With the opening in 1965 of the bridge over the Maldonado Stream, which connected La Barra with Punta del Este, the town began to acquire its current character as a refined seaside resort. Various developments featuring so-called coastal ranches, plots of at least five hectares, have been established both along National Route No. 10, on which the resort town extends, and along Route No. 104, which connects it to Route No. 9 farther north. These properties are being purchased for the construction of mansions for international jet-set figures.
The beach west of Manantiales is known as Playa Bikini and is one of the busiest during the summer season. The beach to the east is known as Playa El Chorro. Farther west, next to La Barra, is Playa Montoya.
Internal reference: Tera-40147
