19 Best Beaches In Cuba By A Cuba Expert (2024)
The largest island nation in the Caribbean, Cuba is infamously known for being closed, enigmatic, for Castro and Che and the revolution. As an archipelago with thousands of little islets, there are beaches everywhere. The best beaches in Cuba are also truly paradisiacal.
I have traveled to Cuba for five years and stayed for long periods since my first visit to the island in 2019. I have also traveled around extensively and visited many of the white sands and islets myself.
Truth be told, there are really a lot of “best beaches” in Cuba, and here is my best-beach list from 10 different Cuban destinations.
Does Cuba Have Beautiful Beaches?
YES, Cuba has beautiful beaches. With coastlines to the Caribbean Sea, towards the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean, Cuba has over 1,220 miles of pristine coastline.
The best beaches in Cuba include Playa del Este, close to Havana, Playa Ancon outside Trinidad, the Cuban Keys, and the Varadero Peninsula. But there are more, a lot more.
Best Beaches In Cuba Map
Best Beaches In Cuba Near Havana
1. Havana Playas del Este Beaches
Playas del Este beaches start 20 minutes east of the city, in Habana del Este. A string of smaller beaches comprise Havana’s best beaches.
I love coming here for a beach day away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city.
Playas del Este is a great place to relax and enjoy the Caribbean sands just outside the capital, but be aware there are not as many beach bars and restaurants as you find in many other Caribbean destinations!
So bring what you need for your day, like lunch, drinks, sunscreen, and (offline) music (you don’t want to be the only one on the beach not having a reggeaton party).
The Playas del Este lies like beads on a string, a long stretch of white sands where each part has a separate name.
- Playa Bucaranao
- Playa Tarara
- Playa Megano
- Playa Santa Maria del Mar
- Playa Mar Azul
- Playa Boca Ciega
- Playa Guanabo
From Playa Bucaranao, you can find scuba diving trips and snorkeling trips.
Playa Santa Maria del Mar has some beach facilities and is quite well-maintained, making it a good option for families or those who want to relax in comfort.
Guanabo Beach is near a larger village (or small town) outside Havana with few foreign tourists, but there are some casa particulares for rent here, as well as restaurants, bars, and some hotels.
GETTING HERE: If you are staying in Havana, you can book an organized beach tour to Playas del Este for the day.
Secondly, you can get your own taxi to take you there and back or catch the bus from Parque Central, which leaves every 30 minutes.
Best Beaches in Varadero
If you’re looking for infinite white sands, some of the best beaches in Cuba are on the Varadero peninsula along the island’s northern coast, about two hours east of Havana.
In addition to being home to around 300 all-inclusive pampering resorts, Varadero is one of the best beach destinations in Cuba, along with the Cuban keys.
This is my go-to destination if I want a few days out of Havana. It’s not too far, and the beaches are amazing.
There are stunning white beaches connected to all the resorts in Varadero, while the Varadero Beach runs along the town center.
📍 EpicNomadLife Tip: Get yourself a water bottle with a filter before your Cuba holiday, and you can drink water from anywhere.
2. Award Winning Varadero Beach
In 2019, Varadero Beach was actually voted the second most beautiful beach in the world on TripAdvisor.
Varadero Beach runs along the stretch of town. If you are staying in a casa particular in the town center, instead of at a resort, you are bound to be only a few minutes walk from Varadero Beach, wherever you are staying.
The beaches are mainly on the northern side of the narrow peninsula, while on the southern side, you find natural parks, the Varadero Golf Club and golf course, as well as mangrove zones.
The long string of beaches also has zones with different names, like Cayo Blanco (or Playa Blanca) with soft white sands and Playa Coral.
3. Playa Coral Beach In Varadero
Playa Coral is located just where the peninsula is connected to the main island in a protected area that is home to a wide variety of marine life.
It’s the perfect place to go snorkeling or scuba diving and admire massive groves of Elk Horn Coral and shoals of fish.
