Garie Beach

where is the BEST beach in Cuba?

Me and a few girlfriends are booking a vacation to Cuba this March.We are not sure where we want to go yet, as there are quite a few different places to visit. We were thinking Varadero, but I think it might be a little too "touristy" for us. Here is an idea of what we are looking for in our vacation: - All inclusive - Nothing too "touristy" - No overpopulated resort - The most beautiful beach with white sand, and crystal clear turqoise water. - Not sure if there are any hotels that have the "over water bungalows" or not... but that would be awesome. - The opportunity to explore and take some different excursions. - Having the option that if we want to go into one of the cities to check it out, it isn't too far. - We want to be able to relax, but keep in mind that we are all in our 20's so we still want to be able to party... a bit : ) Varadero? Cayo Coco? Cayo Largo?? Hopefully you can narrow it down for me!! thanks! *** The reason I am thinking about the Cayo's is because I really really want to see Playa Pilar Beach, I hear it is supposed to be just amazing, and in the top 3 for beaches in the carribean...

Public Comments

1. GITMO
2. Great answer above. You may have to join the US Military to go there.
3. Okay, I guess these guys think you´re from the U.S. LOL and that you actually don´t know what you´re requesting. So, that being said, Cayo Coco is beautiful. It´s in the keys and has 3 shades of clear turquoise water and powdery white sand. The people there are warm, kind and hospitable. But because it is on its own, you need to drive into the city of Morón about 45 minutes. Many would love to take you into their town and show you hospitality even in their homes :-) I've never been to Veradero, but from what I know, it's a different atmosphere and many locals are nearby. However, Cayo Coco resorts are only 15 minutes away from the airport which means more time on the beach. Hotel Tryp Caco Coco is an awesome resort...great people, great entertainment, and the food is great too. The layout of the resort is the most beautiful in all of Cayo Coco. If you are looking for 'over water bungalows', you will find that in Cayo Coco at a different resort down from Tryp. In Veradero, you will probably find a highly populated resort...but Tryp Cayo Coco is not overly populated. You will have an awesome time there. So check out these sites...they'll give you an idea of what you are looking for. Have a great time! ¡Buen viaje!
4. Varadero is the most popular destination, Cayo Coco is OK too. If you want to relax and party etc , an all inclusive in Varadero is your best option. But this is not the real Cuba , interesting cities Havana,Santiago,Trinidad etc are far away from Varadero. To me the best beaches are near Havana : Playas del Este, less tourists and 20 km from Central Havana. http://www.havana-guide.com
5. Since you want excursions the cayos are probably not the best choice. For beauty I really like Playa Esmeralda - Rio Dora and Lunes Y Mares resorts are on this beach. It's not huge but plenty large for walking along. The blues are fantastic. There's also very good snorkelling right off shore. Varadero is overpopulated but it has great sand and an endless stretch of beach. I also like Playa Ancon near Trinidad. There is a long deserted stretch of white sand beach on the Caribbean and the city of Trinidad is just a few minutes away by cab. I'd avoid Marea Del Portilla - the price is attractive but the beach is the worst I have seen in Cuba - unless of course you hike the short distance over the hill where there is an almost deserted stretch of sand and coral. They also have a boat tour to an island where there is nice sand - although it may have sustained hurricane damage. There's also a very nice beach and good snorkelling at Jibacoa - it's packaged with Varadero but it's closer to Havana. Playa Pescaro (holguin/Gardalavaca) is a nice beach too but it's overcrowded.