Piriápolis

South America

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Uruguay

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Piriápolis

Piriápolis, located only an hour's drive from Montevideo, is Uruguay’s first beach resort town. As such, the city is mainly busy during the summer, which falls from December to February in the southern hemisphere. Visit Piriápolis Beach for a full day of swimming and playing in the soft, golden sand. At Piriápolis Port, you can indulge in fresh seafood and local street food, such as empanadas.

For a panoramic view of the city, head to San Antonio Hill. You can reach the hilltop by car, or for a unique experience, take a chairlift ride from the port. You will also find a temple dedicated to Saint Anthony on the top of the hill.

Although Piriápolis is renowned for its beaches, the city’s history is no less interesting. Piriápolis was founded in 1890 by businessman Francisco Piria. You can still find the buildings that he constructed standing today, such as Piria Castle and the Argentino Hotel.

Travel Tips for Piriapolis

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Piriápolis

A guide to Piriápolis's local transportation

Tourist Bus

Taxi

Car Rental

Bicycle

Hop on the Bus Turistico de Piriápolis, a bus that will take you to the top five attractions in the city: the Argentino Hotel, Pittamiglio Castle, Piria Castle, San Antonio Hill, and ending at Rambla de los Ingleses and Piriápolis Port. The tour lasts 2 hours 15 minutes, with brief stops at each site. It features an audio guide in 6 languages, including English and Portuguese. During high season (November 1 to March 30), tours start from 9:00 a.m. with the last departure at 5:30 p.m.

Practical Tips for Piriápolis

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the best beaches in Piriápolis?

Piriápolis Beach is the most popular beach in the city, featuring 3 kilometers of soft sand and calm waters. Here, you can swim in the ocean, play volleyball, shop for souvenirs, or simply soak up the sun. The nearby Rambla Piriápolis promenade only adds to the charm. For a more tranquil atmosphere, visit San Francisco Beach, which offers stunning views and fewer crowds.

What are the must-see attractions in Piriápolis?

In addition to its beautiful beaches, Piriápolis offers fascinating history and biodiversity. Visit Francisco Piria Castle, the former residence of the city's founding father, to learn about Piriápolis through exhibits and guided tours. Another must-see attraction is the Pan de Azúcar Wildlife Reserve, where you can see over 50 species of Uruguayan animals, including capybara and deer, in their natural habitat.

When is the best time to visit Piriápolis?

Piriápolis has a subtropical climate, with average temperatures around 15°C in the coldest month and 26°C in the warmest month. The best time to visit Piriápolis is from November to April, when the weather is pleasant.

What are the must-try foods in Piriápolis?

When in Piriápolis, make sure not to miss the fresh seafood. Get a seafood empanada (stuffed pastry) from a street vendor for a light bite. For a more hearty dish, try the flavorful paella with mussels. Originated in Spain, the rice dish is so popular in Piriápolis that there is a 3-day paella festival called the Fiesta de la Paella Gigante held annually at Piriápolis Port. Beside seafood, savor Uruguayan meat dishes, such as the delicious asado (grilled meat).

How do I get to Piriápolis?

If you're coming from Argentina or Brazil, flying to Punta del Este International Airport is a good option. For those coming from other parts of Uruguay, there are buses departing from Tres Cruces Terminal in Montevideo every hour. Buses also depart regularly from Punta del Este. Alternatively, you can enjoy a 1 hour 45-minute scenic drive from Montevideo.

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