Popular trip: Transfer from Havana to Varadero
4. Playa Punta Hicacos In Varadero
Playa Punta Hicacos is considered one of the best beach areas in Cuba, all the way on the tip of the Hicacos peninsula at the end of Varadero.
With its white sands, crystal-clear waters, and secluded location away from the main road with the ocean in all cardinal directions, it’s a true paradise.
At the Punta Hicacos in Varadero, the Iberostar Laguna Azul and Iberostar Playa Alameda all-inclusive hotels are located right on the beach.
So if you are a sucker for white Caribbean beaches, you will not be disappointed in Varadero. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the underwater world, there’s a beach for you.
Also read: Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Varadero From A Frequent Visitor
Best Beach In Trinidad
If you’re looking for great beaches in Trinidad, along the southern coast of Cuba, you won’t be disappointed.
Head right out to Playa Ancon, which is just 15 minutes outside the colonial city of Trinidad. I have visited both Trinidad and Playa Ancon several times, and I am pretty sure you will love it as much as I do.
5. Stunning Zen Ancon Beach in Trinidad
This beautiful Ancon Beach beach is located in a cove and is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of nature, swimming, and sunbathing.
Small catamarans are often docked at the beach as well, waiting for tourists who want to book a one-hour snorkeling tour on the go.
You can find plenty of places that are perfect for windsurfing, fishing, and other water sports, or just chill swimming from the beach.
Best Beaches Near Vinales Cuba In Pinar del Rio
Vinales is not on the coast of Cuba, but you can reach amazing beaches in one to two hours!
The best ones are on two keys, Cayo Jutia and Cayo Levisas, off the coast of Pinar del Rio Province. To visit one of them, you need a boat.
6. Cayo Jutia Beach
Lying on a small peninsula just off the northwest coast of Cuba into the Gulf of Mexico, you can drive out to Cayo Jutias and Jutias Beach on a pedraplen.
The beach out here has a wild and rugged look, a bit “untouched by humans” feel to it.
While it may be off the beaten track for most tourists, it is a popular destination for local Cubans. There are also a few amazing little beach bars and restaurants here if you want to give them a go.
Lots of mangroves and coral reefs frame the coastline, and after hours of drowsing on the beach in or out of the sun, the crystal-clear Caribbean warm waters are only meters away when you need to cool down.
And you don’t want to miss the sunset at Cayo Jutias when the ocean turns pink in the last rays of the day.
7. Cayo Levisa Beach
Cayo Levisa really is a cayo, an islet a 35 minutes boat trip off the northwest coast of Cuba from Palma Rubia. Once you get yourself here, you can enjoy miles of crispy white sands and class-clear water.
Cayo Levisa has a beach-bungalow-style hotel, a rather simple restaurant, and a fully equipped scuba diving center, so it is perfect for those who like to explore underwater.
After Ernest Hemingway discovered these waters in the 40s, he actually set up a fishing camp on Cayo Paraiso (he loved to fish), an islet a bit to the east of Cayo Levisa.
Cayo Levisa has up to 100 visitors daily, so it is not too crowded, and the small hotel can accommodate around 50 guests.
8. Playa Maria La Gorda Beach
Maria la Gorda is the dream of every diving enthusiast. Its crystal-clear waters and impressive sea beds with coral reefs make it one of the best places to scuba dive in Cuba.
The road over to this westernmost bottom tip of Cuba is a bit rough and filled with potholes, and upon arrival, you find a single hotel on the beach and not a lot more.
Two scuba diving sites are particularly popular with their spectacular sea beds, full of corals and sea turtles.
These are the Valle de Coral Negro (Black Coral Valley), which is said to be the largest black coral surface in Cuba, and the Salón de María, where you can appreciate sea lilies and lots of colorful corals!
At Centro Internacional de Buceo (International Diving Center), it is possible to do diving courses over multiple days and get a diving certificate issued by the World Underwater Federation.
One reason María La Gorda is considered among the ten best places for scuba diving in all of Latin America is because of the Reserva de la Biosfera de Guanahacabibes (Guanahacabibes Biosphere Reserve) the waters have!
