Where to go in Cuba: 10 best resorts for beach, diving and excursions

Cuba welcomes tourists year-round, and its ten main resorts are nothing alike. Some have the country's best diving, others are geared toward families with children, and still others combine beach time with walks through old cities.

We looked at ten destinations and explained which one to choose for your trip. Camagüey Province alone has more than 120 km of sand across its beaches, according to the official Cuba tourism website. Below you'll find directions and tips on who each place is for.

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Where to go in Cuba: how to choose a resort

💡 In short:

• Decide on the purpose of your trip: diving, a beach with kids, or city sightseeing.
• Consider the season: dry from November to April, rainy from May to October.
• Access, climate, and resort infrastructure: 09/2026, according to the official Cuba tourism website.

The island has more than a dozen resorts, but these ten cover every scenario. Below you'll find each destination with its own photo, directions, and a tip on who it's for.

1. Varadero

Varadero holds the title of Cuba's main beach resort and is located 140 km from Havana (verified 09/15/2026 on the official Cuba tourism website), so after your flight you'll get to the sea quickly.

© IV@no · CC BYPhoto: IV@no, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The beach itself stretches for about 21 km (as of 09/2026, cuba.travel). The water here is a rich turquoise, and the hot climate is tempered by constant winds. This is where most tourists come, so the resort is well developed.

During the day you'll be offered diving, surfing, and beach sports, and in the evening Cuban dance lessons and discos get going. It's worth visiting the Rum Museum and the Al Kapone restaurant, which serves lobster with shrimp. Souvenirs and cigars are easy to buy right in the hotels.

Hotels in Varadero on Trip.com

2. Cayo Coco

Cayo Coco got its name from a local bird, and a causeway connects it to the mainland. The Jardines del Rey international airport also operates here (according to the official Cuba tourism website), so you can fly to the resort on a domestic flight as well.

Most hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis, so you don't have to think about everyday details. If you want to save money, stay in the city of Morón on the mainland and drive to the coast each day.

People come here for nature: a national park lies nearby where you can go rock climbing, and pink flamingos stroll across the lawns like domestic birds. The coral reef near the shore resembles a huge aquarium, so diving here is interesting even for beginners. The beaches are clean, and the island has spas and fitness centers.

Hotels in Cayo Coco on Trip.com

3. Cayo Largo

Cayo Largo lies south of the main island, and the most convenient way to get here is from Varadero or Havana. The island has no permanent population: Cubans come here to work in the hotels.

© gian luca bucci · CC BYPhoto: gian luca bucci, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Almost all hotels are four-star, so if you value a quiet vacation and good food, this is the place for you. The beaches have snow-white sand, and the water is so transparent that you tan even while swimming. When scuba diving, the underwater world is visible almost without distortion.

• Who it's for: parents with small children, couples, and middle-aged travelers.
• Location: south of the main island, the route from Varadero or Havana.

Each hotel operates like a mini-city: there are entertainment programs for children, and adults enjoy the local cuisine.

Hotels in Cayo Largo on Trip.com

4. Cayo Guillermo

Cayo Guillermo is connected to Cayo Coco by a road, so the two islands are often visited in one trip. The hotels here are first-class and operate on an all-inclusive basis.

© carlos adan · CC BY-SAPhoto: carlos adan, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Animators work from morning to evening, live music plays, and parties are held. The beaches with snow-white sand look as if humans have barely been here.

• Who it's for: families with children. There are no strong waves, and the sand doesn't burn your feet even at noon.

The sea is warm and shimmers with every shade of blue and green, and Hemingway worked here on his novel "Islands in the Stream". You can visit the local dolphinarium and swim alongside dolphins. Diving on this island also sets a high standard.

Hotels in Cayo Guillermo on Trip.com

5. Cayo Santa María

Cayo Santa María is quickly turning into a fashionable resort that you can reach by a short flight from Havana or a long drive.

© Toutaitanous · CC BY-SAPhoto: Toutaitanous, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

All hotels here are four- or five-star and operate on an all-inclusive basis. Spas, kids' clubs, and animation are available, and the local restaurants maintain a high standard.

• Who it's for: vacations with children. The sea is shallow, the sand is clean, and there are almost no waves.
• The catch: prices are higher than in Cayo Coco because all goods are imported.

Rent a scooter or bicycle and explore the island on your own: you'll see giant turtles, exotic crabs, and iguanas. Fruit, Cuban rum, and souvenirs are also abundant here.

Hotels in Cayo Santa María on Trip.com

6. Holguín

Holguín lies in the northeast of the country and is home to one of the most popular vacation areas. Holguín has its own international airport, so flying through Havana isn't necessary.

© Jakob von Raumer · CC BYPhoto: Jakob von Raumer, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Hotels here suit every taste and budget, from five-star properties to hostels, so you can easily find an option that fits your budget. The water at the main beach, Playa Esmeralda, stays warm even in winter, so even the youngest children can swim.

• Who it's for: families with children.
• Not for: those who want nightlife. Holguín has almost no discos or clubs.

