Chile isn’t known for its beaches – which is exactly why you should pay attention. Stretching over 6,000km, the coastline runs from the world’s driest desert in the north to glacial fjords in the far south. It’s not all swimmable, and you won’t find palm-fringed resorts – but that’s not the point.
What Chile offers is contrast – wind-lashed surf towns, hidden coves backed by cacti, long beaches where the only footprints are yours. Some are easy to reach. Others take time, a boat, or a dirt road. But each one rewards the effort.
These Chile beaches reveal a different side of the country – wild, raw and unforgettable.
A typical Chile itinerary might focus on Patagonia, the Atacama Desert or the Lake District. But the coastline – often skipped – offers just as much adventure. Stretching over 6,000km, Chile’s Pacific edge delivers everything from surf towns to silent, cliff-backed coves.
This isn’t a place for tropical lounging. The water’s cold, the winds can be fierce, and the best spots often take effort to reach. But that’s part of the appeal. Some beaches sit just off the highway, easy to tag onto a road trip. Others require a boat ride or a hike through dense forest. What links them is a sense of space – and a lack of crowds.
If you’re wondering what are the best beaches in Chile, this list brings together the ones that stand out – not just for their setting, but for the experience they offer.
Tucked between the Antofagasta region and the edge of the Atacama Desert, Pan de Azúcar National Park is one of Chile’s most quietly spectacular coastal escapes. Its long, empty beaches stretch across over 100,000 acres – all white sand, rust-red cliffs and near-total silence.
There are four basic campsites scattered across the coast, where you can fall asleep under one of the clearest night skies on Earth. This isn’t just about the beach, though. The surrounding desert and hills are full of life – guanacos, desert foxes, otters and pelicans all roam the park. Down at the coast, the fishing village of Caleta Pan de Azúcar runs boat trips out to the nearby island, where you’ll find a colony of Humboldt penguins clinging to the rocks.
The park lies roughly halfway between Antofagasta and Copiapó. The nearest town is Chañaral, 17km to the south – from there, you’ll need a car or tour to reach the coast. Public transport doesn’t reach into the park.
Go between September and April for clear skies and warmer weather. Summers are hot but dry. Outside these months, it can be cool and foggy – beautiful, but less ideal for camping.
An aerial view over the coastline of the Pan de Azúcar National Park © Elisa Locci/Shutterstock
One of the most developed beach resorts in Chile, Viña del Mar sits just 90 minutes from Santiago – and feels worlds away. Known for its manicured parks, casino and high-rise shoreline, it’s where many wealthy Santiaguinos head for a seaside escape. It’s not remote or wild, but if you want urban comfort by the sea, this is where to find it.
Playa Las Salinas is the quieter of the main beaches, tucked between rocky headlands that block the wind and tame the surf. It’s a good pick for families or anyone looking for a relaxed swim.
Playa Reñaca, just to the north, is livelier. The surf’s stronger, the crowd younger, and the promenade busier – lined with sleek cafés, boutiques and luxury apartments. It’s more about being seen than switching off.
Take a direct bus from Santiago (approx. 2 hours) or drive via Route 68. The city is well connected by public transport, and it’s easy to walk or take a local bus between beaches.
December to March is peak beach season. For something extra, time your visit with the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in February – the oldest and biggest music festival in Latin America. Expect crowds.
A quiet morning at the beach in Viña del Mar © Nataliya Hora/Shutterstock
Most of Easter Island’s coastline is rough and rocky – dramatic, but not made for a swim. Playa Anakena is the exception. This crescent of white coral sand is backed by coconut palms and offers calm, clear water that’s ideal for swimming. It’s not just one of the best beaches in Chile – it’s one of the few places where you can sunbathe beneath towering moai statues.
Thought to be the first place settled on the island around 1200 CE, Anakena blends history and scenery in a way that’s hard to match. The statues here are some of the most striking on the island, facing inland with their backs to the sea. Bring a bathing suit – you’ll want to cool off after wandering between them.
There’s a small car park near the beach and a handful of stalls selling tuna empanadas, fresh juice and po’e – a dense local cake made from pumpkin and flour. It’s a peaceful, fascinating place to slow down, and one of the more surprising things to do in Chile.
Anakena is about a 30-minute drive from Hanga Roa, the island’s only town. You can rent a car, join a guided tour or hire a taxi for the day.
Go between December and March for the warmest weather and calmest seas. The beach is rarely crowded, but holidays and weekends can bring more visitors.
Easter Island's iconic Seven Moa, Anakena Beach © Karol Kozlowski/Shutterstock
Surrounded by the bone-dry Atacama Desert, Bahía Inglesa is right up there with the most striking beaches in Chile. White sand, turquoise water and a backdrop of parched hills make the contrast almost surreal. The name – English Bay – comes from 17th-century British pirates who sheltered here.