At Maria la Gorda, you can go scuba diving, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. Several restaurants in the area serve authentic Cuban food and, of course, the best seafood dishes.
How to Get to María la Gorda?
Maria la Gorda is a bit off the beaten path in the western part of Cuba, so the best option to get there is from Viñales or from Pinar del Rio provinces.
As the trip is quite long, it is not optimal for a day trip, although it is possible if you leave early. From Viñales you can go in a taxi collectivo, or a private one, the trip normally will take around three hours.
Bay Of Pigs
The Bahia de Cochinos, or Bay of Pigs, is another must-see place, famous for being the center point in the crisis between Cuba and the US in 1962 when exiled Cubans supported by the US tried to invade Cuba.
9. Playa Giron
The Bay of Pigs itself is a deep, narrow bay on the southern shores west of Cienfuegos, where Playa Giron is situated just at the end of a sleepy little town.
In this area, there are great snorkeling and scuba diving sites, as well as nature sights like the Cueva de Pisces.
There is one hotel by Playa Giron, as well as casa particular options, some shops, restaurants and markets.
You will also find a small museum here, displaying the history of the failed invasion of Cuba from an interesting Cuban perspective.
Best Beaches In Holguin Cuba
Holguín is a city in eastern Cuba AND a province with shores on the northeastern part of the island.
Before Columbus, the indigenous Taino people lived here in huts made from royal palm before the Spanish urbanized the area. Their artifacts are shown at the local Holguin La Periquera museum.
But when it comes to beaches, these are the wonderful ones in Holguin.
10. Playa Esmeralda Beach In Holguin
Located close to Guardalavaca town in Holguin, Playa Esmeralda is somewhat a high-end beach, where you find two super-luxury hotels as well as casa particulares if you prefer that.
Not far from Playa Esmeralda, you can visit national parks and nature reserves, and there is a nearby Dolphinarium in Naranjo Bay where you can swim with dolphins.
Palm trees surround the pristine fine sand here, and if they don’t provide enough shade, the beach parasols will.
The views over the Caribbean are spectacular, the sunsets mesmerizing, and swimming in the pristine waters is, as always, heavenly.
11. Playa Guardalavaca Beach In Holguin
Guardalavaca offers stunning views and is a great place to snorkel and explore, and is one of the most renowned beaches in Cuba.
Rumor has it that Christopher Columbus said it was the most beautiful place he had ever seen when he arrived in the 16th Century. Another fun fact: Fidel Castro himself inaugurated the first resort established here in the 1970s.
The area around Guardalavaca is quite developed; good restaurants and hotels are available for any budget. Still, you will sense an authentic Cuban vibe about the area.
There are also things to do, like horseback riding on the beach, scuba diving, or even an eco-archeological trail if you have had enough beach-lounging.
Best Cuban Keys Beaches
As Cuba is an archipelago, there obviously are lots of little islands around the main island of Cuba, 4000 to be exact.
Although most are not inhabited or developed, some have been turned into oases of all-inclusive resorts and luxury resort areas.
The most popular ones east of Havana are Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco, and Cayo Guillermo.
12. Best Cayo Santa Maria Beaches
Cayo Santa María is a small island, or actually an island triplet, off Cuba’s north-central coast in the Jardines del Rey archipelago.
The island is linked by a road, or a pedraplen, to the town of Caibarién on the Cuban main island.
Cayo Santa María is one of the Cuban keys famous for its white sand beaches and pampering luxury all-inclusive resorts!
On Cayo Santa Maria, there are no residents; the island is simply an oasis of high-end luxury all-inclusive resorts, and you need to stay at one in order to access a beach out here.
I had one of my best resort stays on Cayo Santa Maria. You can find anything from intimate boutique resorts, tailored adults-only resorts, and family-friendly and fun ones.
Or, you can buy a pasa-dia, a day pass, to stay for the day.