There aren't many attractions, but they're worth your time: climb Loma de la Cruz for the panorama and visit the old cathedral. Nearby there are waterfalls, a nature reserve with a dolphinarium, and you can also rent a catamaran or go scuba diving.

Hotels in Olguin on Trip.com

7. Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia in the northeast of the country is among the best resorts in Cuba. Pink flamingos are regularly seen here, and the province of Camaguey is home to the largest reserve of these birds in the Western Hemisphere, according to Cuba's tourism portal.

© go0o0o0d · CC BY-SAPhoto: go0o0o0d, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The beach stretches for about 21 km (as of 09/2026, Cuba's tourism board). Clean water and a calm shore suit travelers of all ages.

• Who it's for: travelers of all ages.

The main activity here is diving. Coral reefs come close to the shore, and well-preserved sunken ships lie on the bottom. Even with a mask you'll see numerous reef inhabitants. Experienced divers can also see sharks during feeding.

Nearby lies the old city of Camaguey. In the 17th century, the pirate Henry Morgan set it on fire, and since then the city has turned into a labyrinth of narrow streets and picturesque houses.

Hotels in Santa Lucia on Trip.com

8. Havana

Havana should be viewed not as a beach destination, but as a large open-air museum. Set aside several days to see the main sights.

© Antonio Schubert from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil · CC BY-SAPhoto: Antonio Schubert from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Old houses stand next to modern streets, shopping centers, and small cafes. Locals often talk to each other right through window openings, because glass in houses is a rarity. You'll come across lively street performances.

• The catch: city beaches are usually crowded. For peace and quiet, take a taxi to the nearest resorts.

Havana has the largest selection of excursions, and it's also the easiest place to buy souvenirs, from cigars and rum to local artisans' crafts. You can ride the old railway or visit a nature reserve. For the beach, it's convenient to take a taxi to Varadero: the trip takes a couple of hours.

Hotels in Havana on Trip.com

9. Baracoa

Baracoa lies in the east of the country and long stayed off the tourist trail. Until recently, the only way to get here was by sea, before a highway was built, and the town itself was founded in the early 16th century.

Nearby is the spot where Columbus landed in the late 15th century. The local cathedral holds the cross that, according to legend, he planted on the shore, and there are plenty of colonial-era monuments here too.

Here you'll find rivers, waterfalls, and even a black-sand beach. The flat-topped mountain was named "the anvil," and the forests are home to the world's smallest frogs. From the local food, try the chocolate and fish in coconut milk.

Hotels in Baracoa on Trip.com

10. Cienfuegos

In Cienfuegos you'll find comfortable hotels, developed infrastructure, and historic districts.

© kuhnmi · CC BYPhoto: kuhnmi, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Beach time here won't disappoint either: the sea is warm and shallow, the sand is clean. Diving costs less than in Varadero, so divers come here for the price as well.

• Who it's for: those who want to combine city and sea.

From the city you can take a trip to the Zapata Peninsula. Kids will love the crocodile farm, and the Indian village of Guamá on the water shows the daily life of the local indigenous people.

Hotels in Cienfuegos on Trip.com

Cuba's resorts on the map

The map shows how the ten destinations are positioned relative to each other. Open it to see which resorts are close together and how to plan a route without unnecessary transfers.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to Cuba?

The dry season runs from November to April: less rain and milder heat. From May to October there are downpours, and from June to November hurricanes are possible. Winter months coincide with high season, so hotels are more expensive. For beach time and diving, December, January, and April offer the best balance.

Which Cuba resort should you choose for diving?

Start with Cayo Coco: the reef comes close to shore and feels like an aquarium. In Santa Lucía, shipwrecks add to the reefs, and in Cienfuegos dives are cheaper. Beginners will like Cayo Largo with its clear water. Check conditions and availability with hotel dive centers in advance.

Where are the best beaches in Cuba?

Varadero holds the longest beach: about 21 km of white sand (as of 09/2026, Cuba's tourism website). Cayo Largo and Cayo Guillermo stand out for their snow-white sand and calm water. In Camagüey province, where Santa Lucía is located, there are more than 120 km of beaches. For a quiet getaway, Cayo Santa María and Holguín are good options.

How many days do you need for Cuba?

Plan at least a week for one resort: the flight is long, and acclimatization takes a couple of days. If you want to add Havana or Camagüey, take two weeks.

How do you get to the island resorts?

Cayo Coco has domestic flights, and the island itself is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Cayo Santa María has an airport, but many people drive. Cayo Largo is usually reached from Varadero or Havana. Check the exact schedule with the carrier before your trip.

In short: what to book

If you're a family with kids: go for Cayo Guillermo or Cayo Santa María. If you're going for diving: look at Cayo Coco and Santa Lucía. If you want to combine beach and sightseeing: stay in Havana and head to the sea in Varadero. If you're looking for a quiet getaway: Cayo Largo and Holguín fit the bill. If you want a city with historic districts by the sea: go for Cienfuegos.

Cuba welcomes tourists year-round, so book your hotel for your chosen resort in advance.