Some of the best beaches in the world are the beaches of Cuba! Because of this, here are 20 of the best beaches in Cuba, because, in my opinion, they are the most beautiful. We find these dream landscapes with fine sand, transparent water, vegetation, and animals that surround it, typical of the Caribbean. Additionally, the water is warm all year round, so it’s always lovely to bathe or dive there.
Right in the middle of the Caribbean, each edge of the island offers an incredible spectacle worthy of postcards. Fine sand, coconut palms, crystal clear warm waters; you would spend hours there just to admire the landscape.
It is difficult than to make a selection of the most beautiful beaches of Cuba, but there are some which stand out and which are worth the detour.
For diving and other nautical activities there is:
- Playa Azul
- Playa Periquillo
- Playa Ancon
- Maria la Gorda
For the animals where you can see different species, visit:
- Playa Flamingo
- Playa Tortugas
For a more authentic, wild, and quieter beaches that are less touristy visit:
- Playa Maguana
- Playa Blanca
- Playa Los Pinos
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Want to spend hours basking in the sun? Similarly, do you want to explore the Cuban coasts while diving? Desire to discover legendary and paradisiacal Cuba beaches? You will easily find what you need on one of these Cuban beaches.
The most beautiful beaches of Cuba offer idyllic landscapes for lovers of lazing under the Caribbean sun. Whether you’re into white sands, deserted beach, or seaside resort, these beaches will offer you the experiences you have always dreamed of on your first trip (or next) to Cuba!
HERE ARE 20 OF THE BEST CUBA BEACHES WITH THE MOST HEAVENLY SCENERY:
1) VARADERO
Varadero is one of the best beach resorts in Cuba, and one of the most popular resorts in the world. Also, this destination is a favorite amongst Canadians!
Located in the Hicacos Peninsula, bordered by high-end hotels and surrounded by the sparkling waters of the sea, Varadero Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand in the Caribbean.
This lively beach offers a range of great water sports, such as kayaking, snorkeling, catamaran cruises, and windsurfing, and it is located directly on Varadero Beach. The beautiful and recently renovated Iberostar Bella Vista Varadero is a short distance from the attractions of downtown Varadero.
When you’re not relaxing on a lounge chair, you can contemplate the views of the coast from everywhere in the hotel, including from the large swimming pool overlooking the beach and the restaurant for adults on the roof where you can decide to stay.
For many, Playa Varadero sits queen among the best beaches in Cuba, even among the most beautiful beaches in the world!
FULL STOP: It is very touristy. You be the judge! Varadero is far from being the most authentic beach in Cuba. However, its 20 kilometers of white sand and particularly turquoise water are worth seeing. It is so large that you will never find yourself glued to your neighbors! A real little slice of paradise!
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2) PLAYA FLAMINGO, CAYO COCO
Coco Beach is one of the most extensive beaches in Cuba, like Varadero. Cayo Coco is on the north coast of Cuba. The island of Cayo Coco is surrounded by one of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. Which undoubtedly, explains the richness of the aquatic life found there.
And what about the color of the sea! Whew! Several activities make it a must-see destination, especially for lovers of diving and bird watching.
Off the north coast of Cuba, nestled in one of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world is the island of Cayo Coco. This scuba diving haven is 27km from some of the best beaches in Cuba. To the north, 9km from the white sandy beaches, gently caressed by the Atlantic Ocean, tropical mangroves to the south, and wildlife paradises.
The warm waters have excellent visibility, and allow divers to see clearly so you can understand why Playa Flamingo is considered one of the best beaches in Cuba.
3) PLAYA PILAR, PARADISE BEACH IN CUBA
If you desire for a quiet and untapped beach to take a stroll, head to Cayo Guillermo. On the tip of the north of the island stretches Playa Pilar, one of the paradisiacal beaches of Cuba.
In front of a wild dune, it is renowned for having the best sand in the whole country. Its whiteness is dazzling! Often considered as the most beautiful beach in Cuba, Playa Pilar has everything of a paradise beach.
White sand, turquoise water, and palm trees draw a picture that seems straight out of a dream. If you are looking for a wild and peaceful place, this is the place to go!
These are the landscapes that inspired Hemingway to write his novel “Drifting Island”. For the anecdote, the name of the beach is a tribute to the author, and more particularly to his fishing boat, Pilar.
4) PLAYA PERIQUILLO, CAYO SANTA MARIA
On the island of Cayo Santa Maria, I recommend Playa Periquillo, which is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The richness of its underwater flora and the abundance of animals that line it make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba.
You’ll see all kinds of birds, iguanas, a real paradise on Earth! If you like diving, you can even see a wreck inhabited by multicolored fish!
5) PLAYA MAGUANA, BARACOA
In the east of Cuba, the city of Baracoa also makes us discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The advantage is that here we are far from tourist complexes and we find the wild nature of the landscapes.
The most beautiful beach to see in this corner is Playa Maguana, both peaceful and magnificent. I advise you to take your time and taste the famous coconut octopus – a delight!
6) PLAYA BLANCA, BARACOA
Discover one of the smallest beaches in Cuba, near Baracoa. Access is not easy, you have to walk a little and climb the hill, but you will not regret it because the view is superb.
Also, it is not every day that you can swim at the smallest beaches in Cuba. Once there, I advise you to take a pirogue tour to explore the area and the wonders of this wilderness.
