Where to find the best beaches in Cuba

Picture your typical Caribbean beach paradise – sparkling, limpid seas lapping at beaches of gleaming white sand – and you will likely find that beach in Cuba. With more than 5,000km of coastline there is a lifetime of beaches to discover, from broad sandy stretches that go on for miles to perfect coves on deserted cays, the variety is endless. Home to some of the best diving in the Caribbean, Cuba is encircled by coral reefs which are in great condition, keeping the coastal waters calm and sheltering myriad underwater species. Read on for our choice of the best beaches in Cuba, because when you’re in the midst of planning a trip to Cuba, you’re going to need recommendations for a relaxing beach day.

The best beaches in Cuba

Twenty-five percent of Cuba’s marine territory is protected, so many of the beaches and cays are blissfully wild and undeveloped – and the thriving sea life reflects this. Coupled with its unique and bewitching culture and picturesque historic towns, Cuba’s coastline makes it  a fantastic vacation destination, and its beaches are up there among the most stunning in the world.

Varadero Beach

A slim peninsula extends 25km from Cuba’s north coast, fringed with one of Cuba’s finest beaches – Varadero. It can’t be claimed that this is an untouched corner of Cuba’s coastline as Varadero is home to a sizeable tourist resort consisting of several dozen large hotels and a local town, but this shouldn’t put you off. This is one of Cuba’s best known beaches for a reason – it’s beautiful and big enough to absorb the crowds that flock here to enjoy it. Think gleaming white sands, warm ocean waters to wade in between sunbathing sessions, and a laid-back atmosphere that never dissipates, despite the number of revelers.

Varadero is also close to the town of Matanzas, known for its colonial architecture and historical sites (such as the beautiful Iglesia de San Pedro, and the Teatro Sauto, a 19th-century Neoclassical theater) – so there’s plenty to do nearby when you want to rejoin civilization. For a gorgeous beach with all the facilities and luxury you could ever want, head to Varadero.

Playa Giron

For a traditional taste of coastal Cuban life, Playa Giron is the place to be. Another gem of the south coast, the charm of this sleepy beach lies in its simplicity. Golden sands and nodding palms greet you, and locals and tourists alike mingle and enjoy the view. The small village of Giron that gives the beach its name is old-fashioned and friendly, with an authentic and laid-back Cuban charm – make the most of the local vibe by stopping into the rustic cafes, shops and restaurants for a bite to eat.

The surroundings are wild, natural and inviting, while the waters are calm and full of underwater life. This is an area known for its great diving and snorkeling as there are several good sites in the vicinity, as well as a glut of eco-nature spots. Take a break from the beach by walking through the surrounding nature reserves, exploring nearby caves, or taking boat trips along the bay.

Cayo Coco

If your idea of the perfect beach is one where you can pull on your mask and fins and search for glorious marine life, then the beaches of Cayo Coco are calling your name. The bleached sand here gently slopes into inviting turquoise waters so clear, you can spot throngs of marine life – the likes of starfish, clownfish, sea urchins and sea turtles – from so far away. Cayo Coco isn’t just a wonderland of thriving reefs for world class snorkeling and diving, it’s also well facilitated, with a string of resort hotels nearby to answer your every whim. The beaches on this island certainly won’t disappoint, as they are among Cuba’s prettiest and most carefully groomed. Cayo Coco is one of a string of islands scattered off mainland Cuba’s northern shore, accessible by a 25km causeway.

Playa Ancon

Playa Ancon is nestled on the southern coast of Cuba, with the Sierra del Escambray mountains rising dramatically in the background. If you are visiting the colonial gem of Trinidad and fancy a day or two at the beach, head for secluded Playa Ancon on the peninsula of the same name, as the natural beauty of the surroundings (and the journey there) are all part of the appeal. The mountains are clad in lush greenery and form the most stunning backdrop to the peninsula, while the sparkling Caribbean Ocean stretches out in front, making this a scintillating and scenic trip to the seaside. It’s a short 30-minute drive from Trinidad and the journey is all part of the charm – taking you from the town and through the countryside, out to a golden curve of inviting coastline. The area is backed with verdant forest and served by a smattering of facilities that blend into the surroundings. Playa Ancon is a great, laid-back option for those looking to get away from the crowds in Cuba.

Playa Pilar

Playa Pilar, one of Hemingway’s favorite beaches, is located at the far end of Cayo Guillermo, a secluded island off Cuba’s northern shore where you really can have a little slice of paradise all to yourself. This beach is the definition of paradise, with dazzling shell sand unspooling along a deserted shoreline, washed by the prettiest of Caribbean waves. The colors are mesmerizing, as the sea fades from deep indigo to teal, sky blue and turquoise, to palest aquamarine where it meets the beach.

This island is known for its peacefulness as it doesn’t attract a huge amount of tourists – and the natural surroundings are wild and untouched. It’s perfect for those who like to feel ‘off grid’, as well as spot birds and flora and fauna which populate the dunes and mangroves. The nearby Laguna de la Leche (Milk Lagoon) is also a great spot to explore for its unique wetland ecosystems. As this is somewhat off-the-beaten-path in Cuba there is little in the way of facilities – but who cares when you are in a real life daydream?

Cayo Jutias

At the tip of a finger of land that curls into the sea on Cuba’s West coast lies Cayo Jutias – a brilliant side trip if you are visiting the resplendent Vinales Valley. It is popular with locals as well as intrepid tourists, and although there are no overnight options it has some good places to try some local food and a mojito or two. This is a beach with a wild side, with mangroves and forests stretching right to the shore in some areas and a few deserted strips of land if you walk a little way along.

One feature of note at Cayo Jutias is the sunsets, which are truly spectacular and worth staying later for. As the sun lowers, the sky descends into hues of pink, orange and purple, and the beach transforms into a quiet haven with only the sound of wildlife and waves gently lapping the sand. Definitely head to Cayo Jutias to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of some of Cuba’s tourist highlights and appreciate a moment of peace.

Make it happen

Cuba is the place to be for anyone who can’t resist the delights of dazzling beaches; whatever your dream beach looks like, you will find it here. Our local experts can help you plan the perfect Cuba itinerary, while giving you the lowdown on the blissfully deserted coves, teeming dive sites and exclusive resort beaches which make Cuba and its coastline so appealing.