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One of the main draws of Cuba is its picturesque playas, and finding the right place to stay by the beach can make or break your trip. This list of Cuba’s top beaches and their ideal accommodations can guide you to the best room for you.
Cayo Coco
Cayo Coco is an island in the central region of northern Cuba. Cayo Coco’s pristine white sand beaches, stretching as far as the eye can see, as well as its calm, crystal clear waters, make it a favorite destination for foreigners, who tend to stay in one of the island’s 10 all-inclusive tourist resorts. Often compared to Varadero, this idyllic escape boasts more secluded beaches, with fewer hotels, creating a nice private getaway to your slice of paradise.
Where to stay
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort located on the pristine beaches of Cayo Coco, Tryp Club Cayo Coco is your clear favorite. Trip club appeals to the adventurous groups looking to explore the depths of the off-shore reefs on a paddle board or with a scuba tank, as well as those looking to do nothing more than sprawl on the sand or beside the giant pool. Ameneties at the Tryp Club include a large natural lake with native flamingos (yep), excellent gastronomic options with bars and restaurants, and multi-room suites that overlook the ocean.
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Playa Ancon
Trinidad is a small, charming town with colonial Spanish architecture and the most popular beach on Cuba’s south coast: Playa Ancon. One major perk to this beach is its proximity to the town with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Though the beach itself is not amongst the most beautiful beaches of Cuba, it still retains the Cuban standard of white sands and warm waters, while also being conveniently accessible by taxi, bus or bike from Trinidad. This beach has three all-inclusive hotels for those seeking luxury accommodations, as well as options of casa particulares for those on a budget.
Where to stay
Without a doubt, the best place to stay in Playa Ancón is Hotel Club Amigo Costa Sur. Located just 8 miles from the colonial town of Trinidad, Costa Sur isn’t your typical hotel experience. Stay in one of the multi-colored guest houses that flank the shoreline and have your own little slice of beach paradise. Costa Sur feels more like a vacation home or Airbnb than a classic hotel experience. Have your own space and your own kitchen while also having access to all the spas, tennis courts, and volleyball courts that make for a great vacation.
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Guardalavaca
This coastal paradise lies on the northern shore of Cuba on the eastern side of the island. Guardalavaca is a small village with a soft, white sand beach and crystalline turquoise waters. Known for sporting activities, this beach offers snorkeling, scuba diving, catamaran sailing and more.
Where to stay
With over 20 years under its belt in the hospitality industry, Brisas Guardalavaca is somewhat of a veteran when it comes to resort management. Their secret? Excellent staff and customer service. Brisas isn’t the all-out plush resort you’ll find on other parts of the island, but in that way it feels more authentic. Amenities here include beach volleyball, nature tours, ping pong tournaments, geography lessons, Spanish lessons, and “aquafitness” classes. Even though Guardalavaca is quite far from the rest of Cuba’s hotspots, Brisas makes it well worth the journey.
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Playas del Este
A convenient 15-minute taxi ride from Havana, you’ll find the more economical beach destination Playas del Este. While not as developed as other tourist-populated Cuban beaches, this strip is known to have a more rustic feel. On this soft white sand beach you won’t find the luxuries and facilities of all-inclusive resorts, but rather the cross-cultural mix of foreigners and local Cubans who also frequent the area.
Playas del Este consists of six main beaches along the coastline, each one with a different scene and vibe. Santa Maria del Mar is the most popularly known beach of them all, and likewise the most frequented, with all the perks of a tranquil beach plus a nice balance of locals and tourists. Tarará is a gated resort town with a boardwalk and a yacht club as well as a beautiful beach known for yachts and diving. The LGBT community has chosen Boca Ciega as a favorite, as gay couples frequent this beach most. At the end of the strip is Guanabo, a beach town with shops, a nightclub and lots of casas particulares.
Where to stay
Right on the shores of Santa Maria del Mar is the famous Hotel Atlantico, which we highly recommend. If you’re looking to be close to the cultural centers of Havana while still keeping your toes in the Caribbean, Hotel Atlantico’s location is unbeatable. Here you’ll be close to numerous beaches, the Earnest Hemingway Monument, various vintage lighthouses and so much more.
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