Cuba / Beach Life

Cuba’s hundreds of miles of coastline and the scores of offshore cays have some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean, with soft, usually white sand, electric blue water and beautiful coral reefs. There is a huge variety, from the 12 miles of Varadero with its many hotels to pretty, isolated coves with nothing but a fringe of palm trees and seclusion.

By law all of the beaches (playas) are public and many get extremely busy at the weekends when Cubans visit from the cities. However there are plenty of idyllic strands away from the crowds. Below is a selection of some of the best beaches in Cuba.

Below is a selection of the best Cuba beaches.

Varadero, north coast, east of Havana - Cuba’s premier beach resort area, and one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, twelve miles of beautiful sand 100 miles east of Havana. The strip of land behind the beach is full of hotels and restaurants, which makes the beach lively and popular amongst all types of tourists. Plenty of watersports and other activities.

Playa Ancon, south coast near Trinidad - Attractive white sand beach just a few minutes away from the town of Trinidad. Easy access, one large resort hotel nearby but otherwise fairly undeveloped. Good scuba diving.

Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon Grande, north coast islands - A string of small cays along the north coast, connected to the mainland by a man-made causeway. The 1990s saw considerable development, many hotels and an airport at Cayo Coco. Superb beaches, excellent scuba diving and a full range of watersports available.

Cayo Sabinal, northeastern coast, near Santa Lucia - Small cay on the northeastern coast that has brilliant beaches protected by stunning coral reefs. Rich flora and fauna, very secluded and almost no facilities. Can be reached for the day from Santa Lucia.

Santa Lucia, northeast of Camaguey province - Miles of idyllic palm-backed sand just outside the town, marina and hotel, away from Cuban life and culture. Outstanding coral reefs which are enjoyed by snorkellers and divers alike.

Guardalavaca, north coast of Holguin province - Attractive resort area that gets fairly busy due to the compact concentration of resort hotels. The beaches, backed with lush tropical vegetation, are excellent with bright white sands and clear turquoise waters. Long stretches of coastline are interrupted by charming beaches in small coves. Be alert when swimming as the sea is sometimes rough.

Playa Corinthia, eastern tip - Small, undeveloped beach on the eastern tip of Cuba, a few miles west of Moa. Great place to swim.

Santa Cruz del Sur, Camaguey - Located in Camaguey on the southern shore where there are fewer beaches due to the mangrove swamps and thick forest. Attractive beach and offshore reefs to explore.

Cayo Largo, south of Havana off the coast - Playa Paraíso and Playa Sirena, located at the protected western end of Cayo Largo, are the most outstanding of the spectacular beaches that stretch the length of the island. Apart from a simple beachside restaurant on Playa Paraíso, they are fairly empty and peaceful places to enjoy the sun.