As the largest of all Caribbean Islands, Cuba is a magnificent destination.
From the colonial cities stuck in time to the stunning beaches surrounding the island, Cuba is a place of history, relaxation, and intrigue for many around the globe.
Traveling to Cuba feels like you’re stuck in a time warp with the cobbled streets and grand architecture that tell the tales of Caribbean pirates.
Whether you’re a traveler who wants excitement or a backpacker on a budget, Cuba has something for everyone.
Every visit to Cuba is complete with visiting one of the many stunning beaches. Keep reading to learn more about the best beaches in Cuba!
12 Best Beaches in Cuba
Twelve: Playa Santa Lucia
Kicking off the list of best beaches in Cuba is Playa Santa Lucia, a destination that’s not as modernized as other beaches but still worth the visit.
With interesting activities like shark hand-feeding and exceptional diving, Playa Santa Lucia boasts pleasantly warm water with a shallow sand bar that jets out around 300 feet from the coastline.
Although the beach lacks tourist infrastructure, staying at one of the many all-inclusive resorts in the area is a terrific way to enjoy this beach and the local town.
Eleven: Playa Larga
Playa Larga is best known for the Bay of Pigs invasion but is one of the best beaches in the country for economical water activities like diving and snorkeling.
The diving sites in the area are best for budget diving enthusiasts and amateurs.
Also, the pristine waters of the beach are so smooth in the morning that they look like a giant glass sheet.
As the day progresses, gentle waves take over, perfect for swimming.
The shoreline boasts plenty of shady palm trees if you need to get out of the sun.
Ten: Playa Guardalavaca
Christopher Columbus described Guardalavaca as the most beautiful place he had ever witnessed.
While this can never be confirmed, Playa Guardalavaca is a place to add to your bucket list.
The 5,000-foot stretch of glimmering white sand with the green fields of tamarind, sea grapes, palms, and rolling hills make this beach picturesque and natural.
Playa Guardalavaca is as popular with the locals as with tourists, so there’s an excellent Cuban feel to the beach that isn’t found in other beach resort areas.
Nine: Playa Ancon
The best beach in South Cuba, Playa Ancon, is the longest and most extensive in the area, boasting glistening golden sand and turquoise waters.
While the beach is the primary attraction, Playa Ancon has maintained its natural feel, with shrubs and trees dotting the shoreline.
Diving into the reefs is popular, with plenty of marine life to see.
Also, Trinidad, Cuba’s colonial jewel, is only a stone’s throw away from the beach.
Additionally, deep-sea fishing excursions and bottom fishing are popular activities in the area.
Eight: Cayo Largo
Cayo Largo is a Robinson Crusoe-esque Island, paradise-like but deserted.
Almost completely natural, Cayo Largo Island is far from mass tourism and commercialization.
As one of the few gay- and naturist-friendly places in Cuba, with optional clothing beaches, Cayo Largo boasts a friendly, laid-back atmosphere welcoming all.
Diving is the most popular sport, with other watersport activities, including sunset cruises, dolphin swimming, day boat adventures, and deep-sea fishing.
The island doesn’t see many tourists compared to other areas of Cuba, but a recent survey found that 75% of tourists are repeated visitors.
Seven: Cayo Sabinal
Located 20 miles from Santa Lucia, this deserted white beach cay is a class apart from the typical Cuban beach town.
The vibe is so ethereal and serene that it feels supernatural and unreal.
Tucked away at the end of a bumpy five-mile dirt road, Cayo Sabinal is unknown to developers and commercialization, so its beauty and culture have remained intact.
All beaches on Cayo Sabinal are to the north of the Cay and marked by signposts when visiting.
Playa Los Pinos is the longest beach and is best known for the wild deer and horses roaming the woodlands.
Six: Cayo Santa Maria
Cayo Santa Maria is a stunning 10-mile stretch of shiny, white sand and turquoise waters featuring two cays and a dolphinarium.
