Piriapolis

Travel Guide

Piriapolis Beach which includes a coastal town and street scenes as well as an individual male
Piriapolis showing chateau or palace
Piriapolis Beach showing street scenes, landscape views and a coastal town
Uruguay showing general coastal views, wildflowers and a coastal town
Piriapolis which includes a statue or sculpture, a monument and signage
Eclectic architecture, watersports, a family-friendly beach and excursions to one of Uruguay’s tallest peaks await at this traditional coastal town.

Piriápolis is a small town with Mediterranean-style charm. Set around a curving bay on Uruguay’s southern coastline, framed by rolling hills and fronted by golden sand, this destination has immense natural beauty. Established in 1890 by Italian Uruguayan impresario Francisco Piriá, this was once Uruguay’s premier summer resort. That crown has since passed to Punta del Este. Visit today’s Piriápolis, which exudes an unhurried, welcoming allure.

Piriápolis Beach is the town’s focal point, a place to enjoy the summer sun and practice watersports. Play beach soccer and volleyball or watch fashion shows. Stroll along the broad esplanade, Rambla de los Argentinos, an ideal location for walking, running and simply viewing the sunset.

Visit the town’s historic landmarks. The resplendent Hotel Argentino looms over the esplanade. Peek inside time-honored salons that reflect the elegance of a bygone era. Nearby Hotel Colón gives the impression of a medieval European castle. See displays of antique carriages and locomotives, among other train artifacts, at the Railway Museum of Piriápolis.

A 10-minute drive from the town center is the Italian-style Castle of Piriá, the former home of Piriápolis’ founding father. Explore well-preserved rooms to discover exhibits of 19th-century art, furniture and weaponry.

In town, walk to Piriápolis Port, where food stands serve fresh fish plates and seafood empanadas (stuffed pastries). Ride the chairlift to Cerro San Antonio, a low-lying hill with magnificent views.

Hike to the summit of the 1,388-foot- (423-meter-) tall Cerro Pan de Azúcar for panoramas of a sweeping coastline and vast plains. Crowning the hill is a tall cross. Climb up to its arms via a staircase. Nearby, you can spot native animals, such as capybara, deer, foxes and jaguars, plus exotic plant species at the Pan de Azúcar Wildlife Reserve.

Fly to Montevideo’s Carrasco International Airport and catch a bus to reach Piriápolis. Rent a car and visit nearby beaches and coastal villages. Travel north to Playa Hermosa and Bella Vista or south to Punta Colorada and Punta Negra.

Bungalows Punta Colorada

Bungalows Punta Colorada

3 out of 5
Avenida Primera entre Calles Nro 5 y 7, Piriapolis, Maldonado
The price is NT$2,207 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
NT$2,207
NT$2,207 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
Stay at this 3-star lodge in Piriapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Punta Colorada Beach and San Antonio Hill are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (16 reviews)
"I high recomend this place my and 34 teen stay here and we really enjoy all around, great place if i going to return around here i probably looks for stay at the same place. Very good experience. Realmente recomiendo aca nos quedamos 3 dias yo y 4 jovenes y estuvieron muy bien entretenidos con todo ..."

Reviewed on 2025/4/1

Bungalows Punta Colorada
Ocean Hotel

Ocean Hotel

2.5 out of 5
Gregorio Sanabria 1009 Piriápolis,, Maldonado - Uruguay, Piriapolis, MA
Stay at this hotel in Piriapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Piriapolis Beach and Cerro del Toro are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
"Great stay! Friendly staff, nice breakfast."

Reviewed on 2025/7/14

Ocean Hotel
HOTEL TAMARIZ

HOTEL TAMARIZ

3 out of 5
SALTA 933, 933, Piriapolis, Maldonado
The price is NT$2,683 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
NT$2,683
NT$2,683 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Piriapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Piriapolis Beach and San Antonio Hill are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (13 reviews)
"Property was always very clean . Personnel was very friendly ,attentive and helpful with all our needs. Exceptional customer service. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 2025/1/4

HOTEL TAMARIZ
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Complejo Cabanas Piriapolis

Complejo Cabanas Piriapolis

3 out of 5
Wilson Ferreira Aldunate (ex-misiones), entre Laguna, Blanco y Finlandia, Piriapolis, Maldonado
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Piriapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Piriapolis Beach and San Antonio Hill ...
Excelentísima estadía
"Estaría excelente, los chicos y chicas de recepción muy atentos, tienen servicios que no publican como préstamos de indumentarias para la playa gratis (sillas, sombrillas) uso gratuito de bicicletas, si bien la piscina climatizada tiene horario igual la.puedes pedir en horario libres distintos al ..."

Reviewed on 2023/4/2

Complejo Cabanas Piriapolis
Praia Centro

Praia Centro

2 out of 5
Salta esquina Piria, Piriapolis, MA
Stay at this apartment in Piriapolis. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Piriapolis Beach and San Antonio Hill are located ...
"They place is confortable enough, the location is great, just about a block from the beach. Our apartment had a distinct smell from the sink, candles needed.... Before You book, make sure you bring your own linens, no towels or sheets included, they offer them for Rent. Overall, just ok. Piriapolis ..."

Reviewed on 2020/1/16

Praia Centro
Praia Proa al mar

Praia Proa al mar

2.5 out of 5
Ruta 10 y rambla costanera, Piriapolis, MA
Stay at this apartment in Piriapolis. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Piriapolis Beach and Castle Piria are located ...
Praia Proa al mar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Piriapolis

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Dan

Great people, did not find a single person with a bad attitude. Great beach. Very safe. Wonderful place, don't hesitate to vacation there.