Playa Brava lives up to its name — the surf is rough, the currents strong, and swimming is not safe in most conditions. It is the longest beach in Iquique, stretching for several kilometres south of Cavancha along an avenue of high-rise apartment blocks. The Mirador Playa Brava lookout at the southern end is a good spot for taking in the sweep of the Pacific.
People come here to run on the wide sand at sunset, surf the more manageable sections, or sit at one of the beachfront restaurants and watch the breakers come in. The desert wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, so wrap up if you stay past dusk.