As part of the larger Jardines del Rey archipelago, this beach boasts one of the least developed beaches in the northern cays, Playa Perla Blanca.
While getting to this location is a trek, the stunning beauty and magnificence of the beach are worth the hike.
The former prime minister of Cuba, Fidel Castro, once claimed that Cayo Santa Maria was better than Varadero Beach.
Five: Cayo Las Brujas
Situated near the mainland, Cayo Las Brujas is home to the least expensive beach, hotels, and marina, making it accessible and economical.
When you arrive on the causeway, the first left takes you to the marina through the Villas Las Brujas hotel.
The island is only five square miles, but with the two neighboring cays, Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Ensenachos, the trio forms a pleasant resort area called Los Cayos de Villa Clara.
Cayo Las Brujas is best known for its clear turquoise water, fine white sand, and stunning beaches.
Four: Playa Pilar
Playa Pilar is a laid-back, sleepy island with a quiet beach for those wanting to dive, fish, and relax.
The island is known for the 12,000 flamingos that gather to feed, an amazing sight and the main reason visitors visit.
The ocean at Playa Pilar is home to an abundant diversity of marine life and is excellent for a deep-sea excursion.
Although the Cay is significantly smaller than its counterparts, stretching only three miles, it feels infinite.
Most of the island is untouched, with the main developers clustered around Playa El Paso and Playa El Medio.
Three: Playa Los Flamencos
Also called Cayo Coco Beach, Playa Lost Flamencos boasts lavish, all-inclusive resorts.
Located in central Cuba, this beach is part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago.
Aptly named for the white ibis birds, it boasts a 17-mile-long white sandy beach with sapphire waters.
The northern coastline is the best destination for resorts and modern amenities.
Cayo Coco is linked to Cayo Romano to the east and Cayo Guillermo to the west, and it even has an international airport.
Two: Varadero Beach
No list of the best beaches in Cuba is complete without mentioning Varadero Beach, one of the most popular in the country.
This 20-mile stretch of sandy white beach runs along the whole peninsula.
Combining green and blue waters to create an exceptional boundary between the mainland and the Florida Keys, the narrowness of the peninsula ensures the beach is always only a few steps away.
While Varadero isn’t considered a traditional Cuban place due to the influx of tourists and tourist-related activities, the island experiences as many local tourists as Westerners.
One: Playa Paraiso
Taking the top spot as the best beach in Cuba is Playa Paraiso, an untouched beach known for its sparkling turquoise water and pristine white sandy coastline.
Voted by Traveler’s Choice as the third most beautiful beach in the world in 2016, Playa Paraiso is also famous for having some of the calmest waters of any beach on the island.
Playa Paraiso offers a tranquil experience and is the ideal getaway for those looking for a more calm, secluded, relaxing sunbathing and swimming experience.
Given the beach’s privacy, don’t expect fancy hospitality services, but you can enjoy a beer or fresh juice at the snack bar to wet your whistle.
Cuba Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Cuba Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beaches are in Cuba?
With almost 3,500 miles of coastline, Cuba boasts 430 beaches, including those with black, golden, and white sands.
Therefore, choosing one or several from the 430 options is a personal endeavor since the experience ranges from tranquil to bustling.
Is the water clear at Cuban beaches?
Cuban beaches are best known for their clear blue waters and sparkling white sand.
Cuba can maintain its beaches and waters due to the lack of tourism and overcrowding in many other Caribbean countries.
What are the waters that surround Cuba so blue?
The Caribbean Sea is so blue and clear due to the lack of plankton and other substances that cause the water to become murky.
Also, the waters are fairly shallow, close to the shore, allowing the light to be reflected off the bottom of the sea floor.
How can visitors travel from one beach to another in Cuba?
The best way to get around the country is by bus, which connects most destinations to attractions, cities, and beaches.
Mass transit in Cuba is typically safe, reliable, and affordable compared to taxis and rental cars.
But, like anywhere, watch your belongings on crowded buses and always stay on your gear at the beach.
