Top 10 Beaches In Chile: From Golden Sands To Rugged Coastlines

The beaches in Chile offer an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Located along a diverse coastline, these destinations are celebrated for their unique geological formations and welcoming local culture. The Pacific waters of Chile’s beaches invite adventurous souls to explore hidden coves, coastal towns and active marine life. Notably, many sites have served as important gathering points for indigenous communities and early explorers. Visitors can enjoy water sports, fishing and beachside picnics, making every visit to these top beaches truly memorable.

10 Most Popular Beaches In Chile

Here is the list of beaches in Chile that captivates travellers with striking coastlines, dynamic adventures and cultural treasures that promise unforgettable experiences:

1. Playa Cavancha (Iquique)

Photo: Seba Flores / Wikimedia Commons

Playa Cavancha, located in central Iquique, is one of the prominent beaches in Chile. It is known for its warm waters, gentle waves, and white sands. Encircled by palm trees and recreational areas, it offers a dynamic waterfront atmosphere. The northern section caters to water sports enthusiasts with spots such as “El Colegio” and “La Punta” that are ideal for surfing. Families can enjoy calmer waters in other sections, while the promenade features numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood.​

Things To Do: Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, jet skiing​
Major Attractions: Baquedano Street, Museo Corbeta Esmeralda​
Food To Try: Empanadas de mariscos, ceviche​

2. Bahía Inglesa

Photo: Chris Hunkeler / Wikimedia Commons

Bahía Inglesa, situated near Caldera in the Atacama Region, is one of the more secluded beaches in Chile. It is famous for its clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches situated between hills and desert landscapes. Las Piscinas beach is perfect for families due to its calm, sheltered waters suitable for snorkelling and observing marine life. This popular destination reaches peak visitation during summer (December-March). Thus, advance booking is recommended. The peaceful environment offers a perfect escape from daily stress.​

Things To Do: Kitesurfing, sailing, fishing​
Major Attractions: Caldera Port, Playa La Virgen​
Food To Try: Ostiones a la parmesana, pastel de jaiba

3. Playa La Virgen

Photo: Gmagno / Wikimedia Commons

Playa La Virgen, located near Bahía Inglesa, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Chile. It features fine white sands and turquoise waters reminiscent of a Caribbean setting. Often considered one of Chile’s most photogenic beaches, it offers clear waters and gentle waves suitable for swimming, though the water temperature is slightly cooler than other northern beaches. The surrounding area of rocks and cliffs creates dramatic scenery, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.​

Things To Do: Camping, hiking, birdwatching​
Major Attractions: Bahía Inglesa, Parque Nacional Pan de Azúcar​
Food To Try: Fresh seafood platters, local fruit salads

4. Playa El Laucho

Photo: Pavaretto / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Playa El Laucho, situated near Arica in Chile’s northernmost region, is one of the accessible beaches in Chile. It offers golden sands and relatively warm Pacific waters. This beach attracts both locals and tourists year-round, providing excellent conditions for swimming and sunbathing. Its proximity to the city centremakes it easily accessible, while the gentle waves and well-maintained facilities. These include restrooms and dining options, ensure a comfortable and relaxing experience for visitors.​

Things To Do: Kayaking, beach yoga, coastal walks​
Major Attractions: Morro de Arica, San Marcos Cathedral​
Food To Try: Chumbeque, picante de mariscos

5. Viña Del Mar

Photo: Carlos yo / Wikimedia Commons

Viña del Mar, often referred to as the “Garden City,” is one of the most popular beaches in Chile, attracting visitors with its expansive white sand shores and lively coastal atmosphere. Despite the chilly waters, the area remains popular, featuring a shoreline lined with shopping venues and seafood restaurants. The bay area boasts tropical vegetation, parks, and recreational zones. Early mornings offer peaceful strolls before the crowds arrive, making the beach a social hub during the summer months.​

Things To Do: Beach volleyball, cycling along the promenade, visiting local museums​
Major Attractions: Wulff Castle, Quinta Vergara park, Flower Clock​
Food To Try: Chorrillana, empanadas de mariscos

