Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Beach · Cabo Polonio, Rocha
Playa de la Calavera
Beach north of the cape of Cabo Polonio, back-to-back with Playa Sur. It stretches for kilometers between the sea and the moving dunes, heading toward Barra de Valizas.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Playa de la Calavera
Cabo Polonio has two beaches that sit back-to-back, separated by the rocky tip of the lighthouse. Playa de la Calavera, also called Playa Norte, lies to the north of the cape and stretches for kilometers of sand open to the Atlantic.
On the other side is Playa Sur, where the park vehicles arrive and depart. In summer it has lifeguards and a beach bar; from there you can walk to the lighthouse and, by going around the cape, reach the Calavera. Both beaches attract surfers when the wind is favorable.
Behind the Calavera begins the dune system of Cabo Polonio, the largest remnant of the sand strip that once covered much of the Uruguayan coast. These are moving dunes that exceed 20 meters in height. Heading north along the beach or the dunes leads to Barra de Valizas in an 8 to 10 km walk.
The beach is part of Parque Nacional Cabo Polonio. There is no electrical grid or public lighting in the village, and on cloudless nights the dark sky is one of the features of the place.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A few hours of beach; a full day if you make the walk to Valizas.
Best time
From December to March for swimming, with lifeguards in season. For walking the dunes, prefer early morning or late afternoon, avoiding strong sun.
How to get there
From the arrival point of the vehicles on Playa Sur, walk to the lighthouse and go around the cape on the north side. Everything is done on foot, along sandy trails.
Tip
The walk to Valizas requires good preparation, water and sun protection, because there is no shade on the dunes. Arrange your return in advance or plan to walk back. Respect the flags when bathing.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Playa de la Calavera
What are the beaches of Cabo Polonio?
Two: Playa de la Calavera to the north of the cape, and Playa Sur, where the park vehicles arrive. The lighthouse sits on the rocky point between them.
Can you walk from Cabo Polonio to Valizas?
Yes, along the beach or over the dunes, in an 8 to 10 km walk that takes between one and three hours, depending on the route and fitness.
Are there lifeguards?
In summer there are lifeguards on the village beaches. Outside the season, do not count on them.
How high are the dunes?
The moving dunes of Cabo Polonio exceed 20 meters in height.