Cuba is the largest Caribbean island surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a tropical paradise with gorgeous parks, vibrant shopping districts, historic buildings, and breathtaking beaches.
Cuban beaches have stunning natural beauty with crystalline turquoise water and sugary white sand. It is one of the world’s travel destinations you wouldn’t want to miss.
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Here are the best 10 beaches in Cuba to help realize your dream vacation.
1. Playa Paraiso
Sparkling white sand, crystal clear, turquoise water, and swinging palm trees under which you can have a glass of fresh juice or a can of beer – the name of this beautiful beach is not a coincidence.
Nestled in the Cayo Largo area, southwest of the main island, Paradise Beach is a popular destination for vacationers seeking serenity within a reasonable distance of their hotels, which are just about 10 kilometers away.
There is a small bar with a terrace, sun loungers, and palapas. However, if you want to rent water sports equipment, you will have to pop at Playa Sirena, which is about a 20-minute walk to the west.
Reasons for recommending this beach
• Away from the crowds of the hotel zone.
• Shallow waters that are suitable for swimmers of all levels.
• Snack bar.
2. Playas del Este
Did you come to Cuba to explore the old quarters of its capital but found yourself in desperate need of a break? You don’t have to travel far to soak in some sun at the beach – Playas del Este is only about a 30-minute taxi drive away from Havana.
This 5-mile-long stretch of sand consists of about 6 different beaches, such as Playa Santa Maria del Mar, El Megano, or Bacurano. The coastline offers several shops, cafés, and restaurants. There are also a few rental areas for kayaks, sailboats, and paddleboards.
Even though they are city beaches, the sand and the sea there are very clean. What’s more, the whole area is free to access.
To experience Playas del Este at its best, try to visit them on a weekday as they tend to get busy with locals and tourists alike during weekends and bank holidays.
Reasons for recommending this beach
• Top-class facilities.
• Roomy and clean.
• Close to Havana.
3. Playa Ancón
Playa Ancón is one of the best beaches on the southern shore of Cuba, and it’s not hard to tell why.
It boasts soft, white sand, dazzling turquoise water, and more than 20 amazing diving spots offshore, which are the main draw. The nearby Cayo Blanco International Dive Center, Hotel Club Amigo Ancón, and many other local businesses organize trips, so you can just join.
Playa Ancón is also a great choice for history lovers. Cuba’s colonial jewel – the town of Trinidad known for its cobblestone streets, old churches, and mansions – is just about a 20-minute drive away.
Even though it’s a popular beach among tourists, it has managed to keep its natural feel. Being one of the longest beaches in the area, it’s also never too busy.
Reasons for recommending this beach
• Plenty of world-class diving spots around.
• Roomy.
• Close to Trinidad.
4. Siboney Beach
Siboney is a beautiful little beach located about 19 km from Santiago City. Its nearness to the downtown makes people from Santiago visit often. The beach is clean, with clear water and coconut trees. There are also two diving zones in this area: Sigua and Bucanero. All this makes it a perfect choice to enjoy and relax with local people.
Siboney Beach has two features that make it exceptional: rich historical-cultural wealth and its hospitality. Its Caribbean identity manifests in its folklore manifestations and popular music.
Other parts that play a role in the region’s attractiveness include Baconao and Cayo Granma Park. As a tourist destination, Siboney offers many possibilities for enjoying nature tourism, the city, and beaches.
While visiting Siboney Beach, various lodging options are available both in the city and surrounding. Different categories and levels of comfort offer visitors harmony and soothing rest.
There are several ways to get into this place, including by road from any part of Cuba, Antonio Maceo International Airport, or by sea.
Reasons for recommending this beach
• Close to downtown.
• Features a wide range of amenities such as beach loungers for relaxing, huts for enjoying a beachfront picnic, affordable snacks, treats, and umbrellas for hot days.
• The coastline offers the best place for you and your loved ones.
5. Los Flamencos Beach
If you are looking for an ideal holiday, Los Flamencos is the place to be. The beach has creamy white sand, azure coastal waters, beautiful landscapes, and all-inclusive hotels.
The area has an impeccable landscape and an impressive variety of wildlife. You can observe over 200 birds at Los Flamencos Beach, the most common being the white ibis and the flamingos.
Even without some beach amenities, the area offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The transparent waters of Los Flamencos allow you to see beautiful fish and take amazing shots. Additionally, the beach is safe for swimmers; nearby coral reefs reduce the danger of big waves.
Reasons for recommending Los Flamencos Beach
• Here, you can enjoy a serene environment and relaxing activities such as swimming in freshwater, snorkeling, and working on your tan.
• It offers you, your friends, and your family an unforgettable beach adventure.
• There are numerous beach loungers throughout the shoreline, perfect for relaxing under the sun’s warmth.
6. Varadero Beach
Varadero Beach stretches for over 13 miles, with its shoreline encased with mangrove forests. You can enjoy long walks, soak up the sun while sitting on the white sand, and cool in the blue waters. The beach is among Varadero’s major attractions – it is the white sand beach you dream of.
In 2019, Varadero Beach was ranked the second-best beach in the world. It is easily accessible in any part of the town, plus there are no charges to get to the beach.
Reasons for recommending Varadero Beach
• It’s highly suitable when traveling with your family because it’s close to numerous world-class hotels and it’s easily accessible.
• The beaches’ coastline is clean; officials and locals carefully take care of it.
• You can enjoy many beach activities such as sailing aboard a catamaran, kayaking, scuba diving, canoeing, beach volleyball, snorkeling, and much more.
