Tome

Tomé is a coastal city of approximately 55,000 in the Biobío Region, 20 km north of Concepción. Founded in 1823, it became Chile's leading textile manufacturing centre in the 20th century, with the Bellavista Oveja Tomé woollen mill anchoring the local economy. The industry declined from the 1970s, but Tomé retains its industrial character with a beautiful coastal setting of rocky coves and sandy beaches.

By Plane

Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP) in Concepción is 25 km south. A taxi costs CLP 18,000–22,000.

By Car / Road

From Concepción, take the coastal road north for 20 km (25 min). Buses from Concepción run every 20 minutes (CLP 1,000, 35 min).

Local buses cover the city, which stretches along several km of coastline. The centre around the Plaza de Armas is walkable.

• Bellavista Oveja Tomé textile mill: a historic red-brick factory complex, still operating. The factory store sells high-quality woollen blankets and fabrics.

• Plaza de Armas: the main square with a bandstand, palm trees, and a monument to the textile workers.

• Costanera: the coastal road with views of the rocky shore and the Concepción skyline in the distance.

• Cerro Estanque: a hilltop with a panoramic view of the city and bay.

• Beaches: Playa Bellavista and Playa El Morro are popular swimming and sunbathing spots.

• Surfing: the waves at Punta de Parra, 5 km south, are consistent for beginner and intermediate surfers.

• Textile shopping: the factory outlet at Bellavista Oveja Tomé sells Chilean-made wool blankets, ponchos, and scarves at direct-from-factory prices.

• Seaside walks: the coastal path from the centre to Punta de Parra is a pleasant 4 km walk.

• Restaurante Costanera (mid-range): seafood with a sea view — ceviche, caldillo de pescado, and mariscal. Mains CLP 7,000–13,000.
• Cocinería El Marino (budget): fried fish, empanadas, and pastel de choclo. Mains CLP 3,000–6,000.
• Parrilla Los Alerces (mid-range): grilled beef and lamb. Mains CLP 8,000–14,000.

Tap water is safe. Several bars along the costanera.

• Budget: Hostal Tomé (shared rooms CLP 10,000).
• Mid-range: Hotel Bellavista (private rooms CLP 35,000–50,000, sea view).

• Outlet Bellavista: the textile factory store on Avenida Alessandri — the best place in Chile for woollen blankets.
• Mercado de Tomé: a fish and produce market near the bus terminal.
• Mall Plaza de Tomé: a small shopping centre.

• Concepción (20 km south, 25 min): the regional capital.
• Penco (5 km south, 10 min): coastal town with Cerro del Caracol and the Penco archaeological site.
• Talcahuano (15 km west, 20 min): naval port and naval museum.
• Dichato (15 km north, 20 min): fishing village with a calm, sheltered beach.