Cuba Beaches: The 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Cuba & Beach Hotels

The 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in Cuba on a Map

So you can get a quick sense of where Cuba’s most beautiful beaches are located, we’ve marked them all on a map for you.

Varadero

What do you need to know? Varadero is one of the top highlights in Cuba — the beach is seriously long, the sand is fine and white, and the water is that perfect turquoise blue. That said, it’s completely geared toward tourism, with hotel buildings lining the shore the whole way. If you want to experience the real Cuba, this isn’t the place for it.

How do you get to Varadero? By bus with Viazul, by rental car, private transfer, or taxi.

Our tip for a beach hotel in Varadero: Iberostar Selection Varadero

Cayo Coco

What do you need to know? The beaches on Cayo Coco, off Cuba’s northern coast, are breathtakingly beautiful. You can snorkel in the turquoise water and enjoy the untouched natural surroundings. One thing to be aware of: only tourists and staff are allowed on Cayo Coco — locals are otherwise prohibited from entering the island.

How do you get to Cayo Coco? By rental car, taxi, or private transfer. There’s no public transportation to Cayo Coco.

Our tip for a beach hotel on Cayo Coco: Melia Cayo Coco

Cayo Guillermo

What do you need to know? Cayo Guillermo is a tiny island right next to Cayo Coco, and it’s home to Playa Pilar — arguably the single most beautiful beach in Cuba. If you’re after an authentic Caribbean feel, this is really the place to be.

How do you get to Cayo Guillermo? By rental car, taxi, or private transfer. Public transportation doesn’t run there.

Our tip for a beach hotel on Cayo Guillermo: Gran Muthu Rainbow Hotel

Cayo Levisa

What do you need to know? Cayo Levisa is a small island along Cuba’s northwest coast, tucked between Havana and Viñales. You can only reach it by boat, and there’s very little infrastructure — which is exactly the point. It’s quiet, laid-back, and totally worth it for a proper beach day in nature.

How do you get to Cayo Levisa? Guided tours run from Havana and Viñales. Alternatively, drive to Palma Rubia by rental car and take the ferry from there. The ferry doesn’t run on a fixed schedule, so check departure times in advance — guesthouses in Palma Rubia are a good source for this.

Our tip for staying on Cayo Levisa: We’d recommend booking a day trip to the beach rather than staying overnight, as accommodation options on the island are very limited.

Playa Ancón

What do you need to know? Playa Ancón is a dream stretch of sand in southern Cuba, just a few kilometers from the popular colonial city of Trinidad. That makes it super easy to combine a beach day with sightseeing elsewhere in Cuba. It’s also noticeably less touristy than Varadero — you’ll see plenty of locals here too, which gives it a more authentic vibe.

How do you get to Playa Ancón? By bicycle, rental car, or taxi from Trinidad.

Our tip for staying at Playa Ancón: The best beachfront option is the Melia Trinidad Península. That said, we’d honestly recommend basing yourself in nearby Trinidad — the hotel selection right at Playa Ancón isn’t particularly impressive.

Playa Guardalavaca

What do you need to know? Playa Guardalavaca is a real standout among the best beaches in Cuba — and still relatively off the beaten path. Located in the east of the country, it’s a great mix of nature and beach life, with clear water that’s perfect for snorkeling.

How do you get to Playa Guardalavaca? Your best option is a rental car or a guided tour. You can also take the Viazul bus to Holguín and grab a taxi from there.

Our tip for staying at Playa Guardalavaca: We haven’t found any standout beachfront hotels here, so we’d suggest booking your accommodation through Airbnb.

Beaches at the Bay of Pigs

What do you need to know? The Bay of Pigs is famous for the US invasion during the revolutionary era — but today, it’s all about the beaches, and they’re stunning. The most popular are Playa Larga and Playa Girón, and both are absolutely worth a visit.

How do you get to the Bay of Pigs? Viazul buses serve both Playa Girón and Playa Larga. For more flexibility, a Cuba road trip by rental car or private transfer is the way to go. The nearest major city is Cienfuegos.

Our tip for staying at the Bay of Pigs: This area is mostly small, private guesthouses rather than large beach hotels. Airbnb is your best bet for finding a place to stay.

Practical Tips for Your Beach Vacation in Cuba

Here are a few things to know before you hit the beach in Cuba.

Also read all our travel tips for Cuba

Important Note on Beach Hotels in Cuba

Book your beach hotel directly on the hotel’s website, as popular booking platforms like Booking.com don’t work for Cuba.

In general, beach hotels in Cuba don’t quite match European or North American standards. Expect less luxury and lower quality than you might be used to from other Caribbean destinations. Internet access in Cuba is poor — and that’s no different in hotels.

If you’re dreaming of a truly luxurious Caribbean beach vacation, we’d recommend looking at luxury hotels in Yucatán, Mexico instead.

Renting a Car in Cuba

The best way to explore Cuba’s beaches is by rental car. Just keep in mind that roads can be pothole-heavy and gas has been in short supply across the country.

Book a rental car on TUI Cars

What Is the Water Temperature in Cuba?

The water stays around 77°F (25°C) year-round — so you can swim comfortably no matter when you visit.

Is Cuba a Safe Travel Destination?

Generally, yes — Cuba is a safe country to travel in. That said, petty theft does occur, largely driven by poverty, so keep an eye on your belongings.

More tips can be found in our safety guide for Cuba

When Is the Best Time to Visit Cuba for a Beach Vacation?

The dry season from November through April is your best bet for beach weather. Rain is rare during this period and you can count on sunshine most days.