6. Zapallar

Photo: David Zipper / Wikimedia Commons

Zapallar, an exclusive resort on Chile’s central coast in the Valparaíso Region, features a beach surrounded by dense vegetation. It is one of those beaches in Chile which attracts a sophisticated crowd with its coves lined with large weekend houses and upscale apartments. The picturesque fishing port delivers fresh seafood directly from sea to plate. A coastal promenade skirts the sea, offering stunning views. Playa Grande provides ideal conditions for swimming and relaxation in an atmosphere of elegance.​

Things To Do: Sailing, hiking along coastal trails, exploring local art galleries​
Major Attractions: Cachagua Island, Zapallar’s historic church​
Food To Try: Fresh ceviche, pastel de jaiba

7. Reñaca

Photo: Ignacioelul1 / Wikimedia Commons

Reñaca, a 1.3 km stretch of coastline, features soft sands and cooler waters, making it ideal for surfing and other water sports. As one of the central summer beaches in Chile, Reñaca attracts many visitors with its atmosphere. The beach is popular among sunbathers who take quick dips between tanning sessions. The waterfront is lined with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, creating a dynamic beach scene. During peak season, the beach becomes densely populated with well-tanned visitors enjoying the social environment.​

Things To Do: Surfing, parasailing, beachfront yoga​
Major Attractions: Sea Lions Sanctuary, nearby Concón dunes​
Food To Try: Locos with mayonnaise, machas a la parmesana

8. Concón

Photo: Carlos Figueroa Rojas / Wikimedia Commons

Concón, located just north of Viña del Mar, offers an escape from urban environments. The area contains three main beaches: Playa Negra, Amarilla, and Boca. Playa Amarilla is particularly popular among families with small children due to its calm waters and fine sand. The 10-kilometre route connecting Concón to Viña del Mar makes for an interesting bike ride. The area is known for its more relaxed atmosphere compared to neighbouring beach towns.​

Things To Do: Sandboarding on Concón dunes, kayaking, birdwatching​
Major Attractions: Concón Dunes, Higuerillas fishing cove​
Food To Try: Reineta a la plancha, paila marina

9. Totoralillo

Photo: Maximiliano Reichenbauer / Wikimedia Commons

Totoralillo, situated 23 kilometres from La Serena, is formed by a small peninsula divided into two white sand beaches with emerald waters. Though slightly cold, the clear waters are suitable for swimming and ideal for surfers due to the quality of waves. The southern area’s rocky outcroppings host diverse marine life where visitors can observe starfish, conches, and other mollusks. This beautiful beach in Chile combines natural beauty with opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.​

Things To Do: Scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing
Major Attractions: Nearby Guanaqueros beach, Tongoy Bay​
Food To Try: Empanadas de loco, ostiones al pil-pil

10. Cole Cole Beach

Photo: Yiyo Zamorano / Wikimedia Commons

Cole Cole Beach, in Chiloé National Park, is one of those beaches in Chile that offer golden sands and cold waters. Although not suited for swimming, it is known for an expansive esplanade set against hills with native plants. Visitors must undertake an 8-kilometre trek through forest trails, encountering several scenic viewpoints. The challenging journey forms part of the experience. This rewards hikers with an unspoiled coastal stretch that reflects the natural charm and isolation of Chile’s coast.

Things To Do: Camping, bird watching, rock climbing
Major Attractions: Castro Church, Dalcahue Market
Food To Try: Curanto, milcao, Chiloé cheese

These famous beaches in Chile offer endless opportunities for discovery, drawing visitors to explore coastlines and ancient heritage sites. The merging of outdoor pursuits, local cuisine and cultural experiences ensures each journey is both enjoyable and educational. Every beach presents a distinct blend of adventure and history, inviting travellers to make unforgettable memories. Now is the perfect moment to experience these wonders. Discover unbeatable deals and tailor-made journeys with TripXL’s travel packages, and set forth on your next coastal adventure with excitement.

Cover Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons

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