November 3, 2025
When people picture Cuba’s beaches, they often imagine the broad golden sands of Varadero or the postcard-perfect cays of the north. But beyond the well-known resort zones lies a coastline full of hidden treasures—quiet bays, white-sand spits, and wild mangrove edges where pelicans, flamingos, and fishermen share the same horizon.
At Marysol Travel, after more than 18 years operating across the island, we’ve learned that Cuba’s western and central shores hold some of the country’s most authentic experiences for travelers who want tranquility, culture, and raw beauty.
This is your insider’s guide to the untouched beaches and coastal gems that reveal a slower, more soulful side of Cuba.
Beach at Cayo Levisa, Cuba
A short boat ride from Palma Rubia in western Cuba, Cayo Levisa is a small island of whispering palms and powdery sand. Known among divers and snorkelers, it remains largely off the mainstream tourist map.
The coral reef just 100 m from shore teems with tropical fish, and the sunsets here feel almost private. There’s a single eco-resort and a dive center—but no cars, no vendors, no loud music. Just sea, salt, and stillness.
Marysol Travel tip: Visit on a weekday and stay overnight; after the last day visitors depart, you’ll have the island nearly to yourself.
Hidden beach at Bay of Pigs, Cuba
In the Bay of Pigs area (Matanzas province), the villages of Playa Larga and Playa Girón front turquoise shallows framed by mangrove forests. Beyond the beach, this region hides Ciénaga de Zapata, Cuba’s largest wetland reserve—a paradise for birdwatchers, canoeing enthusiasts, and eco-photographers.
Between morning kayak trips through mangrove channels and afternoon swims in cenotes like Cueva de los Peces, travelers find a rhythm where nature sets the pace.
Why go: It’s a seamless blend of coastal relaxation and environmental immersion. With 65 bird species—flamingos, spoonbills, Cuban trogons—it’s a sanctuary for photographers and anyone craving quiet exploration.
Palm tree at Playa Ancon
Just a fifteen-minute drive from Trinidad, Playa Ancón curves gracefully into the Caribbean with calm, swimmable waters and pastel sunsets. It’s the only large beach along the southern coast easily combined with colonial sightseeing, making it ideal for mixed-interest travelers.
You can dive at nearby reefs, sail to Cayo Blanco, or simply sip a cocktail at a paladar on the sand while the sound of distant guitar drifts from town.
Marysol Travel tip: Combine Ancón with an evening walking tour in Trinidad—cobblestones, live son music, and seafood dinner under lantern light.
Hidden beach in Cayo Jutias, Cuba
Drive north from Viñales, cross the causeway through mangroves, and you’ll reach Cayo Jutías, an undeveloped jewel famous among locals. Wooden beach bars serve grilled lobster with lime, while small fishing boats sway lazily in transparent shallows.
No big hotels, just endless coastline and local life.
Insider insight: The island’s far western point (Playa de las Estrellas) is home to starfish-filled shallows—best visited early morning for photos and solitude.
Santa Lucia Beach
Stretching for 20 km, Playa Santa Lucía is Cuba’s best-kept secret for divers and birders. Offshore lies one of the Caribbean’s longest coral reefs, and behind it, salt flats attract vast flamingo colonies.
Boutique resorts here are smaller and quieter than Varadero’s mega-hotels—ideal for incentive groups seeking exclusivity with authentic charm.
Marysol Travel tip: Plan a multi-day circuit—start in Camagüey, spend two nights in Santa Lucía, and continue east toward Holguín’s coastal villages for contrast.
With European management and deep local partnerships, Marysol Travel has the flexibility to craft routes that blend Cuba’s inland culture with its coastal calm.
We handle everything—from small couples’ escapes and special-interest photography tours to full-scale incentive groups up to 1,000 guests. Whether it’s a single beach extension or a full-week island loop, our logistics team ensures timing, transport, and service align perfectly.
Because for us, Cuba isn’t just a destination—it’s home.
When to Visit: November to April offers dry, sunny weather and excellent visibility for snorkeling.
Transport: Road conditions vary—private transfers are recommended for comfort and timing.
Connectivity: Many hidden beaches have limited internet, so download maps or rely on your driver-guide.
Sustainability: Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching corals; local ecosystems are fragile.
Packing: Bring cash for local eateries—card terminals are rare outside resorts.