7. Cayo Levisa
Cayo Levisa is a Cuban heavenlike island with virgin beaches, coral reefs, and turquoise waters. It is the best beach in the province of Pinar del Río, making it a common destination for visitors to the region. This is your spot if you love quiet places with exotic palm trees, pine trees, and fine white sand.
Natural wonders and splendid territory at Cayo Levisa make it a perfect paradise. This beautiful island offers peace of mind and relaxation to anyone who visits it.
Its exuberant vegetation, turquoise waters, and spectacular white sand maintain a pure character. The scenery of this Caribbean beach will help you regain strength during your vacation in an incomparable way.
Its attractive calmness is one of a kind with no close match. The only sound you hear is the roaring of the palm branches, the coming and going of waves, and the sound of small hutias in the mangroves.
Once on the island, you will appreciate the diversity of birds present on this beautiful island. This place offers incredible landscapes for exploration, such as the magnificent pine forests and mangroves.
Cayo Levisa is suitable for snorkeling, diving, and scuba diving. This also allows you to see various species of marine life. You also don’t have to worry about carrying your diving equipment since you can rent it at a diving center for a low fee.
Reasons for recommending Cayo Levisa
• It offers a variety of activities from kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, Hobie cat sailing, and much more.
• Its picturesque coastline offers the perfect place to take numerous photos with your companions.
• The calm and relaxing ambiance helps you enjoy the time under the sun and in the beautiful sea.
8. Playa Los Cocos
Playa Los Cocos is a secret beach in Cuba found in the Camagüey region. There is no public transport to this place – you have to ask your taxi driver to take you there or the locals for directions – plus there is only one restaurant.
The beach has a glorious stretch with untouched beauty. In addition, the beach has crystal-clear water and a green environment that offers a perfect place to sit, listen to music, read, and nap.
The only restaurant at Playa Los Cocos offers exceptional and affordable lunch. At only $5, you can enjoy a drink and a main. However, there are no snacks, and you may need to carry yours.
Clean white sand and coconut palm trees cover the beach. It is less crowded and often deserted and it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy various sports such as surfing, diving, and scuba diving.
However, it is not advisable for families with children since no lifeguards are available. Taking an umbrella, drinks, food, and equipment for water entertainment is worthwhile.
Reasons for recommending Playa Los Cocos
• The coastline is among the secrets of Cuba, with the untouched sandy shoreline and turquoise blue water.
• During low seasons, it’s possible to enjoy the beach all to yourself.
9. Guardalavaca Beach
Guardalavaca Beach is famous for its stretches of fine sand. It is one of the most beautiful places you can visit. Since it’s not too commercialized, it attracts admirers of untouched nature, lovers of Cuban history, and adherents of diving.
The beach extends almost 4 kilometers along the Atlantic coast; and is surrounded by caves, cliffs, the jungle, and waterfalls that create a beautiful landscape. White sand lies at the edge of clear waters with coral reefs, which lie 300m from the coastline, protecting the beach from erosion.
It also forms a perfect climate for marine life. Shallow waters and the absence of waves make it an excellent vacation for young children. Sprawling trees also create shaded areas where you can hide from the sun.
Guardalavaca Beach is ideal for diving, with over 32 diving sites. There are underwater caves in the area, which are a subject of study for divers.
The area becomes crowded with local tourists during summer weekends who are pleasant and friendly.
Reasons for recommending Guardalavaca Beach
• It’s one of the best spots in Cuba, made of natural beauty and thrilling possibilities.
• Easy to look for a place to stay or dine.
• You can enjoy fun activities in the water with your family, such as kayaking, paddle boating, snorkeling, kite surfing, cruising aboard a catamaran, and many others.
10. Playa Pilar
Playa Pilar is a beach set in Cayo Guillermo. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The beach has vast dunes and palms, which give it a magical appearance.
Playa Pilar has golden and fine sand, turquoise, and crystalline waters, and its calm sea bed is full of coral reefs. It is much quieter than other spots in Cuba and, therefore, suitable for those who want to relax and indulge in diving and fishing.
The island is widely known for its colony of over 1200 flamingos that gather to feed. The waters of this beach are home to numerous marine life. It is also great for deep sea adventures.
The water transparency at Playa Pilar makes it a perfect place for snorkeling. It’s a great place to enjoy scuba diving. Additionally, there is a marina near the Playa Pilar with a dolphinarium; plus you can do various activities such as catamaran routes and rent a small boat.
Reasons for recommending Playa Pilar
• Experience something unique by visiting Playa Pilar Beach’s coastline with many pink flamingos.
• Enjoy deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, and many others.
11. Cayo Santa Maria
Cayo Santa Maria is located in the northern part of the Cuban archipelago. It features pristine waters and islets of white sand. The beach stretches for 13 kilometers and is two kilometers wide.
Getting to the beach is a bit of a trek: the ideal way is a 48-kilometer road that starts in Caibarién. However, the beauty of this magnificent beach is open for all to enjoy. This beautiful island provides you with varied options for nature tourism.
The smooth white sand on the beach provides an excellent place for rest. You will also likely see dolphins and other stunning sea animals near the shore.
It also has cabins to provide shade and keep your items.
Reasons for recommending Cayo Santa Maria
• You can spend quality time together with your friends and create memories.
• The spacious shoreline is perfect for your kids to make sandcastles, look for unique shells, and for you to work on your tans.
• There are many fun things to do, such as sailing atop catamarans, kayaking, snorkeling, body surfing, paddle boating, scuba diving, and much more.
Conclusion
If you plan to go on a vacation, carry out the necessary due diligence to ensure that your desired destination meets all your needs. It is also good to seek an opinion from those who have already been there. During your vacation in Cuba, ensure you visit one or all the above-listed beaches. You will experience a world you will never forget.