Las Grutas

Las Grutas is a coastal town in the San Antonio Department of Argentina, located on the San Matías Gulf and known for caves carved by the sea. Twelve numbered access points lead to different stretches of sand that run along the bay and show varying features.

The settlement began in 1964 as a simple camping area and grew into a recognized beach resort during the 1980s. As infrastructure expanded, hotels and shops appeared, opening the town to a wider range of visitors.

The name refers to the natural caves along the coast, which shape the town's character and offer visitors shade during hot afternoons. Locals and guests often gather on the sand in the evening to watch the sunset and enjoy the relaxed coastal mood.

The water warms in shallow areas along the shore, making a swim comfortable even on cooler days. Tides affect access to certain zones, so checking a tide chart before visiting helps plan your time on the beach.

Water temperature can be up to 18 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) warmer in certain spots than in the open sea, because the water heats longer in shallow coves. Some visitors dig small hollows in the sand to form their own warm pools when the tide retreats.