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Nostalgic Valizaz—The Perfect Coastal Getaway

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Nostalgic Valizaz—The Perfect Coastal Getaway

In Valizas everything is beautiful, from the roar of the wind and the waves, to the exquisite coastal views and long stretches of warm sand. Valizas began as a small fishing town, and has always been a preferred destination of Uruguayan families for a quiet holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the busier beach resorts of east coast Uruguay.

It is one of the many paradisiacal Uruguayan coastal towns that perfectly combine woodland, sand dunes, and the fierceness of the Atlantic Ocean.

Throughout the years, Valizas has attracted many visitors, among them hippies, bohemians, and new tourists, who were lured by the nostalgic and mystic reputation the town earned by word of mouth.

A Town of Few People…

Despite the fact that Valizas has historically drawn a constant flow of visitors, it still remains a small town of few houses, often straw huts set on stilts (palafittes) to avoid the charge of the sea when the wind from the southeast blows.

There is a small stable population, and most of the people come from bigger cities like Rocha or Montevideo. They came here for the peace and quiet of this more rural town, and for the ecologic attitude that tends to prevail with the residents. 

The wide white sandy beach is endless and is divided by the Valizas stream. The water of Castillos Lagoon merges with the seawater via this stream that can be crossed either on foot or by boat when the tide is high.

…And Unforgettable Summer Nights

Visitors can enjoy the catch of the day at the small rest areas, which work as lookouts during the night, under the moonlight.

At night the show is amazing. Hundreds of fishermen with their nets and gas lamps go deep into the water to try to catch the pejerrey. This is a typical show in this region in Uruguay.

The main town square, located on the main street, is lit at dusk by the candles and gas lamps of the people around it. The craftsmen give color and magic to the night with their toys and souvenirs.

The sand dunes are also a major attraction. They are visited by hundreds of youngsters who surf the sand with their sand boards. Baptized El Gran Vali, it is one of the highest points in the area, and from its top, one can see the whole town, the small lake, the endless sea, and its tiny islands of sea lions and whales.