Our pick of Chile's most beautiful beaches
With a coastline of 4,270 kilometers, Chile boasts a multitude of beaches that rival those of its neighboring countries.
With a coastline of 4,270 kilometers, Chile boasts a multitude of beaches that rival those of its neighboring countries. Whether you're looking to swim and sunbathe, surf, go hiking, or observe wildlife, you'll find something to suit you perfectly. Discover Chile's most beautiful beaches, from north to south, including Easter Island!
The most beautiful beaches in northern Chile
Bahía Inglesa
Located in the north of the country, 6 km from the city of Caldera, Bahía Inglesa is one of Chile's most stunning beaches. This white sand beach with crystalline waters features several natural pools formed by black rocks. It's therefore the perfect spot for swimming, even with children. It also attracts water sports enthusiasts, whether for surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, or kayaking.
Playa Chorrillos
Slightly further north than the previous beach, Playa Chorrillos winds through the region's steep cliffs. To reach it, you'll need to walk about 1 km along a rocky path and descend the cliff face. Due to its difficult access, this coarse sand beach remains wild and relatively untouched by tourism. It's therefore the ideal place for travelers seeking tranquility.
Playa La Virgen
Located approximately 35 km north of Bahía Inglesa, Playa La Virgen is a cove surrounded by rock formations and desert landscapes. You'll be captivated by its white sand and turquoise waters. Due to its distance from the main road and lack of infrastructure, this beach delights lovers of wild, isolated beaches.
Pan de Azúcar
Pan de Azúcar National Park ranks among the country's most beautiful national parks. Spread across the Antofagasta and Atacama regions, you'll find desert areas dotted with cacti as well as an oceanside coast featuring white sand beaches and crystalline waters. The site is also renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. It's an opportunity to combine hiking, wildlife and flora discovery, and beach relaxation while exploring Chile off the beaten path.
Punta de Choros
Located near La Serena, in Elqui Province, Punta de Choros is a former fishing village housing a quiet beach surrounded by cliffs and rocks. Renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity, you can spot dolphins, whales, sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous birds. For all these reasons, it's one of Chile's best diving destinations.
Zapallar (El Abanico, Playa Grande, Aguas Blancas and Maitencillo)
The town of Zapallar, north of Santiago, is a seaside resort highly favored by Chilean high society. It features magnificent beaches with all the amenities needed for a beach getaway. Among Zapallar's most beautiful beaches are El Abanico, Aguas Blancas, Playa Grande, and Maitencillo. Choose the first three for surfing and Maitencillo beach for a quieter experience and to observe seabird species.
Totoralillo
Located close to the cities of La Serena and Coquimbo, Totoralillo is a little paradise during a stay in the region. With its peninsula-like setting, you'll find not one but two beaches separated by a headland. Beyond swimming and relaxation, it's also one of Chile's best surf spots.
The most beautiful beaches in central and southern Chile
Playa de Caleta Cóndor
Head to the Los Lagos region in southern Chile, to the protected marine and coastal area of Lafken Mapu, part of Mapu Lahual park, to discover an extraordinary beach: Playa de Caleta Cóndor. Nestled within the Huilliche indigenous reserve, the beach is only accessible by hiking. You'll traverse a forest with lush vegetation to reach this white sand beach with transparent waters... Note that it's also possible to access it by boat from Bahia Mansa.
Playa del Cole Cole
Located in Chiloé National Park, near the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, Cole Cole beach is a true natural gem of Chile. Completely isolated from civilization, this hidden beach is frequented far more by wildlife than by tourists. Indeed, it's difficult to access since it can only be reached after a long hike through dense forest and lush hills. To make the most of it, we recommend camping on the beach in one of the campsites.
Playa de los Enamorados
Accessible in 45 minutes from the town of Quintero, in the Valparaíso region, Playa de los Enamorados is a small white sand beach with the character of a cove. With its turquoise water, surrounding cliffs, and vegetation, it offers an idyllic setting for swimming and relaxation.
Playa Mirasol
Located near the city center of Algarrobo, Playa Mirasol is a stunning beach accessible via wooden walkways. It offers a striking contrast between golden sand and azure water. The catch? Due to the waves, the beach isn't suitable for swimming. However, it's an ideal place to unwind. You'll also find the famous Cueva del Pirata (Pirate's Cave). According to legend, it's said that Richard Hawkins and other pirates hid their treasures there...
What if Chile's most beautiful beach is on Easter Island?
If you love paradisiacal beaches, Easter Island will not disappoint! Located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, this Chilean island is known not only for its famous Moai sculptures but also for its idyllic beaches...
Among them is Playa Anakena. Located in the north of the island, this beach has everything to make you dream: white sand, translucent turquoise waters, coconut palms, and Moais that add a touch of mystery. It's also one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Chile. Other beaches are also worth a visit, such as Playa de Ovahe with its pink volcanic sand, or the Pea Beach where you can easily spot sea turtles...
Note: It is mandatory to be accompanied by an accredited local guide to visit sites within Rapa Nui National Park, including Anakena beach. Only two sites are not subject to this requirement: Tahai and the Haƞa Rau beach resort.
To learn more, (re)discover our complete guide to visiting Easter Island.
Frequently asked questions
Hard to choose just one! If you're looking for a postcard-perfect beach, Playa Anakena on Easter Island, with its white sand, turquoise waters, and Moais in the background, is often cited as Chile's most beautiful beach. For a wild beach accessible from the mainland, Bahía Inglesa in the north is a must-visit.
The best time to enjoy the beaches in northern Chile is from November to March, which corresponds to the Southern Hemisphere summer. Central Chile, notably around Valparaíso, is pleasant from December to February. For Easter Island, the favorable period is October to April. Note that Pacific waters remain cool even in summer due to the Humboldt Current.
Yes, Chile is a renowned surfing destination! Among the best spots are Totoralillo and Zapallar in the north, as well as Bahía Inglesa. The long Pacific coastline generates consistent waves year-round, with optimal conditions in Southern Hemisphere summer (November to March).
Not all of them. Anakena beach, the most famous on Easter Island, is located within Rapa Nui National Park. You must be accompanied by an accredited local guide to visit it. However, two sites within the park, Tahai and the Haƞa Rau beach resort, are not subject to this requirement.
Yes, Chile offers many wild, little-visited beaches. Among them, Playa Cole Cole in Chiloé National Park, accessible only on foot after a long hike, and Playa Chorrillos in the north, which requires descending a cliff. Playa Caleta Cóndor, in the Los Lagos region, is only accessible by hiking or boat.
Bahía Inglesa is often recommended for families thanks to its natural pools formed by rocks, which allow for safe swimming. The beaches of Zapallar, well-equipped with amenities, are also suitable for family stays. Conversely, the wild beaches of the south require long hikes and are less suitable for young children.