Today, it’s a relaxed beach town with calm, shallow water that’s safe for swimming – and unusually warm for Chile. There’s enough going on to keep you active too, with options like kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing all available along the bay.
A little further south, Playa La Virgen is well worth the detour. Named for a nearby Virgin Mary-shaped rock formation, it’s quieter, with fewer crowds and even clearer water. Locals say the rock protects the beach – and it definitely feels more peaceful.
Fly into Copiapó or Caldera, then take a bus or taxi to the coast. Bahía Inglesa is about 80km from Copiapó airport and just minutes from Caldera.
Go between December and March for warm water, blue skies and the best beach weather. November and April offer fewer crowds but cooler evenings.
Sunset and footprints on Bahía Inglesa in the Atacama Desert © Abriendomundo/Shutterstock
La Serena sits a few kilometres inland, but it still functions as one of Chile’s most popular beach cities. Wide, breezy and backed by the town’s landmark lighthouse, Playa El Faro is the closest stretch of sand. Even at the height of summer, there’s usually room to spread out – it’s long enough to absorb the crowds.
Swimming conditions vary with the currents, but it’s a great place for walking the shore, catching a sunset or just pausing between trips inland. The city itself has enough to fill a day or two – colonial churches, a solid archaeological museum and a busy craft market – making it an easy coastal stop with a bit more to offer than just sun and sand.
If you’ve got time to spare, take a boat north to Isla Damas in the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. Playa Las Tijeras on the island is small and often empty, with bright turquoise water and stark white sand. You’re not allowed to swim, but the scenery – and the chance to spot dolphins, penguins and sea lions en route – makes it well worth the trip.
Fly from Santiago to La Serena (1 hour) or take a long-distance bus (around 7 hours). From the centre, it’s a short taxi or local bus ride to the coast.
December to March is high season, with sunny days and cooler evenings. Weekends get crowded, especially in January and February – plan ahead if you’re travelling then.
Damas Island in the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve © Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
Set on the shores of Lake Villarrica and framed by the smoking cone of an active volcano, Playa Grande is one of Chile’s most dramatic inland beaches. Its long sweep of black volcanic sand is both unusual and photogenic – and in summer, packed.
The beach is just a short walk from Pucón’s centre, which makes it ideal for a day that mixes lake swimming with dinner in town or browsing Mapuche craft stalls. The water is cold but swimmable, especially on hot afternoons, and there's plenty of space to stretch out on the sand or people-watch along the promenade.
Pucón is best known as Chile’s adventure capital – and it earns the title. Hiking Villarrica Volcano, mountain biking in nearby national parks or rafting the Trancura River are just a few of the ways to fill your time. Playa Grande is a natural base to slow things down between those bursts of adrenaline.
Pucón is connected by bus to Santiago (approx. 10 hours) and Temuco (2 hours). From town, the beach is within walking distance of most accommodations.
January and February are peak months, with hot days, festivals and big crowds. For a quieter visit, try early December or March – warm enough to swim but far less hectic.
The enormous black sand beach of Playa Grande in Pucón © Israel Hervas Bengochea/Shutterstock
Punta de Choros looks unassuming – a dusty cluster of houses and fishing boats perched on the desert’s edge. But just offshore lies some of the richest marine life in the country. Take a boat out to Isla Choros, where you might spot sea lions, dolphins and Humboldt penguins. On land, the beaches are long and quiet, with soft sand and hardly any infrastructure – which is part of the appeal.
It’s a place where you come to disconnect, watch birds skim the water and fall asleep to the sound of waves and wind. Punta de Choros may not be famous, but it deserves a place on any list of the best places to visit in Chile.
Drive 2.5 hours north of La Serena. There’s no regular public transport, so you’ll need a car or to book a tour.
Visit between September and March for calm seas and wildlife sightings. Avoid winter – the fog and wind can be relentless.
Punta de Choros, Chile © Shutterstock
Set in the heart of Iquique, Playa Cavancha is built for beachgoers who want comfort, access and a bit of buzz. Palm trees line the boardwalk, the water’s warm enough for a dip year-round, and surf conditions are gentle enough for beginners. There’s paddleboarding, volleyball, bike paths – even sea lions basking at the southern end.
It’s not the most secluded spot, but for a relaxed beach day with everything within walking distance, Cavancha delivers. Among urban Chile beaches, this one balances ease and atmosphere without trying too hard.
Fly into Iquique and take a short taxi or walk from the city center. It’s one of the most accessible beaches in the country.
Year-round, thanks to Iquique’s stable desert climate. January and February are warmest; July is cooler but still beach-friendly.
Iquique, Chile @ Shutterstock
An easy escape from La Serena, Playa Blanca near Tongoy is the kind of place Chileans return to every summer. Calm, shallow water and soft sand make it popular with families, but it’s quiet enough to avoid the crowds you’ll find further north. Backed by gentle hills and small restaurants serving fresh seafood, it’s a solid pick for a low-key beach day with good infrastructure.
