La Pedrera
La Pedrera, just seven kilometers from La Paloma, is one of a few seaside resorts in this part of Uruguay that have been labeled 'bohemian-chic.' The main activities here are surfing or just hanging out on the beach all day before indulging in a traditional asado, which is more affordable and down-to-earth than many other resorts in the area (BBQ). It's a small town with a few run-down bars and restaurants serving freshly grilled seafood. However, when the summer vacations arrive, the streets are filled with sandy-haired teenagers and traveling artisans selling handmade art and crafts.
The main beaches in La Pedrera are the family-friendly Desplayado, Punta Rubia, and Playa del Barco, which is named after a large Chinese ship (Cathay VIII) that ran aground in the 1970s and still sits in the middle of the beach. If you happen to be there in the middle of summer, the La Pedrera Short Film Festival, which features a slew of international filmmakers, takes place in early January.
The rather upscale Terrazas de la Pedrera has its own restaurant and swimming pool and is close to both the beach and the center. The majority of the rooms have stunning ocean views, and there's even a pool table for those rainy days. Among the many amenities offered by the traditional, old-style Hotel La Pedrera are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, as well as a tennis court. The rooms were originally built in 1941, but a recent renovation has given them new life. Standard rooms have their own terrace with views of the garden, while superior rooms have views of the sea.
Google rating: 4.6/5.0
Location: Uruguay