The amazing beaches of Cayo Santa Maria cover almost the entire length of the northern coastline of the Cayo, which is divided into nine areas with a total length of around 13 kilometers (8 miles).
- Playa Matamoros (300 m)
- Playa Madruguilla (200 m)
- Playa Canon (2.8 km),
- Playa La Estrella (3.5 km)
- Playa Las Caletas (1 km)
- Playa La Colorada (1.9 km)
- Playa Perla Blanca (550 m)
- Playa Los Delfines (1.4 km)
- Playa Las Gaviotas (800 m)
On the east end of Playa Canon, you’ll find a Clothing Optional (CO) beach.
Guests staying at Hotel Sol Cayo Santa Maria have direct access to this CO beach, situated on the west side of the hotel grounds, with parasols and lounge chairs!
13. Cayo Las Brujas & Cayo Ensenachos Beaches
There are also fantastic beaches on the two other tiny keys connected to Cayo Santa Maria, called Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos. These are:
- Playa La Salina (2.4 km) and
- Playa La Manteca (400 m) on Cayo Las Brujas
- Playa Ensenachos (1.3 km) and
- Playa El Megano (1.0 km) on Cayo Ensenachos
The entire archipelago here is protected by the UNESCO-recognized “Reserva de Biosfera Buenavista.”
Hence, the coastline on the eastern tip of Cayo Santa Maria, Playa Las Gaviotas, is part of a protected wildlife refuge where no hotel will ever be built.
14. Cayo Coco & Guillermo Beaches
The fourth largest island in Cuba, Cayo Coco, is part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago and is home to some incredible beaches, of which a couple is ranked amongst the best in the world.
Just off the tip of Cayo Coco, across a small pedraplen, lies the smaller Cayo Guillermo, and the two can almost be counted as one. Playa Los Flamencos is an amazing beach running all along the northern coastline of Cayo Coco.
Los Flamencos does not have a lot of developed beach amenities, and there is no vibrant nightlife here.
It is a perfect place for diving and snorkeling, and because of the reefs ashore, there are hardly any waves, so it is a very safe place for swimmers and snorkelers.
Playa Pilar is another paradise lying all the way out on the tip of Cayo Guillermo, another beach where you hardly can see where the sand ends and the water begins on the Cuban shore.
Check out the Iberostar Playa Pilar on Cayo Guillermo, just a short stretch from Playa Pilar, an amazing all-inclusive place with all you need and a spectacular in-house spa to go with it.
As all the keys are a bit touristy in comparison with many other places in Cuba, places like Cayo Coco & Guillermo have plenty of high-quality watersports for travelers to explore.
It also has spectacular visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving conditions, and it is one of the best places on the island to go kitesurfing.
Best Cayo Largo Del Sur Cuba Beaches
Cayo Largo del Sur, generally known as Cayo Largo, is a tiny, peaceful island located off the southern coast of the main island of Cuba, east of Isla de la Juventud (Youth Island).
Its location gives the whole island a “desert island” sensation, as there are only a few hotels out here and endless crispy white beaches.
There is an international airport on Cayo Largo called “Aeropuerto Vilo Acuña”, as well as some all-inclusive resorts, an international marina, a dive center, a Sea Turtle Rescue Center, and a fishing center.
There is a small village called “Isla del Sol” where you’ll find a few shops, entertainment facilities, and snack bars, but there are no permanent residents out here at Cayo Largo.
15. Playa Sirena Beach Cayo Largo
Playa Sirena in Cayo Largo is one of the most popular beaches on the Cuban Keys, separated from the main island of Cuba by a stretch of sea. It’s super famous for its crystal clear waters and white-white sandy beaches.
It is a tranquil and quiet place, and it might be exactly what you want if you’re planning a relaxing holiday.
Lots of water activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, are available, as in any Caribbean destination with respect to itself.
Be advised, though, that there are very few hotels, bars, and restaurants for you to choose from, so Cayo Largo is not for the party-seeking crowds.
