a group of people on a beach near a body of water

Date of publication 02/08/2018

Destinations

Holidays on the beach The beaches you simply cannot miss on your next trip to Cuba

Genuine natural pools enticing you in for a nice long soak

If we exclude some small cliff areas, Cuba's more than 5,700 kilometers of coastline could be summarized as one enormous beach circling the island. That is the main appeal of Varadero, one of the country's quintessential beach enclaves, where you'll never tire of discovering the wonderful hotels and fascinating secrets of the 22 kilometers of surprises offered by the Blue Beach, as it's also known.

If you're planning a vacation in Cuba, we invite you to discover Iberostar's hotels in Varadero: 4- and 5-star beach resorts with all the amenities, located in one of the most paradisiacal corners of the Caribbean. Get ready to enjoy a unique experience in a destination that has it all and to which you'll undoubtedly want to return.

<h2>The Eastern Beaches</h2>

<p>These beaches are a favourite haunt of Havana residents to escape and unwind<u>.</u> Their charm lies not only in their proximity to the capital, but also in their calm waters and long stretches of beautiful white sand: just the perfect place to enjoy a day off. Beyond their natural beauty, these beaches also boast a vibrant atmosphere and the chance to see the iconic 1950s cars which bring the good vibes and music from the city to the coast.</p>

<p>Have not you booked your <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/la-habana">hotel in Havana</a> yet?</p>

Playas del Este

These beaches are known as the favorite getaway for Havana’s residents. Their charms, beyond their proximity to the capital, include calm waters and long stretches of sand—perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Add to that the lively atmosphere and the iconic 1950s cars that bring the city’s music and joy right to the coast.

Haven’t booked your hotel in Havana yet?

<h2>Playa Pilar (Cayo Guillermo)</h2>

<p>This beach owes its name to the famous boat sailed by Hemingway on his trip around the Antilles, while its reputation is all thanks to <strong>the turquoise waters full of marine life which surround Cayo Guillermo. </strong></p>

<p>Every visitor coming to Cuba can stay in one of the most <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/cayo-guillermo">exclusive hotels in&nbsp;Cayo Guillermo</a> owned by <strong>Iberostar&nbsp;Hotels &amp; Resorts</strong>&nbsp;Group</p>

Playa Pilar (Cayo Guillermo)

It owes its name to the famous boat with which Hemingway freely sailed through the Antilles. And its reputation, to the turquoise, life-filled waters surrounding Cayo Guillermo.

Anyone wishing to visit and explore can stay at one of the most exclusive hotels in Cayo Guillermo by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.

<h2>Playa Pesquero (Holgu&iacute;n)</h2>

<p>Its greatest allure lies in its long stretch of virgin coastline and<strong> the feeling of floating in a natural pool, free of waves and of minimal depth</strong>.&nbsp;Apart from being the third most visited destination in Cuba, Holgu&iacute;n province is an experience in itself. Not only because of its beaches and the evocative corners of the city it is named after, embellished by endless parks, but also for being home to this incredible <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/holguin/iberostar-holguin">5-star hotel in Holgu&iacute;n</a>.</p>

Playa Pesquero (Holguín)

Its main appeal lies in the untouched beauty of much of its coastline and that feeling of being in a natural pool—calm, shallow, and crystal clear.

In addition to being Cuba’s third most visited destination, the province of Holguín is an experience in itself. Not only for its beaches and the evocative corners of the city that shares its name, adorned with countless parks, but also for hosting this stunning 5-star hotel in Holguín.

<h2>Playa Anc&oacute;n (Trinidad)</h2>

<p>These beautiful sandbanks are the perfect way to complement a visit to the impressive colonial sites of Trinidad. A paradise of white sand, relaxing colours and breathtaking skies. If there is one thing that really stands out about this wonderful place, it is the claim to the <strong>best sunset in all of Cuba. </strong></p>

<p>Iberostar invites you to live this experience at the&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/trinidad/iberostar-grand-trinidad">Iberostar Grand Trinidad</a></strong>, a 5-star hotel for adults only, located in the Sancti Spiritus area and with all the comforts you can imagine.</p>

Playa Ancón (Trinidad)

This stretch of sand awaits after exploring the colonial wonders of Trinidad. A paradise of white sands, soothing colors, and stunning skies. If there’s one thing this magnificent place can boast, it’s offering the best sunset in all of Cuba.

