Pablo Bertorello (Special)1 Oasis in the Mansa and the Brava
Uruguayan beaches have their own light, but to fully enjoy them in comfort, the beach bars are the top option. In La Mansa you will find one of the most traditional of “Punta”. At stop seven, there is I' Marangatú with its large restaurant-terrace with a view of the west, one of the favorites to settle in the most family-friendly and quiet area of the peninsula. They also rent umbrellas and deck chairs and there is food service right to the seashore. At the access to the beach, there is a ramp for the disabled and carts for those who cannot walk to the sea.
Passing through the rustic, carved wooden doors of Mia Bistró, at 19 de la Brava, you can tell that this is not just another restaurant. A good combination of culinary flavours with a preferential view has made it one of the most sought-after restaurants. It is the meeting point for those who spend their summers halfway between the peninsula and La Barra, ideal for a morning coffee, a midday meal or a few drinks when the sun goes down.2 – A must-see in Punta Ballena
You have to lose yourself in the green of the Lussich Arboretum, at the foot of the Sierra de la Ballena, where you can see Punta del Este in its entirety. The park offers hiking opportunities, crossing its 190 hectares, and clearing your head by breathing in the soft scent of eucalyptus. To top off the tour, four kilometres away, Nonno Antonio is a good alternative for tasting cheese with a glass of wine.
But the classic of Punta Ballena is to watch the sunset from the grounds of Casapueblo. In the jewel in the style of the baker that was once the summer house of Carlos Páez Vilaró, the Sun never loses its prominence and allows you to play with your imagination to feel for a while in Santorini. Open to the public as a museum and art gallery, as well as a hotel, when the sunset is imminent, the date, with a coffee or an aperitif, takes place on the main terrace to contemplate the palette of violets, oranges and reds that paint the sky. In the background, the voice-over of the sculptor recounts his ceremony: “Bye Sun. I love you very much. When I was a child I wanted to reach you with my kite. Now that I am old, I only resign myself to saying hello to you while the afternoon yawns through your wicker mouth.”3 – Delicacies on the way in the port
It is always worth sitting in any port to watch the boats set sail. And while it is true that all the anchorages in tourist cities are advertised as an attraction in themselves, with luxury yachts, sailboats and a good handful of restaurants, in the case of Punta del Este the port landscape has an added bonus: on the sides of the dock where tourists embark for Gorriti Island or Lobos Island, there is a market with seafood to lick your fingers. Although the stalls have been there for decades, only in recent years have they had their specially designed premises. The oldest of all is El Gaucho, with more than 60 years in the business. (Photo: Ministry of Tourism of Uruguay/ Kromostock).4José Ignacio at full speed
With its small-town feel, the sound of the wind and the waves, and its bohemian chic vibe, it has won over hearts. That's why you have to drive the 40 kilometres to José Ignacio at least once and spend the day there. Brava Beach is a must in summer. For some time now, these sands, adorned by the La Huella restaurant, have been a catwalk for trends. The bulk of the people tend to gather there, near the famous lighthouse, where the action is. Beyond that, the beach is very wide and extensive, and those who dare to take a good walk to the east will find a hidden and almost deserted beach bar: Las Rosas, opposite Laguna Escondida. (Photo: Ministry of Tourism of Uruguay/ Kromostock).