16. Playa Paraiso Beach In Cayo Largo
Not far away also, on Cayo Largo, you find the equally amazing Playa Paraiso, where you find an all-inclusive resort with the same name.
I have even heard Playa Paraiso referred to as “heaven on earth,” so if a heavenly palm-strewn white beach is your idea of heaven as well, you are going to like it here.
With bright white sands that meet the most incredible turquoise waters, this beach is regularly featured on lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world. No wonder.
Its waters are super for snorkeling, swimming, fishing, or just lying still and taking it all in.
Camaguey Beaches Eastern Cuba
17. Camaguey Santa Lucia Beach
Playa Santa Lucia in Camaguey, on the eastern part of the Cuban main island, is extremely attractive to scuba divers.
There are at least 40 dive spots in the area close to Santa Lucia, and diving in the shark cluster area is particularly popular.
In the Caribbean Sea’s underwater world, off the coast of Playa Santa Lucia, you can see hundreds of species of fish, mollusks, and crustaceans.
The beach has several areas with rental equipment, some restaurants, snack bars, and diving centers where you can rent equipment for diving, snorkeling, and parasailing.
You can get help in organizing dive trips and going deep-sea fishing here.
At Playa Santa Sucia, you will have no big waves, as there is a barrier coral reef along the beach. The beach is super suitable for a relaxing family vacation and for those who like water sports. And everyone who loves amazing Caribbean beaches, of course.
Best Beaches In Santiago De Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is home to some of the best scuba diving in the world. With its clear waters and abundance of marine life, it’s no wonder that this is a popular destination for scuba divers!
There are also a number of small beaches just by the entrance to the bay and east of Santiago de Cuba, but here are the two best Santiago de Cuba beaches you need to know about!
18. Playa El Bueycabon Santiago de Cuba
Playa El Bueycabón is located about 20 kilometers west of Santiago de Cuba. If you’re looking for a remote and untouched beach experience, El Bueycito is a good place for you.
You can only reach this secluded beach by boat, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and the feeling of being the only person in the world once you get there. It is a tiny beach around 100 meters long, surrounded by beautiful forested hills.
Located in a deep bay with calm waters, Playa Bueycabón is hardly ever crowded and will give you a zen beach day.
19. Siboney Beach Santiago de Cuba
In the other direction, you find Siboney Beach, around 20 kilometers to the east of Santiago de Cuba. As Santiago city is very close, the locals often come here from the city.
It’s a clean beach with a bit of a rugged appearance and a pebbled bottom under the water.
Although it does not have a lot of amenities, the water is invitingly clear, palm trees surround the beach, and all in all, it is a good choice for relaxing alongside the locals.
You can also find a casa particular close to the beach if you prefer to stay here rather than in the city, and there is a nice restaurant on the beach with excellent seafood.
FAQ’s Cuba Travel!
People seem to have a lot of questions about the best beaches in Cuba or beaches in Cuba in general. I get it; if you have never visited before, you want to know everything.
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What Is The Most Famous Beach In Cuba?
Varadero Beach, the super long beach running along the Hicacos Peninsula, is the most famous beach in Cuba because it is located exactly there, in the largest resort area in the Caribbean.
Varadero Beach was voted the second most beautiful beach in the world by TripAdvisor in 2019.
As Varadero is the largest resort area in the Caribbean and is popular as a holiday destination, a lot of people from across the world come here every year.
What Is The Nicest Beach In Cuba?
The nicest or prettiest beach in Cuba is often referred to as Playa Pilar on Cayo Guillermo, one of the thousands of Cuban keys.
I can confirm that the beaches in Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are absolutely stunning from the time I visited.
The Cuban Keys are particularly famous for their beaches, as well as pampering luxurious all-inclusive resorts.
The Cuban keys are generally connected with one of the two main archipelago coral reefs in Cuba: Jardines del Rey, north of the Cuban main island, and Jardines de la Reina, off the southern coast.
Where Are Cuba Beach Resorts?
The most amazing, lush, paradise-like beach resorts, however, you generally find around the most paradisiacal beaches.