While exploring the city, you can immerse yourself in its colonial charm, admire baroque and neoclassical buildings, and stroll along its cobblestone streets. Iberostar invites you to enjoy this experience at the Iberostar Grand Trinidad, a 5-star, adults-only hotel located in the Sancti Spíritus area, offering every comfort.

<h2>Playa Para&iacute;so (Cayo Largo)</h2>

<p>When you first set foot in this oasis in the heart of the Caribbean, the first thing that will come to your mind is that you have stepped right into the garden of Eden. That is largely down to the <strong>non-existing oreography of Cayo Largo del Sur, </strong>where the long golden beaches <strong>are punctuated by natural pools where the water laps against the sand, moving it softly at its whim</strong>.<strong> </strong><br />
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Playa Paraíso (Cayo Largo)

When you arrive at this oasis in the middle of the Caribbean, your first thought is that you’ve reached paradise itself. The reason lies in the flat, almost nonexistent terrain of Cayo Largo del Sur, where this beach stands out for its natural pools where the water gently stirs and shifts the sand at will.

<h2>Playa Caletones (Gibara)</h2>

<p>Gibara, a jaunty little village on the island&#39;s northern coast, besides preserving its seafaring merchant essence and its dazzling colonial architecture, also boasts beaches like this, <strong>where you will get to share the sand, daily routine and even a table at the traditional restaurants with the local fishermen.&nbsp; </strong></p>

Playa Caletones (Gibara)

The town of Gibara, beyond preserving its seafaring and trading spirit reflected in its colonial architecture, boasts beaches like this one, where you’ll share the sand, daily life, and even a table at traditional restaurants with the local fishermen.

<h2>Playa de Cayo Santa Mar&iacute;a</h2>

<p>This beach, which lies on the Atlantic to the north of this key, stretches over almost 10 idyllic kilometres. And the picture-postcard view barely changes right the way along, <strong>a crystal-clear sea, fine golden sand and rocky outcrops</strong> which give the sensation of being in a paradise protected by the rocks.<br />
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Cayo Santa María Beach

The beach that stretches along the Atlantic on the northern side of this key spans nearly 10 idyllic kilometers. Throughout its entire length, the view hardly changes—an image defined by crystal-clear waters, pristine sand, and rocky cliffs that create the impression of a paradise sheltered by stone.

<h2>Playa Santa Luc&iacute;a (Camag&uuml;ey)</h2>

<p>Santa Luc&iacute;a, in the state of Camag&uuml;ey, is the most similar place to Varadero that you will find in the eastern side of Cuba. While it does not have quite the same sandy strip, it does share its impressive length (20 kilometres) <strong>its photogenic and invigorating coconut trees and its enticing waters. </strong></p>

Santa Lucía Beach (Camagüey)

Santa Lucía, located in the province of Camagüey, is the closest thing to Varadero on Cuba’s eastern coast. Although it’s not a sandbar, it shares its long stretch (20 kilometers), its picturesque, refreshing coconut palms, and its inviting waters.

<h2>Playa Esmeralda (Holgu&iacute;n)</h2>

<p>Situated just over 50 kilometres from Gibara, the Playa Esmeralda is the epitome of <strong>Cuba&#39;s intrepid north-east area. </strong>Because if you stray a little from the sandy tracks and discover this unexpected paradise, you will soon realise how many hidden gems this island has to offer. Sandy stretches like the ones outlined here are proof of just how varied and exciting this country&#39;s coastline really is. <strong>Now you only have to discover them all!</strong></p>

Playa Esmeralda (Holguín)

Located just over 50 kilometers from Gibara, Playa Esmeralda perfectly illustrates the wild beauty of Cuba’s northeastern coast. When you leave behind the sandy trails and suddenly find this hidden paradise among the trees, you realize that this island still holds many secret corners. Beaches like the ones featured here show that Cuba’s coastline is both diverse and incredibly inspiring. Now all that’s left is for you to discover them all!