About 17 miles east of Sierra Grande, along Provincial Route 5, lies Playas Doradas.
This coastal village on the Argentine Sea, in the province of Río Negro, is dedicated to tourism, fishing, and water sports. Located on the San Matías Gulf, it unfolds nearly 2 miles of gently sloping beach where the sand—composed of tiny fragments of quartz, silica, and seashells—creates a golden shimmer that gives the place its name.
To the north of the resort is the mouth of the El Salado stream, the natural boundary of the Islote Lobos National Park. Its winding course forms a wide bay framed by tall dunes. At high tide, the basin fills and becomes a transparent lagoon ideal for kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing.
At low tide, however, mussel beds, amphibious plants, and vast crab fields are revealed, showcasing the area’s biological richness.
The clear, unpolluted skies make Playas Doradas an ideal spot for stargazing. On calm nights it’s possible to observe the Moon and planets with the naked eye or through telescopes, an activity promoted by the local enterprise Aguada Escondida (IG: @aguadaescondida).
To the south stretch other beaches associated with the village—Costa Dorada, La Isla, La Bonita, Los Suecos, Las Casitas, and Punta Colorada—easily accessible via the coastal road. Unlike the main beach, they feature steeper slopes and are especially popular for fishing.
In Punta Colorada, the mining imprint is still visible. Here once stood the industrial plant that processed iron ore and the mineral port, with a pier more than half a mile long supported by a conveyor belt. From Playas Doradas, located about 4 miles to the south, these structures can still be seen on the horizon.
Every February, the village hosts the National Playas Doradas Festival, featuring two nights of musical performances, cultural events, and sports activities that bring together locals and visitors alike.
As for tourist accommodations, most consist of rental homes and apartments that reflect the resort’s calm, family-oriented character.
© Sergio Pappatico