Which generally means, in Varadero and the Cuban keys.
The “best” keys for resort life would be Cayo Santa Maria (amazing), Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo (basically the same place), and Cayo Largo in the southern waters off the coast of Cuba’s main island.
What Are The “Havana Beaches”
The Havana beaches are the beaches situated that are situated in the outskirts of Havana, to the east and to the west.
The absolute best beaches around Havana are in east Havana, Havana del Este, along with the Playas del Este.
Most beach-loving tourists visiting Cuba travel directly to Varadero or one of the keys. If you are into authentic experiences, though, you might love it here (but you might find really luxurious casa particulars around here).
West Havana Beaches
There are also beaches on the other side of Havana, the area called Miramar and Playa.
This is the “west end” of Havana, the high-end area for living and city life, but this area does not have the most beautiful beaches in Havana.
If you stay here, do it because it is a beautiful part of the city with nice homes, parks, restaurants, and business venues. The beaches here are no more than “ok” if you want my opinion.
You will be able to go for a swim here as well, and there is a nice marina where you can keep your yacht in Havana or depart for sea adventures.
Why are US citizens not allowed to travel to Cuba?
This is NOT correct. US citizens ARE ALLOWED to travel to Cuba.
Americans can choose a reason for Cuba travel among 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba, determined by the US Government.
Can US citizens travel to Cuba as a tourist?
Technically, US citizens are NOT allowed to travel to Cuba as a tourist. Americans choose between 12 pre-approved reasons for Cuba travel, among which the most common one is “to help the Cuban people”.
American citizens still need to buy a tourist card, also called a tourist visa, to enter Cuba.
What are the 12 requirements to travel to Cuba?
You can read about the 12 pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba for US citizens here.
The easiest and most common reason for Cuba travel is “to help the Cuban people”. There is no paperwork or application process connected to this; you just choose your reason and state that reason if anyone asks.
What happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba?
Nothing happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba apart from hopefully, the US citizen will have a fabulous holiday and encounter Cuban culture.
US citizens need to choose one of the pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba and need to buy the PINK Cuban tourist card, also called a tourist visa.
Selected airlines sell this visa/tourist card, or you can buy one online.
What documents do I need to travel to Cuba?
You need the following documents to travel to Cuba:
- Passport valid for 6 months after the date of entry
- Cuban tourist card / tourist visa
- Proof of travel insurance, including health insurance
- Fill out the d’viajero.cu digital document before your journey
Do Americans need to be vaccinated to enter Cuba?
No, there is no requirement for specific vaccines prior to entering Cuba.
Your country’s health department probably has recommendations for what vaccines you should consider before entering Cuba.
How Do I get a tourist card for Cuba?
You can buy a tourist card online from Easy Tourist Card, or from the Cuban embassy in your country.
You might also be able to buy a Cuban tourist card from your airline or at the airport prior to departure. It is possible to buy a tourist card at Miami International Airport at the check-in counter with American Airlines and Delta Airlines.
How Do I Get A Tourist Visa For Cuba?
A tourist visa is the same as a tourist card for Cuba. You can buy it from the following places:
- Buy one online from Easy Tourist Card
- Buy one from your airline if they offer this
- Buy one at the airport of departure if they offer this
- Buy one from the Cuban Embassy in your country
Is Travel To Cuba Allowed Right Now?
Yes, Cuba travel is allowed right now.
In addition, American citizens must choose one of the 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba (Americans can not travel as “tourists”) and follow some simple guidelines for traveling in Cuba.
Wrap-Up The Best Beaches in Cuba!
Right, that was a lot! If you are looking at the beaches before you decide where to go, I hope you have found enough information here to navigate.
Cuban beaches are generally very nice, although some of the ones close to bigger cities might be a bit crowded from time to time.
Also, Cubans are not super careful with rubbish (apparently, there is a system for recycling, but people keep throwing their garbage anywhere), so some beaches may be a bit littered.
Especially after the holidays and on the weekends. FYI.
