La Serena, Chile on 15/09/10 by Alexandria Prain

As its name describes, the beautiful area of La Serena, the Serene One, is a perfect place to enjoy a Mediterranean climate, accompanied by sunshine, stunning white beaches and lovely colonial architecture. Founded in 1543, the city linked Santiago and Lima and is the second oldest metropolitan in the country.

La Serena sits just 471 km north of Santiago and is the capital of the Coquimbo Region. It offers ocean terraces and rolling hills, making for a truly breathtaking place to enjoy a vacation. Here you bask in full days of sunshine on golden shores, or stroll through town admiring the colonial and neo-colonial stoned-churches, tree lined avenues and gorgeous plazas.

Climate wise the city could not be more perfect for travelers, offering over nine months of rain free days. Here you can expect clear skies and an average temperature of 15* - 68* Celsius, with the warmest months being in February.

When visiting the city and region head out to enjoy the sands of these charming beaches:

1. Avenida del Mar: Situated just 5 minutes from downtown, this avenue provides access to the Monumental Lighthouse all the way down to Canto del Agua Beach.

2. Penuelas: Located between La Serena and Coquimbo, this area is actually a fisherman's cove and provides not only great restaurants, but also Casinos and a Horse club.

3. Totoralillo: a small peninsula nestled not far from Coquimbo, this beautiful area is home to two white sand beaches with plenty of space to take a stroll. The area is also wonderful for diving and fishing trips.

Come enjoy the scenery,  architecture and culture of one of Chile's most beloved cities and beaches. Make sure to check out this friendly and affordable hostel.