Surf: In built-up Punta del Este, El Emir attracts crowds to a diminishing beachbreak that can hold powerful, sometimes hollow peaks, particularly in an E swell. The right off the southern rocks is called the Hammer, but lefts in the centre are often better. Expect plenty of company, including a surf school, despite it often being too strong for beginners and swimmers. Environment: Only a little more than an hour from the airport, Punta del Este is technically a part of the province of Maldonado and began life as a fishing village. It was not until 1940 that it developed itself as an exclusive vacation resort of international fame, and today boasts over 100 hotels ranging from quaint, colonial hotels to the large Conrad Hilton, complete with casino. Its beautiful harbour, on the mansa (tame) side, attracts yachts from all over the world, while most of the surfing is on the brava (wild) side, except for some E wind-protected beachbreak at Chileno.