The 11 most beautiful beaches of Cuba

Are you wondering where to go to enjoy the wonderful Cuban coastline? From the most famous beaches to the true hidden treasures, here are the 11 most beautiful beaches of Cuba!

In addition to its lush forests, its multi-coloured cities and its sparkling atmosphere, Cuba is a dream destination for farniente. The largest island in the Caribbean is home to a multitude of paradise beaches. Among all these postcard landscapes, we must admit that it is difficult to find one another! Yet some beaches come out of the lot. Ready to plunge the toes into a translucent water and pre-fill on the hot sand? Here are the 11 most beautiful beaches in Cuba.

1. Playa Flamingo, Cayo Coco

Cayo Coco Island is famous for its beautiful beaches. The richness of its biodiversity gives it an incomparable cachet. In particular, it houses the second largest coral reef in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Of course, this makes it an ideal place to learn to scuba diving... And take your eyes! But Cayo Coco is also known for its colony of pink flamingos, the largest in the whole continent. When you go to the Flamingo playa, you can sunbathe with these majestic birds. An unforgettable experience!

2. Playa Pilar, Cayo Guillermo

Often considered the most beautiful beach in Cuba, playa Pilar has everything from a paradise beach. White sand, turquoise water and palm trees draw a painting that seems straight out of a dream. If you are looking for a wild and peaceful place, this is where you have to go! It was also these landscapes that inspired Hemingway to write his novel “Drive Island”. For the anecdote, the name of the beach is a tribute to the author, and especially to his fishing boat, Pilar!

3. Playa Periquillo, Cayo Santa Maria

The small island of Cayo Santa Maria is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reason? Its impressive biodiversity! You will encounter iguanas, pink flamingos and a large number of endemic species. In particular, you may have the chance to cross the Tocororo. Behind this curious name is a small bird in the colours of the Cuban flag that has become a national emblem! The most beautiful beach on the island is probably the Periquillo playa. This white sand crescent is a dream place to relax and swim among multicolored fish. You can also practice scuba diving in its clear waters!

4. Playa Maguana, Baracoa

Meet in Eastern Cuba, near Baracoa. This very pretty city, located between sea and mountain, is a true jewel still little known to tourists. The beaches around it are simply sublime! Among them, the playa Maguana is the perfect place to taste the true Cuban atmosphere. Indeed, it is mostly popular with the local population. In a tropical setting, dive into its translucent waters, protected by the proximity of the coral reef. Don't miss the restaurants located near the beach, ideal to taste local specialties.

5. Playa Blanca, Baracoa

In addition to being one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba, playa Blanca is one of the smallest beaches in the world! You'll have to walk and climb a hill to get there, but it's worth it. This tiny beach offers an intimate setting, ideal for those who want to flee the tourist hustle. Not to mention that playa Blanca is lost in a breathtaking tropical setting. Do not hesitate to explore its surroundings. For this, you even have the possibility to rent a canoe! But be aware that this little corner of paradise has a price: you will have to pay to access it.

6. Playa Los Pinos

For you, the most beautiful beaches in Cuba are those that allow you to be alone with yourself? Visit the Los Pinos playa! This incredible place is only accessible by boat from the playa Santa Lucia. Therefore, it is one of the most deserted beaches in the country. Yet it offers a breathtaking landscape! An ideal place to relax by listening to the clapotis of the waves and singing birds.

7. Playa Tortuga, Cayo Largo del Sur

You dream of swimming with the turtles? The playa Tortuga is not randomly named. Indeed, you will find a large number, whether on sand or in water. In the moonlight, they are many to go to the beach to lay there. It is an experience that will remain forever engraved in your memory! In addition, playa Tortuga has many other assets. A large hot sandbank, turquoise water and a breathtaking landscape await you. If you want to go there, respect the fauna and flora that are there in order to preserve the balance of the place.

8. Punta Frances, Isla de la Juventud

Punta Frances owes its name to the French corsary Francois Leclerc, who was in the Caribbean in the 16th century under the name "wood leg". The beach was at the time a den for pirates, who would have buried many treasures... Moreover, it seems to have largely contributed to the imagination of piracy. In particular, she inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write her famous novel “The Island of Pirate”. But Punta Frances is also a privileged place to practice scuba diving or water sports. Its clear and peaceful waters let nothing presume its sulphurous history! The beauty of its landscapes and the legends around it make it one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba.

9. Playa Las Gaviotas, Cayo Santa Maria

If you are looking for a beach where nature is queen, go to the playa Las Gaviotas. To get there, you will have to take a small forest path. Once on site, it’s a wild landscape that stretches in front of you. Indeed, Las Gaviotas is a preserved beach. It is forbidden to build! Because of this, it is located in the nature reserve Biosfera Buenavista, classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a result, the entire island of Cayo Santa Maria represents an ideal destination for nature lovers. Discover its 13 kilometers of coastline! You will find lush forests, mangroves and rich biodiversity.

10. Playa Coral, Varadero

What is the most beautiful beach in Cuba for diving? Playa Coral is very famous to be an ideal snorkeling spot. As its name suggests, it is located not far from a coral reef. It houses no less than 300 species of fish! You have the opportunity to dive to explore them. An incredible profusion of life and colors comes under your eyes and Playa Coral’s limpid water allows you to observe it with exceptional clarity. If you go there, do not miss exploring the Saturno Cave. You can swim in its deep blue basins!

11. Playa Varadero

For many, playa Varadero sits as a queen among the most beautiful beaches of Cuba, even among the most beautiful beaches in the world. For others, it is better to avoid it, because it is very touristic. Your judgment! Indeed, Varadero is far from being the most authentic beach in Cuba. However, its 20 kilometers of white sand and its particularly turquoise water are worth a visit. She's so big that you'll never get stuck to your neighbors! Moreover, the high salt content of its waters allows you to float on the surface, the nose facing the sky. A real little piece of paradise.