Beaches in Cuba
Journalist and travel blogger
During my trip to Cuba, I got the chance to see incredible beaches. Here is a small selection of my favorite ones.
In the middle of the Caribbean, each side of the island offers an incredible sight worthy of postcards. Fine sand, coconut palms, crystalline warm waters, you would spend hours there just admiring the landscape. It's difficult to choose which beaches are the best but there are some that stand out and are really worth seeing. For diving and other water activities head to Playa Azul, Playa Pariquillo, Playa Ancon and Maria la Gorda. Discover the beautiful wildlife in Playa Flamingo and Playa Tortugas. Playa Maguana, Playa Blanca and Playa los Pinos are quieter, allowing you to explore the natural landscapes with fewer tourists. And of course Playa Pilar and Punta Frances are the dream beaches that have inspired many authors.
Want to spend hours basking in the sun? To explore the Cuban coast while diving? To discover legendary and paradisiacal beaches? You will easily find what you need on one of these Cuban beaches.
| Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | Jul | August | sept. | Oct | nov. | dec. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea temperature | 26° | 26° | 26° | 27° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 30° | 30° | 29° | 28° | 27° |
The most beautiful beaches
Playa Tortuga
If you are looking for dream landscapes and a unique experience, then Playa Tortuga is the place to go. Here you will discover all sorts of aquatic animals including turtles who go there to find refuge. Watching them head from the beach to the water is an incredible, once in a lifetime experience.
Diving
Punta Frances, Isla de la Juventud
Located on the Isla de la Juventud, the Punta Frances is a paradise beach that should also appeal to kids. Just like the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean”, pirates used to come and hide here. In fact, it was the French pirate François Leclerc who gave it its name. The beach even inspired author Robert Louis Stevenson's famous adventure novel “Treasure Island”. The charming surroundings and history make this beach one of the most attractive in Cuba.
Diving
Playa Ancon, Trinidad
Although the city of Trinidad is mostly known for its historic centre, it also offers beautiful beaches. If I had to choose one, I would recommend Playa Ancon. It's a fairly busy beach but offers a landscape worthy of a postcard. White sand, turquoise waters, palm trees, it has everything you need! It's also a great beach to go to if you're in between visiting two cities.
Diving
Playa Los Pinos
If you are tired of seeing people and especially tourists, then I recommend this beach which is one of the most beautiful and most deserted in Cuba. Accessible only by boat from Playa Santa Lucia, it is a particularly relaxing beach and will appreciate the calm and the paradisiacal landscape. Relax in the sun and dive into these crystal clear waters, the perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy your vacation.
Wild beach | Diving
Playa Blanca, Baracoa
Discover one of the smallest beaches in the world near Baracoa. Although there is a short walk and a small hill to climb, this beach is definitely worth going to and the view is superb. Plus, it's not everyday that you can swim at the smallest beach in the world. I also recommend hiring a canoe to explore the wonders of this unspoiled nature.
Wild beach
Playa Maguana, Baracoa
In the east of Cuba, the city of Baracoa is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Far from tourist resorts, discover its unspoiled landscapes. The most beautiful beach to see in this area is Playa Maguana, both gorgeous and peaceful. I definitely recommend spending some time there and tasting the famous octopus and coconut dish.
Diving | Wild beach
Playa Pilar, Cayo Guillermo
A little further north of Cayo Coco is Playa Pilar on the Cayo Guillermo, which is a quieter but just as beautiful. Its sparkling white sand and crystal clear waters are spectacular. It is, in fact, this beach that inspired author Ernest Hemingway to write "Islands in the Stream". Now it's your turn to be surprised and inspired by these beautiful landscapes.
Diving | Wild beach
Playa Pariquillo, Cayo Santa Maria
I highly recommend Playa Pariquillo on the island of Cayo Santa Maria, which is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its extensive underwater wildlife makes it one of the prettiest beaches in Cuba. You can see all kinds of birds and iguanas, heaven on Earth! If you like to dive, you can even visit and underwater wreck inhabited by multicolored fish.
Diving
Playa Azul, Varadero
With almost 20 miles of white sand, Varadero is the main resort of Cuba but also one of the best places to enjoy the most beautiful beaches in the country such as Playa Azul. It's extremely busy but there are all kinds of water activities to try out, including diving, sailing and surfing. In the evening the beach turns into a dancefloor! The beauty of the landscapes and the multiple choice of activities make Playa Azul one of Cuba's must-see beaches.
Beach equipment | Surfing | Diving | Sailing
Playa Flamingo, Cayo Coco
Cayo Coco is one of Cuba's most popular islands and is home to some of the most stunning beaches. Here you will find the second largest coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The most beautiful beach of the island is Playa Flamingo, a real gem, where you can go snorkeling and walk among the flamingos. An incredible experience to discover during your trip to Cuba.
Diving
Journalist and travel blogger