Viña del Mar – meaning ‘Vineyard of the Sea’ – is a resort city on Chile’s coast, known for its picturesque beaches and manicured parks. It plays host to two of the most important festivals in Latin America – the Viña del Mar International Song Festival and the Viña del Mar International Film Festival.
Nicknamed ‘The Garden City’, it’s of little surprise that some of the best sights in Viña del Mar are its tranquil green spaces. One of the city’s unmissable landmarks is the Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores), a functional clock made entirely of colourful blooms. The Parque Quinta Vergara is a beautifully landscaped park, home to a stately palace and a large outdoor amphitheatre. You can spend some time unwinding in Chile’s National Botanical Garden – a sprawling park with weeping willows draped over bridges and ponds filled with lilies and lotuses. It also boasts a charming gazebo, a lagoon and 3,000 species of plants, including Chilean cacti and colourful flowers.
One of the most popular things to do in the seaside Viña del Mar is to soak up the sun on its golden sands. Head to Reñaca for scenic beaches, water sports and stunning views over the Pacific Ocean. Afterwards, you can check out the many restaurants and clubs around for a fun night on the town. The city’s coast also features the turreted Wulff Castle that juts out into the water and hosts art exhibits from time to time.