A seaside resort town located two hours north of the capital city of Santiago, Zapallar has long been known as the beach playground for Chile’s elite. Luckily for visitors, the beaches here are public – and while you cannot picnic, pitch a tent, or have a bonfire on the sand, you can sunbathe to your heart’s content on the soft golden sands.

The beaches in Zapallar run along steep hills covered in trees. The enclosed horseshoe bay creates a quiet location to just sit back and enjoy the lull of the waves against the shoreline. There are no high rises here, no noisy cafés or restaurants, and only a couple of low-key bed and breakfasts where you can spend the night. A walk on the town’s rambla (stone walkway) will give you an open view over the mansions sitting high up on the hills.