If it comes to shore destinations, Chile may not immediately spring to mind. However, this long, skinny state has a coastline that stretches for at least 4,270 kilometres. And along this remarkable length of the Pacific Ocean coast, there is no ending of visit-worthy stretches of sand. Continue reading for our selection of the finest beaches in Chile.
1. Pan de Azúcar National Park
This northern character reserve straddles the boundary of Antofagasta and the Atacama desert and includes no less than 100,000 acres of shore. Four campsites give the unbelievable adventure of sleeping under the stars on white sand that’s reason enough to put it high in your bucket listing of all beaches in Chile. Spread over more than 400 square kilometres, the park is home to a wealth of wildlife. Get ready to view guanacos (crazy cousins of llama), foxes, otters and pelicans. Have a boat excursion in the fishing village of La Caleta round the Isla Pan de Azúcar to Find countless Humboldt penguins.
2. Viña del Mar
Viña del Mar is one of the very upscale beach resorts in Chile. What is more, it’s some of the greatest beaches in Chile near Santiago. This is really where rich Santiaguinos come to unwind. The main beaches are Playa las Salinas and Playa Reñaca. Playa las Salinas is a fantastic selection for beach-goers with kids. The beach is protected from the wind and strong currents by rugged headlands. Even though the waters are somewhat rougher, you are going to discover more of a buzz in Playa Reñaca. Backed by exclusive apartment buildings, there is more than a bit of glamour into the boutiques and cafes on its own promenade. Attempt to see in February (that is high summer in this corner of the planet ) to capture the town’s International Song Festival. This popular event is your longest-running music festival in all of Latin America.
3. Playa Anakena, Easter Island
Even though nearly all the shore around the mysterious and remote Easter Island is rugged, Playa Anakena is soft white coral reefs. Its calm waters make for perfect swimming conditions. Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit, or you will regret it! Inspired by swaying coconut palms, it is difficult to imagine a more beautiful setting to your island’s most legendary moai figurines , the enigmatic figures carved by the Rapa Nui people. What is more, together with traces of human settlement dating from as early as 1200 CE, Anakena is regarded as the oldest inhabited spot in the island. More contemporary indications of life come with a convenient car park directly at the entry of the shore. You will also find modest kitchens serving local specialities like tuna empanadas and po’e, a traditional dish made out of wheat and pumpkin.
4. Bahía Inglesa
Inspired from the bone arid and desolate Atacama Desert, Bahía Ingles (English Bay) is up there with all the very spectacular beaches in Chile. It takes its name in the 17th century British pirates that sheltered here. No doubt that they have been attracted to it from the very same attributes which make it popular now: its long stretch of white sand and warm waters. People who wish to do more than lounge on the sand can participate in a variety of water sports, from sailing and windsurfing to kite surfing and kayaking. Somewhat farther to the south, Playa La Virgen is worth a look also. Named for a Mary-shaped stone formation, sailors believe that the stone protects the region.
5. La Serena
While the town of La Serena is a few kilometres from the shore, it is well-known as a shore city par excellence. Named because of the landmark lighthouse, Playa El Faro is the nearest beach to city, and it is so large that on feverish summer evenings you stand a fantastic probability of maintaining an isolated place to put your towel. Those with more time to experience should visit the small island of Isla Damas to spend the afternoon in Playa Las Tijeras. It is just one of three islands which compose the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve and a day to the sand will be well complemented by a boat excursion to spot these enchanting creatures.
6. Playa Grande
Pucón’s black volcanic beaches have been scattered round the huge glacier lake of Villarrica. The most noteworthy is Playa Grande, that’s overlooked from the snow-dusted cone of a still-active volcano. It is among the most spectacular beaches in Chile. The shore walking distance from Pucón city and can become really busy in the summertime. On the flip side, its accessible place means a shore day could be paired with dinner in city and a place of shopping for native Mapuche crafts. Pucón is Chile’s adventure park so think about taking a couple of days here to explore the area with guided hikes, mountain biking and sightseeing.
