A coastal resort town 45km from Montevideo, with art deco buildings from the 1930s and a long sandy beach lined with pine trees and summer homes.
Atlántida sits 45 kilometers east of Montevideo, where pine trees line the coastal roads and beaches. You'll find unique architectural works like the curved walls of Christ the Worker Church rising against the sky, and the eagle-shaped El Águila building perched on the coastline. Swim in the calm waters of La Mansa beach or watch windsurfers catch waves at La Brava beach.
Getting to Atlántida
Drive from Montevideo via Ruta Interbalnearia - the trip takes about 45 minutes. If you're flying in, Carrasco International Airport is 30 kilometers away. Regular buses run from Montevideo's Tres Cruces terminal to Atlántida throughout the day.
Beaches and Coastline
La Mansa beach has calm waters where children can swim safely. Windsurfers and kitesurfers head to La Brava beach for its waves and steady winds. Rows of pine trees create shaded spots along both beaches. In winter, you'll often have the entire beach to yourself.
Architectural Landmarks
Visit Christ the Worker Church in Estación Atlántida, built between 1958-60 by architect Eladio Dieste. The brick walls curve and wave upward, creating a striking silhouette. In Villa Argentina, walk up to El Águila, an eagle-shaped building that local stories claim was everything from a smuggler's hideout to a Nazi observatory. Its creator Michellizzi originally named it "La Quimera," and today it remains one of Uruguay's most unusual buildings.
Cultural Attractions
Visit the Atlántida Zoo at the corner of Avenida Circunvalación and Calle 8 to see both local and international wildlife. Walk along the Neruda Promenade to read about the poet's life through photographs and documents. In summer, check out live music and theater at the open-air Expo-platea amphitheater.
Local Food Scene
Start your morning at Baipa bakery with fresh bizcochos - traditional Uruguayan pastries. Try the local version of chivito al plato, a hearty steak sandwich that's Uruguay's national dish. You'll find ice cream shops and pizzerias throughout the town center.
Seasonal Considerations
January brings crowds and active nightlife, while February stays busy but more manageable. During off-season (March to December), the streets are quiet and beaches empty, but most restaurants and shops stay open year-round. The weather is mild enough for outdoor activities even in winter, though swimming is mainly a summer activity.