The Best Beaches In Cuba

Cuba Beaches In Varadero

1. Varadero Beach

Sink your toes into fine sand within steps of your hotel, then twirl and take in the vast stretch that is Varadero—one of Cuba’s most popular beaches.

Transparent water in variegated hues of blue, sparkling sand, lush vegetation, and softly crashing waves have won Varadero multiple awards.

It’s also one of the largest beaches, stretching the entire length of the Hicacos Peninsula in Matanzas province.

Vacationers who enjoy being in the center of the action and having a multitude of activities at their fingertips will love this beach.

Enjoy unparalleled views of marine life at nearby dive sites, go snorkeling, enjoy a boating or fishing trip, or float at your leisure in the deliciously warm waters.

There’s plenty to do off the sand as well, with restaurants, golfing greens, nightlife opportunities, and art galleries to keep you entertained.

At 2 hours from Havana, visiting Varadero Beach for a day trip is feasible. But if you have the time and budget, why not stay a while?

Choose from over a dozen all-inclusive hotels or opt for other accommodation options, such as economical room rentals.

There’s plenty of room to roam, whether you prefer to stake out in the middle of the hustle or on an unoccupied slice of this Cuban paradise.

✓ Tip: If you’re looking for closer beaches to Havana, try one of the Playas del Este.

Cuba Beaches In Cayo Largo del Sur

Cayo Largo is a gorgeous island off Cuba’s southern coast.

It’s a beautiful place for a vacation and boasts some of the best beaches in the nation.

2. Playa Paraíso

Resorts aren’t for everyone, so if you’re longing to unplug, disconnect, and plunge into deep relaxation, check out Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach) on Cayo Largo del Sur.

If you have visions of tropical islands dancing in your head, this vision of beauty fits the bill perfectly. 

Pristine white sand and calm waters in soul-stirring hues offer visitors a deep sensation of peace and tranquility.

You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, read a good book, or go for a long barefoot walk along the shore.

Unlike Varadero Beach, Playa Paraiso has few amenities (besides a snack bar).

Here, salt, sand, and surf are the stars of the show. The shallow waters are ideal for kids, too.

Once you’ve had your time in the sun, any one of Cayo Largo’s taxi drivers can take you on the short drive back to your hotel or to a local restaurant.

You can also take a scooter, bicycle, or shuttle if you prefer.

3. Playa Sirena

Another great spot on Cayo Largo is Playa Sirena or Mermaid Beach.

It is located on the western tip of the Cay and is one of the most beautiful Cuban beaches.

Turquoise water laps against the shore, tickling your ankles with soft fizzing foam.

Kids run past, seabirds soar overhead, and beachgoers relax under umbrellas or swim in gentle swells.

Amenities include a beach bar, a souvenir shop, a beautiful thatched lounge, changing rooms, beach cabanas, beach chairs and umbrellas, outdoor showers, and a green lagoon with a pier and boats.

When you get hungry, you can order food at the restaurant and eat at the picnic tables under a thatched roof.

Another activity option is to walk from Playa Sirena to Playa Paraíso or vice versa.

It’s about a 20-minute stroll along a beautiful coastline studded with driftwood, palm trees, and pale rocks—and has a wilder feel than the swaths of sand on either end.

Best Cuba Beaches In Cayo Jutías

White sand beaches, fabulously clear blue waters stretching to the horizon, and swaying palm trees make a beach day on this small cay a true delight.

4. Cayo Jutias Beach

Wild, unspoiled beauty awaits at Playa Cayo Jutias on Cayo Jutías in Pinar del Rio province. It’s been called one of the best beaches in Cuba.

This off-the-beaten-path beach is mostly empty (except in the summer) with glorious white sand, shade trees, and emerald water.

It isn’t nearly as developed as other beaches, which adds heaps of laid-back charm to the lovely natural surroundings.

You’ll need to find private transportation to get to Cayo Jutías and then drive along a very bumpy road. But the effort will be well worth it.

Stop by the Cayo Jutías lighthouse en route, then buy a cold drink and sip it while you cool off in the luscious turquoise waters.

✓ Tips: The mosquitoes can get thick at dawn and dusk, especially near undergrowth, so take precautions!

Want to spend more time enjoying Cayo Jutías? There are a few hotels in the nearby small town of Santa Lucía. 

