The Best Beaches in Chile for Ultimate Relaxation

Best Beaches in Chile

Come along with us as we explore the best beaches in Chile. The west coast of Chile has 3,000 miles of Pacific coastline (roughly the length of Norway to Nigeria), so it’s no surprise that it has some of the most diverse beaches in the world. In this one skinny country on the very edge of the continent, you can find white sand and calm, crystal clear turquoise waters to rough black-sand beaches and huge waves perfect for surfing. Bearing in mind that Summer in Chile is from Mid November to Mid March, here are our recommendations on where to go to find the best beaches in Chile:

Easter Island Beaches

First up on our list of the best beaches in Chile is the mysterious Easter Island. Easter Island is one of the most remote islands in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the coastline of this South Pacific island is rocky, but there are a couple of powdery white sand beaches with bright blue water. One of the best beaches here is Anakena Beach. A palm tree forest surrounds Anakena Beach, also an important archaeological site. You’ll see a line of the famous Moai statues in the sand which peer out into the expansive ocean beyond. This is one of Easter Island’s most famous images.

As one of Chile’s most visited destinations, we typically recommend at least 2 or 3 nights on the island during our Easter Island tour. The island can be reached every day by direct flights from Santiago.

Best Beaches in Chile (Santiago region)

The central coast of Chile is made up of miles of small beach towns. Most are just a couple of hours drive from Santiago. Located west of Chile’s capital city, this region is visited by Chileans looking for sunshine and time by the sea. Travelers from around the world look to visit the charming port town of Valparaiso, the famous beach resort of Vina del Mar, and the neighboring Casablanca Valley, one of South America’s most important wine regions.

Valparaiso

Known for its colorful buildings and charming old center, Valparaiso is one of the oldest ports in the country and the most important one. This hilly city was founded in 1536 and is nowadays one of Chile’s most visited tourism destinations, thanks to its bohemian vibe and cultural attractions.

We usually recommend traveling to Valparaiso as a day visit from Santiago. If you are lucky enough to be able to stay overnight, one or two nights here will give you the chance to get to know its beautiful beaches and seaside town.

Viña del Mar

Just north of the colorful UNESCO port city of Valparaiso is perhaps the most popular resort town for Santiaguinos to escape during the summer. The wide Chile beaches are perfect for relaxing. Additionally, you can stroll the boardwalk filled with vendors. For a few days relaxing by the beach, we recommend staying in any of the seaside hotels and resorts, for at least 2 or 3 nights.

Zapallar

North of Viña are the Zapallar beaches. Zapallar is a quiet, upscale beach resort town backed by towering cliffs and green hills. Maitencillo is famous for its windsurfing and paragliding. Both towns are usually considered the best beaches in Chile. In the tiny fishing village of Papudo, you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood in Chile. Indulge here before hiking through a cypress tree forest full of wildflowers and views. Keep walking until you reach the small, secluded beaches.

Pichilemu & Punta de Lobos

A couple of hours drive south from Valparaiso brings you to Pichilemu and Punta de Lobos, whose black sand beaches are famous for hosting international surfing competitions.

Best Beaches in Chile: The North Region

La Serena

La Serena, a colonial town about 250 miles north of Valparaiso, is one of the oldest cities in Chile. Currently, it is a laidback beach town famous for its churches and cobblestone streets. It also has fantastic nightlife and surfing. Additionally, it’s a great jumping-off point for visiting Isla Damas. You can seamlessly take a boat to a Humboldt penguin reserve and go snorkeling.

Iquique

This port town is in the northern region of Chile. It is one of the best places for numerous Chile adventure-based activities such as sandboarding and surfing. Once there, make sure to visit Cavancha Beach, the most beautiful in the area.

Best Beaches in Chile: North Patagonia

Chiloe Island

Chile’s biggest island is famous for its colorful houses built on stilts -known as “palafitos” and their wooden churches declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Not far from the Lake Region and within Northern Patagonia, Chiloe Island is best visited from Puerto Varas in a day excursion, or you can overnight for one or two nights for some great time relaxing in this unique part of South America.

Ready to Experience the Best Beaches in Chile?

Whichever part of Chile you visit, you are never too far from a unique beach with surreal landscapes, each one different than the next. Let us plan the perfect tour throughout Chile and South America. Contact a Travel Consultant for all information regarding beaches in Chile. Seamlessly combine city trips with relaxing coastal vacations. Nothing is out of reach here.