Fomento is defined as a seaside resort by two points of interest: its founding history, with a date and named founders, and sport fishing along the shores of Playa Fomento. The wider destination of Colonia adds further cultural, scenic and culinary perspectives rooted in other places.

Fomento’s founding history and sport fishing

On March 14, 1925, the Sociedad Rural de Colonia Suiza and the Sociedad Rural de Valdense founded the seaside resort of Fomento as a public recreational area. In the chronology of Colonia Suiza, Fomento is considered the first beach to be established. This attribution is specific to that chronology and complements the precisely dated local history. Sport fishing is one of the visitors’ preferred activities along the shores of Playa Fomento. Thus, a historical perspective on the resort’s origins and a specific visitor activity on the water sit side by side—two different points of interest to help you decide what appeals to you about Fomento.

Culture and local history in the wider destination of Colonia

In Nueva Helvecia, tourist attractions include Plaza de los Fundadores, Museo Archivo Regional and Parque Municipal José Pedro Varela. Other places mentioned include Molino Quemado, Santuario de Schöenstatt, Cine Helvético, Parque Retiro, Estación AFE and Quesería Teófilo Karlen. This selection offers another perspective on the wider destination of Colonia: it takes you to named attractions and differs from Fomento’s history as a seaside resort and the sport fishing along its shores.

Conchillas offers another cultural focus. A 2017 government report describes British roots preserved there, reflected in tea gatherings, cuisine and architectural features characteristic of the island. Casa Evans is also located in Conchillas: the building was erected in 1910 and originally served as a general store. An official description from 2019 referred to it as a visitor center. If you plan to visit, check access arrangements in advance.

Estancia de Belén in Colonia Arrúe offers an additional historical perspective. It was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1741 and was one of the most important Jesuit establishments in what is now Uruguay. Together with the attractions in Nueva Helvecia and the cultural references in Conchillas, it provides a regional perspective rooted in specific places.

Coastal scenery, water activities and wine in Colonia

The coastal landscape of Puerto Platero is characterized by a sandy beach, a belt of semi-fixed primary dunes, scattered candelas in the dunes and some native trees. This description applies to Puerto Platero in the wider destination of Colonia, not to Fomento. It offers a distinct scenic perspective alongside the seaside resort of Fomento and its popular activity of sport fishing.

An official description from 2019 listed excursions by catamaran, kayak and canoe, as well as sailing trips, in Carmelo. If you plan one of these water activities, check current offerings and schedules in advance. The published Carmelo Wine Route includes seven wineries within a radius of 16 kilometers. Along the route, you can visit family wineries and taste Carmelo wines; check availability with each winery before planning a visit. These offerings are associated with Carmelo and are not features of Fomento.

The attractions, landscapes and offerings in Nueva Helvecia, Conchillas, Colonia Arrúe, Puerto Platero and Carmelo belong to other places in the wider destination of Colonia. Focus your search on which place you want to visit.

Discover more destinations: Puerto Platero, Nueva Helvecia, Conchillas, Tarariras, Minuano, Colonia Valdense, Florencio Sanchez, Cufré.

Back to the wider travel overview: Colonia.