Beaches in Cuba

Happily, the proliferation of casas particulares combined with fantastic self drive and tailor made vacation itineraries means that it is now easier than ever to mix and match, discovering the unique culture while still feeling like you’ve had a relaxing Caribbean break, making the most of Cuba’s pristine sands, tiny cays and coral filled bays. We’ve shared some of our favourite beaches in Cuba below to help you plan your route around the island.

The Bay of Pigs – Bahía de los Cochinos – is Cuba’s most notorious strip of coast – and not one many would associate with a beach vacation. But this bay shelters some of the islands most idyllic beaches, not least Playa Girón, which was where the infamous 1961 invasion took place. The beach today does not resemble a battle zone in the slightest, rather it is a palm-dotted arc of white sand, although those curious about the history can visit the little museum. Just east of Playa Girón, Playa los Cocos is recommended for snorkelling. Tucked right inside the bay, Playa Larga offers yet more crystalline Caribbean waters, though its main appeal is its nature: scuba divers have a choice of superb sites here, which the surrounding UNESCO Biosphere Reserve the protects the island’s most extensive wetlands.

The Bay of Pigs is a pleasant detour on the way to or from Cienfuegos – and there are a number of little hotels and casas particulares in the nearby villages if you think you’ll need longer than a day in paradise.

Playa Ancón has a lot going for it – not least that it is just a 15-minute drive from the city of Trinidad, with the option of taking a bus, coco taxi or even cycling if you want to earn your time relaxing on the soft sand. The 4.5km beach never seems to get busy, the background of tropical vegetation gives it a wild feel, and there are plenty of opportunities for snorkelling or diving in the bathtub-like water. Inevitably There are a couple of all inclusives here, but you can also stay in a casa particular in the nearby village of La Boca if you don’t want to return to the bustle of Trinidad. Do bring insect repellent if you’re sticking around ‘til dusk.

This skinny cay off Cuba’s southern coast is home to the aptly named Playa Paraíso – Paradise Beach. Those who named it knew what they were talking about; this postcard-like landscape is Caribbean perfection, with an uninterrupted stretch of white sand gliding along the shallow, turquoise sea. Order your piña colada from the single beach bar, and gaze out into heaven. But Cayo Largo hides a wonderful secret: Playa Paraíso is not even the most paradisiacal beach on the island. Many consider that to be Playa Sirena, on Cayo Largo’s western tip. There are 26km of beaches to explore around the island’s circumference, including some nudist, as well as even tinier offshore cays, reached by yacht. You’re best off staying here for a few days unless you want to be rushing in paradise, though the only accommodation options are resorts.

Bored of all that powdery white sand? Head east, all the way, to Baracoa. This town was only accessible by boat until the 1960s, and it still feels rather isolated and unexplored. Baracoa sits on the wonderfully-named Bahía de Miel – the Bay of Honey – where lush rainforest and rivers tumble down steep mountain slopes to the dark sand beaches. There are plenty of palm-fringed options here; one of the most popular is Playa Maguana which is suitable for snorkelling and boats can be hired for daytrips, while Playa Nibujon, to the west of Baracoa, remains wild and beautiful. But “popular” is relative here; the remote southwestern coast never gets as busy as the more accessible north and west.