolis, especially Canadian, English and German. I guess they love our quiet and peace.
You have a really wonderful site, and your love for my country shows in every article. Thank you for portraying it so well!!
Dear Ana Laura, nothing makes me happier than to get positive feedback like yours from Uruguayans. THANK YOU. You have made my day. — Karen
Hola! De camino a PIRIAPOLIS pasas por balneario solís. Te recomiendo visitarlo e incluirlo en tu página web ya que fue elegido desde el año 1930 por la colectividad inglesa como destino de vacaciones. Algunas familias aún viven permanente también. Es residencial y tranquilo, con jardines amplios y un creciente circuito gastronómico de fin de semana (tres restaurantes). Te adjunto nuestro website x más info. : solisgrande.com
Gracias, Gustavo. Tengo una muy amiga quien tiene casa en Solís así conozco, inclusive almorcé en Garni. Una nota es pendiente, claro. Beso!
Hi Welshwitch!
I´am uruguayan living in Sweden. I also lived in Great Britain like you. I just found your site through a facebook friend.
I just wanted to pass by and say that you´ve done a great job. I will recomend the site to friends that wish to know about Uruguay but can not speak spanish..
Have a great week-end.
Daniel
Daniel, nothing makes me a happier than a Uruguayan who is happy with Guru’Guay 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to write and for recommending to your friends. Btw, did you see that I just (yesterday!) published a guide on Montevideo? The link is here https://guruguay.com/product/guruguay-guide-to-montevideo-2020/ All the best, Karen
My wife & I are arriving in Montevideo on Jan 21,2016. We have an apartment across the street from the market.
We are spending 5 weeks in Uruguay, we want to get a full Carnival Experiance. We are both veterans of Toronto’s Caribana Festival.
Is there a site that has all the venues, streets, and different groups on it.
We will be in town on the afternoon of the 21, how do we get to see the first parade that night?
I would also like to go to Playa Chihauhau for that all over tan.
I can’t figure out what bus would take us there, could you help.
Your site is very helpful and I would like to drop by some day when we are there and meet you and say thank you. Counting down the days till we are there.
Gracias