Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches In Cuba

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With over 250 different beaches in Cuba to choose from it’s a little more difficult than simply plopping down in the sand. Cuban beaches range from insect-infested mangroves to city “beaches” to the idyllic blue-water white-sand paradises we love (I’m sure you’ve heard of Varadero). So it’s important to know which beach is your personal paradise and which is your personal hell.

The northern coast of the island has laid claim to the “best” beaches. It’s the Caribbean side so you get the warmer, crystal clear, and in many cases completely still water.  That being said there are a few beaches on the south side of the island that caught my attention. So don’t write it off completely.

Here’s a breakdown of the best beaches in Cuba and how to determine if it’s the right beach for you.

6 of the Best Beaches in Cuba

Let’s break it down beach by beach. Because there are pros and cons to every beach in Cuba. Here are my 6 favorite beaches in Cuba and why you should visit them.

The Malecon: The City Beach

There may not be any sand on this stretch of water but the sheer convenience of an accessible shoreline right off Havana can’t be discounted. Restaurants, a walking path, and art shops line “The Malecon” in hopes of luring tourists inside. You’ll get some great food and breathtaking views of the sunset over the water–but no swimming here.

Personally, I don’t know if I can call this a beach. But it is one of the best places to score some authentic Cuban food and marvel at the crashing waves.

Cayo Jutias: The Best Beach For Exploring

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This is tied for my favorite beach on the island. Named for a species of tree rat (Jutias) native to Cuba there are mangroves and plenty of trees for shade on this beach. Just a two-hour taxi ride outside of Vinales (my favorite town in Cuba), it makes for a great day trip.

You can lounge around on the shores if you want but there are also long stretches of coastline to explore if you’re up for it. Unfortunately, no Jutias were spotted, just a whole lot of crabs and lobster.

Varadero: The Ultimate Beach Town

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Technically this is a collection of beaches, but it’s really just one ENDLESS stretch of blindingly white sand. The water is so still it might as well be bathwater. Oh, and carts serving Pina Coladas in Pineapples are drifting about town, perfectly suited for drinking on the shores.

This is the most popular beach town in Cuba. If you google “Cuba” & “Beach” you’ll be bombarded with picture-perfect images of Varadero & high-end resorts.

My only problem with this beach city is there are NO trees of any kind on the beach. Just endless white sand. Seriously bring your sunglasses and find a beach umbrella quick or you’ll burn to a crisp instantly.

This is both a Cuban and a local favorite when it comes to beach days. So maybe I’m crazy. But I prefer a beach with some foliage and things to do other than sunbathing.

Playa Ancon: The White Sand Beach

This beach sits just a 15-minute taxi ride outside of dreamy Trinidad–one of my favorite Cuban cities. But unless you’re desperately craving a beach day it’s not really worth the trip.

Known for being one of the better beaches on the Southern coast of Cuba, it’s no Varadero. The water is often choppy and clouded and the beach can get a little crowded because of its close proximity to a large hotel and the town of Trinidad. I don’t recommend the restaurant at the beach either. It’s a state-run restaurant and the food was definitely not freshly cooked. (& if you’re an American visiting Cuba you’re technically not allowed to eat there anyway.)

I don’t mean to rag on this beach. If you’re looking for a nice warm stretch of sand on relatively still water you’ll enjoy yourself, I just felt like there were better beaches in Cuba.

Playa Manguana: The Hidden Gem of Eastern Cuba

 Not many people make it to the Eastern side of Cuba. It either involves around 19 hours total on a Viazul bus, a very expensive 12-hour taxi ride (good luck finding a driver), or a flight on VivaCuba.

VivaCuba Airlines is a very small airline with unreliable routes and flights that are often canceled on a whim regularly. So, for now, this beach remains relatively isolated.

But for the long-term or very determined traveler, it’s doable. I was in Cuba for around 3 weeks but due to unfortunate flight circumstances, we weren’t able to visit. The eastern coast is full of golden-sand tropical-paradise beaches that you’ll have all to yourself if you can make it there.

My recommendation: Head to the town of Baracoa and then work your way around the coastline.

We booked a flight on VivaCuba knowing there was a possibility it could get canceled and due to the tragic plane crash that occurred just before our arrival, it did. So I haven’t yet seen these beaches just heard about their charm.

Playa Giron: The Snorkel Haven & My Favorite Beach in Cuba

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This is without a doubt the best beach in Cuba. Also known as the infamous Bay of Pigs this area is about 2 hours west of Cienfuegos and home to the best snorkeling Cuba has to offer.

If you’re a diver this will be your beach of choice too. Picture perfect palm trees, beaches protected from the waves, and plenty of coral reefs easily accessible from the shore. This beach also had plenty of beach puppies and kittens to keep you company too.

During my visit I didn’t even do much snorkeling. The beach is rugged and undeveloped and if you want a slice of paradise to yourself you’ll love it too.

Map of the Best Cuban Beaches

Unless you are planning your entire Cuban vacation around a single beach these are the most easily accessible. Some tourists fly into Cayo Largo or venture out to Cayo Cocos but these beaches are resort towns only. You won’t be getting the full Cuban experience and you’ll be paying a hefty price tag to boot. The beaches there are undeniably stunning– but having to compete with all the other resort go-ers for your spot on the sand dulls their appeal a bit.

Visit Cuba and you’re likely to find at least one beach that suits you.

Need More Cuba Travel Resources?

I spent 3-weeks backpacking my way around Cuba. & although I loved lounging on beautiful beaches, most of my time was spent in vibrant cities like Havana, horseback-riding through the Valley of Silence in Vinales, and diving into the Cuban culture. Here are a few other blog posts to help you plan your trip.

• My 3-week trip exploring the best of Cuba.
• How to Travel to Cuba as an American.
• Your guide to Trinidad: Cuba’s finest colonial town.
• A complete foodie guide to Cuba.

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