Reputable travel websites such as TripAdvisor have also repeatedly recognized the appeal of Cuban beaches, notably Cayo Santa María and Varadero.
Cuba is still the top choice for those who want to explore the beaches stretching across this Caribbean island nation, which is famous for its natural beauty and has been wonderfully preserved over the years.
Reputable travel websites such as TripAdvisor have also repeatedly recognized the appeal of Cuban beaches, typically Cayo Santa María and Varadero, ranked 2nd and 12th respectively in the list of the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world.
Cuba has more than 200 beaches stretching across the country, with a total length of up to 588 km, of which 256 km belong to 12 main tourist development areas.
Cayo Santa María is one of Cuba’s most popular vacation destinations. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, this small archipelago with its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters attracted many tourists, especially travelers from Europe. The best way to get to Cayo Santa María is via the 48-kilometer-long sea road known locally as “pedraplén,” which starts from the town of Caibarién in the northern province of Villa Clara. Cayo Santa María is 13 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. The beaches here stretch for 11 kilometers, with impressive names such as Perla Blanca, Las Caletas, Cañón and Cuatro Punta. In addition to the golden sunshine and blue sea, this is also an ideal destination for activities such as diving, yachting and other excursions.
Varadero, meanwhile, is more than just a beach. Since 1887, it has been home to many wooden houses with Spanish-style tiled roofs, giving it a unique appearance. The name Varadero comes from the fact that it was a shallow area of the sea where ships often ran aground due to the tides. The Spanish navigator Sebastián de Ocampo discovered the land in 1508 during his expedition to Cuba.
In addition to its beaches, Varadero is home to 15 archaeological sites, including caves that served as shelters for natives and runaway slaves during the colonial period. The most visited site today is the 250-meter-long Ambrosio Cave, which houses the largest cave painting in the Caribbean, with intricate details and a testament to the skill and talent of the ancients. The paintings in the Ambrosio Cave include ancient drawings depicting the lives, beliefs or spiritual symbols of the indigenous people. The paintings are often made with natural materials such as clay, charcoal or minerals. These paintings are not only works of art but also valuable historical evidence, helping researchers better understand the culture and lifestyle of ancient people in the Caribbean region.
The first major hotel in Varadero was built in 1950. Today, the resort has 40 hotels with more than 10,500 rooms and continues to grow, becoming the entertainment hub of the country.
Cayo Santa María and Varadero are considered two prominent destinations of Cuba, the land of “Sun and Sea”. With continuous investment in infrastructure and nature conservation, Cuba promises to continue to be an attractive destination for global tourists.