You won’t find much nightlife here, but you will find warm water, safe swimming and plenty of space to stretch out.
Drive 1 hour south of La Serena. Buses run to Tongoy; from there, take a short walk or taxi to the beach.
Best from December to March, when the weather’s warm and dry. Go midweek to avoid crowds, especially in January.
Very beauty beach Tongoy Chile © Shutterstock
One of the most remote beaches in Chile, Playa Cole-Cole is a long stretch of dark sand backed by cliffs and dense coastal forest. You’ll need to hike through Chiloé National Park to reach it – at least five hours each way – but the payoff is a vast, empty beach that feels completely untouched.
There’s nothing here. No shops, no facilities, no cell service. Just sea spray, wind and the sound of waves crashing into the cliffs. It’s not for everyone – but if you want to experience the wilder side of Chile beaches, this is one of the rawest.
Take a bus to Cucao, then hike south along the coastal trail for 4–5 hours. Overnight camping is allowed – bring gear and supplies.
January to March offers the best chance of dry weather. Fog and rain are common year-round, so come prepared.
View of the Cole Cole beach on Chiloe, south of Chile © Shutterstock
Hidden inside a forest reserve just south of Concepción, Playa Ramuntcho is only accessible by foot – which keeps it quiet, even in high season. A short trail winds through eucalyptus woods and out to a protected bay, where golden sand curves between two rocky cliffs. The water is usually calm enough for a swim, and there’s a makeshift area for picnics near the tree line.
There are no shops, cafés or toilets – just the beach and the trail back out. But that’s exactly why it stands out.
From Concepción, drive 45 minutes to Hualpén. From there, walk 30 minutes to the beach. No public transport goes all the way.
December to March is warmest. Off-season visits are possible but bring layers – it’s often cool and foggy.
Ramuntcho beach seen through forest trees, Chile © Shutterstock
Backed by forest and fed by glacial water, this freshwater beach near Pucón is a favorite with Chilean families. The sand is light, the lake is calm, and in summer the water warms up enough for a decent swim. Despite its name, Playa Blanca is more golden than white, but what it lacks in color it makes up for in setting.
Vendors line the back of the beach selling ice cream, empanadas and souvenirs, and there are shaded spots for picnics. It’s not the most adventurous stop, but among inland beaches, it’s one of the most accessible.
A 30-minute drive or local minibus from Pucón. Parking fills quickly during peak season, so arrive early.
December to March is warm enough for swimming. The lake’s water level can drop late in the season, revealing even more beach.
Caburgua Lake, Chile © Shutterstock
Caleta Cóndor feels like the end of the road – if there were a road. This long beach sits within an Indigenous-managed conservation zone, accessible only by boat or on foot. A wide curve of golden sand is framed by dense temperate rainforest and steep cliffs.
Lodging is run by local Mapuche–Huilliche families, and while rustic, it’s a rare chance to experience one of the few Chile beaches where both nature and culture are protected with equal care.
Most visitors take a boat from Bahía Mansa (1.5 hours) or hike from Maicolpué (8+ hours). Local guides can help arrange logistics.
January to March is best for stable weather and boat access. Conditions outside this window can be unpredictable.
Caleta Cóndor, Chile © Shutterstock
Just south of Arica’s city center, Playa El Laucho is small, sheltered and unusually calm for northern Chile. Breakwaters protect the beach from rough surf, making it safe for swimming – even for kids. There’s a laid-back bar on the sand, a handful of shady picnic areas and great people-watching.
It’s walkable from the city and rarely gets too crowded. If you’re looking for mellow beaches in Chile with city access, El Laucho is worth a stop.
A 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi from Arica’s main plaza. Public transport also runs along the coastal road.
Year-round, thanks to Arica’s mild desert climate. January and February are warmest, with perfect beach conditions.
Arica, Chile Arica is a commune and a port city © Inga Locmele/Shutterstock
If Playa Cavancha feels too polished, head south to Playa Huayquique. This long, exposed beach is framed by dunes and gets stronger waves – making it a favorite among surfers and locals looking for a quieter stretch of coast. There are no umbrellas, no promenade, and rarely any tourists.
Sunsets here are some of the best on the coast, with golden light bouncing off the surrounding cliffs. It’s not a beginner-friendly swim spot, but for those chasing a rawer slice of Chile beaches, it hits the mark.
A 10-minute drive or short taxi from central Iquique. There’s limited signage, but plenty of space to park along the coast road.
Surf conditions peak between October and April. Mornings are calmest, and summer afternoons often bring wind.
Huayquique Beach, Iquique - Chile © Shutterstock
written by
Sarah Gilbert
updated 06.06.2025
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