If you’re looking for more destinations in Pinar del Rio, check out Cayo Levisa. It is only accessible by ferry and has plenty of charm of its own.

5. Playa Estrellas

While you’re visiting Cayo Jutías, don’t miss a visit to the even more remote and idyllic Playa Estrellas.

This beach is located at the very tip of the cay and is famous for the massive starfish that live in its waters.

Walking there is discouraged in order to protect the natural habitat, so your best option is to hire a boat for the journey.

Take along all the food and drinks you might need, as there are no amenities at Playa Estrellas.

✓ Tip: Don’t touch the starfish or remove them from the water.

Best Cuba Beach In Cayo Guillermo

Cayo Guillermo is a resort destination with medium-range hotels, beautiful beaches, and a few entertainment options.

If you love swimming and immersing yourself in beautiful scenery, Cayo Guillermo could be perfect.

6. Playa Pilar

Want to visit one of Ernest Hemingway’s most popular beaches on the north coast of Cuba? If so, head to Playa Pilar.

This dreamy location was named after Hemingway’s boat, the Pilar, and frequently gains a spot on TripAdvisor’s best beaches in the world list.

Creamy white sand, transparent water, and fun activities make this quiet destination a perfect retreat.

Enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and watching flamingoes, or rent a lounge chair and drink in the views.

When you’re hungry, order grilled fish or lobster from the outdoor restaurant.

This great beach is located on the small island of Cayo Guillermo (adjacent to Cayo Coco) on Cuba’s northern coast and was featured in Hemingway’s book Islands in The Stream.

Cuba Beaches In Holguin

The province of Holguín has multiple wonderful beaches, with “casa particular” guest houses, an international airport only one hour away, and unparalleled natural beauty.

7. Guardalavaca Beach

Tamarind trees, sea grapes, swaying palms, and .9 miles of glittering white sand make Guardalavaca dreamlike and fantastical.

Is it any wonder that Guardalavaca enthralled Christopher Columbus when he saw it? Fidel Castro even inaugurated this beach’s first hotel.

There are many restaurants and bars around this beach, making it easy to grab a quick bite and a chilled drink.

While you’re in the area, consider visiting the dolphin sanctuary at Bahia de Naranjo or wandering along the coastline.

Stay in a resort, boutique hotel, or casa particular guesthouse.

8. Playa Esmeralda

While you’re in Holguín, you won’t want to miss Playa Esmeralda or Emerald Beach.

Cliffs, steep hillsides, and dense vegetation ring this half-moon beach.

The offshore reef protects the shore and makes it a chill place to swim.

Snorkeling, sailing, and diving are great activities to enjoy here. Sunshades and loungers are available as well.

Stay in one of the nearby resorts, or head here for the day.

9. Playa Pesquero

Playa Pesquero is another dreamy beach located in a curved bay with sparkling sand and clear water.

This beach is built up, touristy, and geared more towards resort crowds, but it is still beautiful and a top snorkeling spot.

If you fancy a stay in a resort, this could be a great choice for you.

Activities include catamaran tours, snorkeling tours, dolphin encounters, and massages.

Cayos de Villa Clara Beaches

Welcome to a small subset of the Jardines del Rey archipelago in the north-central region of Cuba.

The Cayos de Villa Clara include Cayo las Brujas, Cayo Ensenacho, and Cayo Santa María, the largest island of the three.

They are all accessible via the Pedraplén Causeway and feature pristine sandy beaches, wild mangroves, and luxurious resorts.

They are part of the “Buenavista Biosphere Reserve.” 

10. Ensenachos Beach

Playa Ensenachos on Cayo Ensenachos is one of the best places in Cuba for absolute tranquility.

Powdery soft sand and clear water make it a paradise.

At low tide, the water is ankle-deep, and there are plenty of sand bars to explore (or play soccer on).

It is apt for families and young children. If you visit, it may become one of your favorite beaches.

11. Megano Beach

Another delightful beach on Cayo Los Ensenachos is Megano Beach. It’s not as quiet as Ensenacho Beach, but is just as full of delights.

White sand, translucent water, and beautiful scenery make Playa Megano a great spot to spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Chances are, once you see it, you’ll want to spend a long time there!

Meander along the sand at low tide to find shells and starfish.

On the right side of the beach, there is a shipwreck with schools of tropical fish darting through it.