7) PLAYA LOS PINOS
Are you over being surrounded by tourists? Then I highly recommend this beach, which is one of the most beautiful and deserted Cuba beaches. Accessible only by boat from Playa Santa Lucia, it is a particularly relaxing beach where you can appreciate the calm and the paradisiacal landscape. Take the time to bask in the sun and immerse yourself in these crystal clear waters with confidence.
8) PLAYA ANCON, TRINIDAD
Although the city of Trinidad is known for its historic center, it also offers magnificent beaches. If you had to choose one, I would recommend Playa Ancon.
It is a reasonably busy beach but offers a landscape worthy of a postcard. White sand, turquoise waters, palm trees, everything is there!
It is the ideal beach destination if you have a somewhat accessible route to the big cities.
9) PLAYA TORTUGA
If you are looking for dream landscapes and unusual experiences to do in Cuba, then check out Playa Tortuga! Here you can discover several aquatic animals and, in particular, the turtles that come to find refuge there.
In the middle of magnificent nature, one can observe turtles on the beach as in the water. It is an extraordinary spectacle to experience at least once in your life, and this is the one beach in Cuba that will not disappoint.
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10) PUNTA FRANCES, ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD
Located on Isla de la Juventud, Punta Frances is a paradise beach which should also appeal to the youngest with its “Pirate of the Caribbean” atmosphere.
FUN FACT: This Cuba beach is where pirates used to come to hide, and it was also the French pirate François Leclerc, who gave it this name.
The beach even inspired the author Robert Louis Stevenson to write “The Pirate Island.” The beauty of the landscapes and its history make this beach one of the best beaches in Cuba.
11) GUARDALAVACA, HOLGUIN
Holguin is worth a detour for the golden sand and turquoise waters of the splendid Guardalavaca beach. On the program: swimming with dolphins, exploring the Bahia de Naranjo aquarium, boat trips on the coral reef, and exploring Gibara’s underwater caves for experienced divers.
12) PLAYA LAS TUMBAS, GUANAHACABIBES PENINSULA
Located at the end of the Guanahacabibes peninsula, in the West of Cuba, Playa Las Tumbas spreads its white sand for 5 kilometers.
Bordered by an impenetrable forest classified as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO, it offers a magical setting to visitors looking for calm.
13) CAYO JUTIAS BEACH
Looking for cabins under coconut palms and an authentic Cuban atmosphere? Cayo Jutias will seduce you with its family beach nestled at the end of a road that seems to float on the sea, after crossing the island almost entirely covered with mangroves.
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14) PLAYA SIRENA, THE PROTECTED
The most beautiful beach of Cayo Largo del Sur (and perhaps Cuba), Playa Sirena is oriented to the west, protected from waves and wind.
15) CAYO LEVISA BEACH
Still, little known, Cayo Levisa, is my first choice for the most beautiful beaches in Cuba. It is located about two hours from Havana and about 45 minutes from Pinar del Rio.
The island is easily accessible from the port of Palma Rubia, but the best way to reach Cayo Levisa is obviously with your boat. Cayo Levisa has retained much of its natural charm and beauty, as one of the best-kept secrets in Cuba, and is the perfect place for your next vacation in Cuba.
Beautiful white sand, crystal clear waters, shady palm trees, seriously, what more could you ask for?
16) CAYO LAS BRUJAS
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba is Cayo Las Brujas, which is off the north coast.
This small island, with its neighbors Cayo Ensenachos and Cayo Santa Maria, forms a peaceful and quiet seaside resort in the Jardines del Rey archipelago and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
The 22 kilometers of white beaches and clear blue waters are the ideal places for windsurfing, snorkeling, fishing, and swimming. The calm and surprisingly blue waters also place this group of islands at the top of my list of nautical spots in Cuba.
17) PLAYA DEL ESTE
For those looking for a great beach near the capital of Havana, Playa del Este is a perfect choice.
Here you will find several large beaches grouped under the name of Playa del Este. The beaches in this region are regularly visited by locals, especially on weekends, so the best time for a relaxing day in Playa del Este is during the week.
The closest beach to Havana is Bacuranao, just 15 kilometers from the city. The main feature of this beach is the coral reef, and the water is usually full of diving enthusiasts.
FYI: It is not as popular as the other beaches in Playa del Este, as the sand is not as soft under your feet.
18) MARIA LA GORDA
Maria la Gorda is located at the most western point of Cuba on the virgin peninsula of Guanacahabibes.
This beach is well known to divers and is cited as one of the ten best sites in Latin America.
Take out the mask and snorkel and discover the fascinating world under the surface of the water while swimming between exotic fish and rare corals in one of the most protected areas of Cuba.
19) PLAYA PARAISO IN CAYO LARGO
Are you dreaming of a beach getaway, far from the hustle and bustle of popular seaside resorts?
Playa Paraiso is nestled in the heart of the south coast of Cayo Largo. This serene beach enjoys white sands and crystal clear waters. Also, Playa Paraiso, translated as “paradise beach” in French, is undoubtedly worthy of the name. It is named among the most beautiful beaches in the world by experts.
This peaceful beach in Cuba is the perfect place to connect with nature and admire the pristine beauty of the island.
20) PLAYA PESQUERO, THE SPLENDID
Even at 200 m offshore, the water only reaches your waist. Everything you imagine when we talk about paradise beach is gathered here!
The best places to stay or reside in Cuba are mostly in the location nears the beaches of Cuba.
If you’ve been, what has been your favorite beach in Cuba?
