Wondering where to go to enjoy Cuba’s wonderful coastline? From the most famous beaches to real hidden treasures, here are Cuba’s 11 most beautiful beaches!
In addition to its lush forests, colorful cities and sparkling ambience, Cuba is a dream destination for idleness. The largest island in the Caribbean is home to a multitude of heavenly beaches. Among all these postcard-perfect landscapes, it’s not easy to find your way around! But there are some beaches that stand out from the crowd. Ready to dip your toes in the translucent water and bask in the warm sand? Here are the 11 most beautiful beaches in Cuba.
1. Playa Flamingo, Cayo Coco
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Cayo Coco is famous for its superb beaches. Its rich biodiversity gives it an incomparable character. In particular, it is home to the world’s second largest coral reef, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Naturally, this makes it an ideal place to learn to scuba dive… and to feast your eyes! But Cayo Coco is also famous for its flamingo colony, the largest on the continent. Head to Playa Flamingo and sunbathe in the company of these majestic birds. An unforgettable experience!
2. Playa Pilar, Cayo Guillermo
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Often considered Cuba’s most beautiful beach, Playa Pilar has all the makings of a paradise. White sand, turquoise water and palm trees paint a picture that seems to come straight out of a dream. If you’re looking for a wild and peaceful place, this is the place to go! In fact, it was these landscapes that inspired Hemingway to write his novel Drifting Island. In fact, the name of the beach is a tribute to the author, and more specifically to his fishing boat, Pilar!
3. Playa Periquillo, Cayo Santa Maria
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The small island of Cayo Santa Maria is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The reason? Its impressive biodiversity! You’ll come across iguanas, flamingos and a host of endemic species. In particular, you may be lucky enough to come across the Tocororo. Behind this curious name hides a small bird in the colors of the Cuban flag, which has become a national emblem! The island’s most beautiful beach is undoubtedly playa Periquillo. This crescent of white sand is a dream spot for lounging and swimming among the multicolored fish. You can also enjoy scuba diving in its clear waters!
4. Playa Maguana, Baracoa
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Head for eastern Cuba, near Baracoa. This beautiful town, situated between the sea and the mountains, is a real gem that is still little known to tourists. The surrounding beaches are simply sublime! Among them, Playa Maguana is the ideal place to sample the true Cuban atmosphere. In fact, it’s especially popular with the local population. In a tropical setting, dive into its translucent waters, protected by the nearby coral reef. Don’t miss the beachside restaurants, ideal for sampling local specialties.
5. Playa Blanca, Baracoa
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As well as being one of Cuba’s most beautiful beaches, playa Blanca is also one of the world’s smallest! You’ll have to walk and climb a hill to get there, but it’s well worth it. This tiny beach offers an intimate setting, ideal for those wishing to escape the tourist hustle and bustle. And don’t forget that Playa Blanca is lost in a breathtaking tropical setting. Feel free to explore the surrounding area. You can even rent a pirogue! Be aware, however, that this little corner of paradise comes at a price: you’ll have to pay to get there.
6. Playa Los Pinos
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For you, the most beautiful beaches in Cuba are those that allow you to be alone with yourself? Visit playa Los Pinos! This incredible spot is only accessible by boat from playa Santa Lucia. As a result, it’s one of the most deserted beaches in the country. And yet it offers breathtaking scenery! An ideal place to relax and enjoy the lapping waves and birdsong.
7. Playa Tortuga, Cayo Largo del Sur
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Do you dream of swimming with turtles? Playa Tortuga doesn’t owe its name to chance. You’ll find plenty of them, both on the sand and in the water. In the moonlight, many of them come to the beach to lay their eggs. It’s an experience you’ll never forget! Playa Tortuga also has many other assets. A wide stretch of warm sand, turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery await you. If you’d like to go there, please respect the flora and fauna to preserve the balance of the area.
8. Punta Frances, Isla de la Juventud
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Punta Frances owes its name to the French corsair Francois Leclerc, who plagued the Caribbean in the 16th century under the name of « Leg of Wood ». At the time, the beach was a hideout for pirates, who buried a great deal of treasure here… In fact, it seems to have contributed greatly to the imagination of piracy. It was here, for example, that Robert Louis Stevenson wrote his famous novel « Pirate Island ». Punta Frances is also an ideal spot for scuba diving and water sports. Its clear, peaceful waters give no hint of its sulphurous history! The beauty of its landscapes and the legends that surround it make it one of Cuba’s most beautiful beaches.
9. Playa Las Gaviotas, Cayo Santa Maria
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If you’re looking for a beach where nature reigns supreme, head for playa Las Gaviotas. To get there, you’ll have to take a short forest path. Once there, you’ll be treated to a wild landscape. Indeed, Las Gaviotas is a protected beach. Building is forbidden! And with good reason: it’s located in the Biosfera Buenavista nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As a result, the whole island of Cayo Santa Maria is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Explore its 13 kilometers of coastline! You’ll find lush forests, mangroves and a rich biodiversity.
10. Playa Coral, Varadero
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What’s the best beach in Cuba for snorkeling? Playa Coral is renowned as an ideal snorkeling spot. As its name suggests, it is located not far from a coral reef. The reef is home to no fewer than 300 species of fish! You have the opportunity to dive and discover them. An incredible profusion of life and color comes to life before your eyes, and Playa Coral’s crystal-clear waters allow you to observe it all with exceptional clarity. If you visit Playa Coral, be sure to explore the Saturno cave. Take a dip in its deep-blue pools!
11. Playa Varadero
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For many, playa Varadero is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba, or even in the world. For others, it’s best avoided because it’s so touristy. You be the judge! Varadero is far from being Cuba’s most authentic beach. However, its 20 kilometers of white sand and particularly turquoise water are well worth the detour. It’s so big that you’ll never find yourself up against your neighbors! What’s more, the high salt content of its waters means you can float on the surface, nose to the sky. A real little piece of paradise.