Cuba may be the largest of all Caribbean islands, but no point in the country is more than 50 miles from the ocean. With about 1,500 miles of coastline, Cuba has plenty of amazing beaches for you to choose from.
If you’re planning your first visit, you might wonder which Cuban beaches are worth visiting. We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up this list of the best beaches in Cuba.
Varadero Keeps Its Crown as Best Beach
The three-hour drive from Havana is well worth it for Cuba’s headliner beach. Varadero has been named one of the best beaches in Cuba for decades now, and for good reason.
This beach is located along a sand spit that stretches almost 13 miles along the Atlantic coast. Turquoise waters, white sand, and two private villas greet you here.
After a long day of sunbathing, take some time to sip cocktails at La Casa de Al. If you spend the night, enjoy breakfast on Casa Menocal’s terrace, a tourist tradition since the 1940s.
If you’re staying in Havana, make the six-hour round trip more pleasurable by booking a private car for your trip.
Cayo Juitas is One of Cuba’s Best Beaches for Boat Enthusiasts
Less than 40 miles from Vinales is perhaps the crown jewel of southwestern Cuban beaches. Cayo Juitas provides almost two miles of white sand and clear water.
There are plenty of activities to choose from, including snorkeling and diving. Hiring a boat for the afternoon is another great option. The water is so clear, you’ll be able to see starfish as they float by in the shallows.
After you’ve had your fill of sea and surf, grab a cafeteria-style lunch or talk to the local fishermen.
If you want to make the most of your day at this beach, your best option is to book private transportation. You’ll get not only more time, but also a more authentic experience.
The Playas del Este Are Some of the Best Beaches in Cuba
If you’re looking for something close to Havana, why not check out the Playas del Este? These beaches are a scant 11 miles from the Cuban capital, which makes them a fantastic choice for a day excursion.
Like other Cuban beaches, the Playas del Este boast white sand and crystalline waters. They’re popular with the locals, so they’re often crowded during the hot summer months. If you happen to visit during the winter, you may have the whole beach to yourself.
Getting to the Playas del Este is quite easy. There are public transportation options, including bus and train from Havana. If you want to up the ante, though, hire a private car down to your “private” beach in the wintertime.
Playas Los Cocos is Your Romantic Getaway
Playa Santa Lucia is a perennial entry on lists of Cuba beaches, thanks 13 miles of untouched white sand. Just don’t arrive here expecting all the tourist amenities you’d find at a beach like Varadero.
At the very tip of Playa Santa Lucia, near La Boca, you’ll find another amazing Cuban beach. With emerald waters lapping at white sandy shores, Playa Los Cocos is an excellent choice.
It’s also a great choice if you’re planning a romantic getaway. Like Playa Santa Lucia, it’s untouched, and it’s best to plan to spend a day or two in the area. Transport is out of Camaguey, and it’s best to use a private transfer to make this 70-mile journey.
Matanzas Boasts Excellent Diving and Snorkeling
If lounging on a strip of white sand isn’t your thing, you may want to head farther afield and explore Mantanzas. The area has some of the best spots for snorkeling and diving.
One of the best places for these activities is the Bay of Pigs, which makes a good day trip from the city of Cienfuegos. The best way to get here is via private transportation.
Another spot to put on your itinerary is nearby Playa Larga. While it’s not the most touristy spot, it does make a nice addition to a day excursion from Cienfuegos.
You may also want to check out Playa Coral, located halfway between Varadero and Matanzas. Like the name implies, it boasts a coral reef to explore. You can also explore the same reef from Laguna de Maya, where you can rent equipment and even hire a guide.
Playa Paraiso Takes Its Name to Heart
In English, this beach’s name is “Paradise.” Many people do think they’ve found paradise when they visit Playa Paraiso. It’s globally renowned, even being ranked as one of the top three most beautiful beaches in the world.
This beach is a wonderful spot if you’re looking for somewhere to relax. Tucked away from touristy attractions, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and some of the calmest waters in Cuba.
If you’re looking for more adventure, though, you can check out nearby Playa Sirena.
Cayo Santa Maria Offers Plenty of Choice
Cayo Santa Maria, located in the larger archipelago of Jardines del Rey, is worth the trip from Havana. It presents plenty of opportunities for beach-goers, no matter what you like to do.
For those who like lounging in the sand, Cayo Santa Maria itself has a 13-mile stretch of beach. There are several other beaches in the area, including the almost-untouched Playa Perla Blanca.
Two cays, Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos, are also ready to be explored. You can also visit the dolphinarium for a unique experience.
Explore More of Cuba
We’ve only talked about a handful of the most stunning and best beaches in Cuba. There are so many more to explore. There’s no shortage of adventure waiting for you in the Caribbean’s largest island.
If you want to explore more of Cuba, be sure to contact us. We can help you get from destination to destination in style.