Atlántida, the touristic capital of the Costa de Oro (the Gold Coast) possesses a rustic charm as well as the comfort of city-type services. The resort, which turned 100 years old in 2011, invites you to relax on its beaches and in its parks, but also to appreciate its streets and old buildings with a colorful history.
Atlántida was the inspiration and refuge for the clandestine love of the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda,Matilde Urrutia, who would later become his third wife.
The poet named the resort Datitla, keeping the place of his amorous escapades a secret. Illustrious visitors to the resort include such diverse names as the actor Luis Sandrini, singer Hugo del Carril and the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca.
Nowadays its houses with gardens, natural beauty and the romance of its architectural styles have made it one of the favorite destinations for thousands of Uruguayans.
Its two beaches are characterized by pine and eucalyptus trees which provide tourists with welcome protection from the summer sun. The Mansa al Oeste beach has calm waters and is the preferred choice for families; while the Brava al Este beach is a popular choice for surfers in search of strong waves.
There are large, extensive beaches with fine white sand which have an excellent infrastructure dedicated to satisfying the needs of tourists. The active nightlife, with a strong gastronomic center and several pubs and discos, is another attraction of the resort.
At just 45 minutes from Montevideo, Atlántida is an unmissable place for lovers of poetry, literature and history.