Piriápolis is a seaside town in the department of Maldonado, on the Atlantic coast of Uruguay. It was founded in 1890 and is often described as the country's first beach resort, which gives it a character quite different from the busier resort areas further along the coast.
What the town offers
- A long beachfront promenade, ideal for an unhurried walk along the water.
- The Hotel Argentino, the town's best-known landmark, which stands as a reminder of its early days as a resort.
- A historic seaside atmosphere, with the feel of a town built around holidaymaking from its beginning.
Planning a visit
Piriápolis suits visitors who want a relaxed day or two by the sea rather than a packed itinerary. Much of the pleasure lies in the promenade itself, in sitting near the water, and in seeing the older buildings that recall the town's origins. Because the town is compact, it is easy to explore on foot, and the coast around it offers further scope for those who want to extend their stay.
If you are weighing up whether to go, consider whether you enjoy a traditional beach town with a sense of history. Piriápolis rewards visitors who like to take their time, and it makes a pleasant base for experiencing the Maldonado coast at an easy pace.
