Discover Uruguay's 8 most stunning beaches
- Jon Berry
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
Updated: May 5
Uruguay's coastline stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and Rio de la Plata (the widest river mouth on the planet) for 410 miles.
Being the second smallest country in South America, Uruguay has managed to maintain its natural beauty with its pristine beaches, charming fauna and laid-back vibes, making this coastline the perfect destination if you’re seeking a blend of relaxation, life inspiration and natural magnificence at its fullest.
We originally thought we'd spend 5 days on this coast, planning to drive from Montevideo up to Punta del Este. But once we found this amazing, untouched coast with its long beaches and stunning views, we couldn't resist changing our plans. We ended up hanging out here a lot longer!
It is not easy to describe what we felt during this time without sounding a bit too "woke"...
It is about the feeling when your feet sink into that sand, white and thin, where you can feel the heat on the surface and coolness just a few inches below.
It's the combination of sun and wind that gives you energy and lifts your spirits.
It's also the visits from wildlife, from little lapwings to majestic vultures, doing their thing that make you think about the path we're on.
Above all, the breath-taking sunrises and sunsets will make time stand still, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and find endless inspiration.
Discover Uruguay's 8 most stunning beaches here:
1 - Playa Cantamar
A perfect golden sandy beach where you can take a long, peaceful walk, with nothing but the open ocean and a line of dunes to keep you company.
2 - Jose Ignacio
Picked by socialites (and even a few celebs have been seen at Jose Ignacio), this beach has everything you'd want in a perfect paradise: dunes with palm trees, soft golden sand, a vast wavy ocean, and some pretty amazing wildlife.
We're sure Jose Ignacio's beach will live up to your expectations!
3 - La Aguada
Here's another gorgeous long sandy beach along this coast.
La Aguada is a hit with families on summer vacation and surfers who love the awesome long waves here.
4 - Laguna de Rocha
This spot is a natural treasure!
On one side, there's a calm lagoon where birds are always chirping, and just a sandy stretch away (which opens and closes several times a year), you hit the wild ocean with its gusty winds and big waves.
These two bodies of water coexist beautifully, making this place really special, and truly deserved of UNESCO's protected area listing.
5 - Portezuelo
Discover a beloved gem for Argentinian tourists, just a short escape from the bustling and sometimes over crowded Punta del Este!
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can rent beach chairs for a day at the beach and explore the clothing beach market. If you'd like to try something on, they'll conveniently bring a mirror to you.
Our recommendation: Capture your perfect sunset picture here—you won't find many better views like this!
6 - Solymar
Wait for the tide to go down and you'll be able to admire this lovely spot for as long as your eyes can see!
This area is prone to experience a bit of wind, which during a hot day you will receive the gusts of wind like a little treat.
Get ready to get your toes wet during high tide, as the strand of sand narrows and shortens during those tidal ranges.
This beach is the ideal choice for your workout. Its hard surface provides the perfect setting for lacing up your running shoes and enjoying a run or power walk.
7 - La Floresta
Head to the west side.
Here, the beach converges with the mouth of the Solis Chico River, offering a unique and tranquil atmosphere. It's sheltered by dunes and slightly distanced from the ocean's wildness.
Here, you have a choice of where to swim:
You can dive into the ocean, where the water is brown—not due to dirt, but because the bottom is mud instead of sand.
If you prefer clearer water, head to the river side, where it forms a lagoon-like area. Just be cautious of the large population of crabs!
8 - La Coronilla
In at number 8 on our our "Discover Uruguay's 8 most stunning beaches" guide is La Coronilla. a Coronilla beach is a long stretch of sand where the Andreoni canal flows through, making it a great spot to check out the variety of wildlife that hangs out here. It's easy to lose track of time just sitting and watching vultures snagging dead fish, ducks mingling with seagulls, and of course, spotting the national bird, the Tero.
Besides the stunning sunrises, there are a few other cool things to do at La Coronilla.
Make sure to visit the Turtle sanctuary where volunteers care for sick turtles and help them get back to the wild.
Take a look at our post on Help the Uruguayan turtles for more info.
As a thank you for the sanctuary's efforts, the council built a turtle-shaped decking platform for beach access.
If you're cool with heights, you'll probably get a kick out of crossing the suspension bridge over the canal. Just a heads up, on windy days, it might sway a bit more than you'd prefer!
And don't let the calm waters at the canal's mouth trick you if you're thinking about taking a dip. They're deep and have a strong current, so it's safer to stick to the bridge to cross over and then swim in the designated area.
Discover the Uruguayan Paradises!
With so many options available, whichever you choose will undoubtedly provide an amazing experience!
Our tip: Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, be sure to catch the sunrise or sunset, they're a magical experience here!
Watching sunrises and sunsets has been proven to boost your mood, slow down time, relieve stress, and inspire you. Fortunately, you can enjoy all these benefits at any of these stunning beaches!
"To go out with the setting sun on an empty beach is to truly embrace your solitude.”Jeanne Moreau
If you would like to read about beautiful park-up inspirations have a look at our blog Uruguay's Top 6 Campervan Parkups.