Walking through here at low tide will make you feel as though you’re in a whole different world, surrounded by ocean.

There is a snack bar in the center of the beach that serves delicious lunches and refreshing drinks.

12. Cayo Santa María Beaches

Santa María is a beachgoers’ paradise, with captivating beaches spreading across the entire northern coast of the island.

Only two miles of the 10-mile-long coast aren’t beaches.

The beaches here are divided into nine sections and include Playa Matamoros, Playa Madruguilla, Playa Cañon, Playa la Estrella, Playa Las Caletas, Playa Las Coloradas, Playa Perla Blanca, Playa Los Delfines, and Playa Las Gaviotas.

There are rocky sections between some of the beaches, which can be traversed if you’re wearing shoes.

If you go nowhere else, visit Playa Las Gaviotas. This virgin beach is located inside of a protected wildlife refuge. It’s stunning.

13. Cayo las Brujas Beaches

Cayo las Brujas has three beautiful beaches:

Playa la Salina is named after a former salt works on its south end.

Some consider it the prettiest beach in the entire Cayos de Villa Clara archipelago. It sits in a lovely crescent moon bay.

La Manteca Beach is the next biggest and is located around a cape.

The last is a tiny secret beach (Playa Escondida) on the eastern tip of the cay.

It is located between the San Agustín Channel—a prime fishing spot for barracudas, tarpon, and stooks—and Punta San Agustín.

Other Cuba Beaches To Check Out

If this list isn’t long enough for you, and you want to explore more, here’s a list of additional amazing beaches I didn’t have room to cover:

Cayo Coco

This beautiful island is easy to access and is home to many beautiful resorts. Its top beaches are Playa Los Flamencos and Playa Larga.

Playa Ancón

If you’re looking for beaches on the southern coast of Cuba, Playa Ancon could be a great choice.

This is the best south coast beach near Trinidad and features golden sands, plenty of restaurants, and Caribbean scenery.

Cuba Beaches: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cuba Have Good Beaches?

Cuba has excellent beaches. With over 130 to choose from, there’s something for every taste: gorgeous stretches with all the amenities you could ask for, secluded beaches for quiet relaxation, beaches perfect for snorkeling, family-friendly, pet-friendly, shady beaches, and more.

Is It Safe To Swim In The Ocean In Cuba?

Generally, yes—it is safe to swim in the ocean in Cuba. Some beaches have lifeguards on duty and color-coded flags.

Pay attention to the flags to keep tabs on the swimming conditions.

If you are swimming on a beach without flags, take time to observe the ocean and notice rip currents or other hazards before getting in.

Stay alert to potentially changing conditions and currents while you’re in the water.

Avoid swimming in the evening and night when sharks are more active. And keep an eye out for jellyfish.

If possible, don’t leave any valuables on the beach while swimming because they might get stolen.

If you’re looking for quiet waters and optimal swimming conditions for families with kids, check out Flamenco Beach on Cayo Coco, Pilar Beach on Cayo Guillermo, Varadero Beach on the mainland, and Santa María Beach on Cayo Santa María.

Are All Beaches In Cuba Public?

No. Although Cuba boasts many wonderful public beaches with easy access, some are only accessible by hotel and resort guests, while others are a mix of public and private.

Some of the most noteworthy public beaches in Cuba include Cayo Blanco, Varadero Beach, Pilar Beach, Mangoncito Beach, Flamenco Beach, and Santa María Beach.

Does Cuba Have White Sand?

Yes! Cuba has dozens of gorgeous white-sand beaches with turquoise water and palm trees rustling in the breeze.

Some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in Cuba include Varadero Beach, Playa Esmeralda, Playa Paraíso, and the beaches of Cayo Largo Del Sur and Cayo Santa Maria.

Final Thoughts: Cuba Beaches

Since Cuba has hundreds of beaches, this post barely scratches the surface of possibilities.

One thing is for sure: This island nation has wonderful beaches for every taste.

The resort beaches are teeming with activity, beach umbrellas, lounge chairs, beach bars, restaurants, and tour opportunities. 

Adventurers will love Cuba’s wild and secluded beaches, which are far down bumpy roads.

Others are best accessed by boat. Shells, sand bars, starfish, sunken ships, and top-notch dive sites abound.

Which of these Cuba beaches makes your list?