Ahoy there mateys! Ever heard of Isla Gorriti? This little gem just off the coast of Punta del Este is more than just a pretty face.
Isla Gorriti a small island near Punta del Este Uruguay boasts a rich history. Discovered in 1516 by Juan Diaz de Solis it held strategic importance during the 18th century. Facing Portuguese advances it became a military stronghold. Abandoned cannons still remain silent witnesses to those turbulent times.
Commander Francisco Gorriti a prisoner on the island during the first half of the 18th century gave the island its name. Today it’s a national historical treasure a protected natural reserve. You can’t spend the night here but day trips are a blast. Imagine sailing around the island’s 2 kilometer length and 1 kilometer width.
On the west side lies Playa Honda a calm bay bustling with yachts and motorboats in summer. Commercial boats dock at Puerto Cañon on the east coast. There you’ll find a small restaurant and an overseer’s office.
A fascinating fact few know is that Pedro Medrano a patriot lawyer and poet was born on Isla Gorriti on April 26 1769. He played a vital role in the 1810 Cabildo abierto advocating for the Creole cause. He was also a deputy in the Assembly of the Year XIII and the Congress of Tucuman which declared Argentine independence.
But Isla Gorriti’s history isn’t all smooth sailing. During the British invasions of 1806 the island was bombarded and surrendered after two days of fierce fighting. Later a devastating fire almost wiped out its original vegetation and fauna. Thankfully the first mayor of Maldonado Juan Gorlero initiated reforestation with Pinus pinaster.
So soak in the sun explore the beaches and maybe even spot some wildlife. Isla Gorriti a small island with a big story.