✈️ Cuba all inclusive: which resort to choose and when to go

Cuba sells vacations through one formula: a hotel, a beach, and "all-inclusive". But the island is large, and between Varadero and Cayo Largo lie completely different worlds. The small cayo islands offer quiet, reefs, and wild nature. Below we break down ten destinations and seven hotels so you can choose a resort that fits your scenario, not the first one from the search results.

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Best resorts in Cuba

💡 In short:

Ten destinations: classic Varadero, the cities of Havana and Trinidad, the quiet islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo.
The dry season runs from November through April, the wet season from May through October.

Almost all beach vacations in Cuba revolve around the coast. The central cities offer colonial architecture, music, and history, while the northern cayos give you white coral sand and reefs. The climate is tropical trade-wind, and the sea breeze softens the heat even in August. Below are ten destinations: some suit a classic beach holiday, others suit city sightseeing and excursions, and still others suit seclusion.

Varadero

Varadero tops the list of beach resorts in Cuba and is considered one of the most heavily promoted spots in the Caribbean. The resort sits on the narrow Hicacos Peninsula, about 140 kilometers from Havana, and the drive takes around two hours. The beach strip stretches for nearly 20 kilometers. The sand here is fine and white, and the entry into the water is gentle. The water stays in the 26-29 °C range almost year-round (according to the open reference). Hotels of all categories line the shore. At the coral reef a few kilometers offshore, you will be offered diving and snorkeling. The town itself is small: there are few attractions, but Havana and Matanzas are easy to reach on an excursion. Varadero Beach consistently appears in global best-beach rankings (according to the Travellers' Choice ranking).

The catch: in high season the beach is packed.

Havana

Havana, the capital of Cuba, spreads along the Gulf of Mexico around picturesque bays. It is the country's largest city. Its historic center was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1982 (according to the article on Havana). Spanish, African, and Latin American traditions mix here. The streets are filled with retro cars and colonial facades, so the city is loud and alive. Fortresses, palaces, baroque churches, and monasteries survive in the historic center. You can swim east of the capital, at Playa del Este and Jibacoa: regular buses run there from Central Park. From the center it is easy to set off on excursions around the country, and in the evening you should stroll along the Malecón.

Who it's for: those who want city, history, and music, not just a beach.

Holguín

Abel Santamaria mural on a building in Holguin

Holguín ranks second among the country's resorts after Varadero. It lies in the northeast, and you get here from Havana by plane. The hotels here are mostly more expensive, there are almost no three-star options, and the pace of vacation is calm. The province has two main beaches: Playa Esmeralda and Guardalavaca. Divers will find the local coral reef with its rich underwater world interesting. Around the area there are rivers with waterfalls, natural springs, and caves with grottoes. To see the city from above, climb the Hill of the Cross (Loma de la Cruz). From there a panorama of the surroundings opens up, and you will appreciate the province's green hills. The city is built in Spanish style, and this is the province where Columbus first set foot on Cuban soil.

Cayo Coco

Cayo Coco spreads across a small island off the northern coast. A causeway connects it to the mainland, so you can get here by car. The local airport receives flights from Europe and Canada. The beaches here are long and uncrowded, with coral sand in a light cream shade. The reef near the shore is rich in fish, so snorkeling and diving are especially popular. Inland, the island has preserved mangrove thickets, lagoons, and wild forests. Pink flamingos and white ibises live there, which locals call "coco." That is where the island's name comes from. Besides birds, rare reptiles and plants are found here, some of them endemic.

Cayo Santa Maria

There are few hotels on Cayo Santa Maria, but plenty of wildlife. The island lies off the northern coast, and a long causeway connects it to the mainland. That is why people come here by car. The beaches stretch along the northern shore. The water entry is gradual, but the depth increases quickly. A light breeze is refreshing even in the heat. A national park spreads along the southern shore, and hummingbirds live in the island's jungles. The place is quieter and calmer than Varadero, but in beach quality it already rivals it.

Cayo Largo

Cayo Largo lies south of the main island. You can get there by a short flight from Havana. A few decades ago the island was uninhabited, but today a popular resort with full infrastructure operates here. Sea turtles hatch their offspring right on the local beaches. This is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Playa Paraíso, with pelicans and flamingos among the pine forest. Because of its isolation, the island has preserved its wildlife, and hummingbirds fly here. On the neighboring island live large but harmless iguanas, which is why it is called Iguana Island. Diving and spearfishing conditions here are good.

Matanzas

Matanzas is the capital of the province of the same name. The city is known not only for Varadero's beaches, but also for its industry. The historic part is rich in attractions: Teatro Sauto, Palacio de Junco, the Monserrat chapel, and San Severino Castle. Nearby are the underground caves Cuevas de Bellamar and Cuevas de Saturno with a karst lake. In the surrounding area, near Laguna de Maya, lies a nature reserve with a lake and a pebble beach. At the Bay of Pigs on the Zapata Peninsula, you will enjoy the beaches of Playa Girón and Playa Larga. There is a rich underwater world and good snorkeling conditions there.

Santiago de Cuba

Castillo del Morro fortress on the seashore

Santiago de Cuba is the country's second-largest city and was once the capital. It lies in the southeast and is nothing like Havana. The terrain is hilly, the streets wind up and down, and there are fewer colonial masterpieces. The main fortress of San Pedro de la Roca, together with the Museum of Piracy History, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Worth seeing are the Ethnographic Museum in an old estate, the Diego Velázquez house, and the City Cathedral. At Santa Ifigenia Cemetery you will find the mausoleum of José Martí and the grave of Fidel Castro. In summer, carnivals and the Fire Festival take place here.

Trinidad

Trinidad is called an open-air museum city. Its historic center has been on the UNESCO list since 1988 (according to the article about Trinidad). Colonial palaces, tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, and inner courtyards create a special atmosphere. On the central Plaza Mayor, dance floors open at night. The Church of the Holy Trinity rises above the square, and nearby stands the Brunet Palace with the Romantic Museum. Not far away lies the Valley of the Sugar Mills with estates and a tower. In the surrounding area, the Ancón Peninsula juts into the Caribbean Sea with the beaches of Playa María Aguilar and Playa Ancón. Trinidad was founded by Diego Velázquez in 1514, and it became the third Spanish settlement in Cuba.

Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos was founded by the French, and it shows in the architecture. The center is built up with pastel neoclassical buildings. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list as an example of urban planning. A distinctive feature of the local port is that it lies inside a large bay. At the entrance to the bay stands a fortress built by order of the Spanish King Philip V. It protected the bay from pirate raids. The symbolic founding site of the city is considered to be Parque José Martí with a ceiba cotton tree. Nearby there are beaches with golden sand, and reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks attract divers. The city earns income from coffee and tobacco, and a dolphinarium operates at one of the beaches.

Hotels in Cuba on Trip.com

Best hotels

Hotels in Cuba mostly operate on an all-inclusive basis: meals, drinks, and some activities are already included in the price. Below are seven options at different levels, from budget four-star properties to five-star resorts in Varadero and on the islands. The star rating here reflects the range of services rather than beach quality: four-star hotels have fewer restaurants and activities, five-star hotels have more. Before booking, check exactly what is included in the rate.

Grand Memories Varadero 5*

The hotel is in Varadero, a short walk from the beach. Dining is available both a la carte and as a buffet. Guests can choose from Latin American, Asian, and European cuisine. The property has tennis courts, billiards, a fitness center, a spa, and a wellness center. The indoor pool is open year-round, and there is a currency exchange desk at the hotel. This is a good fit for those who want sports and treatments close at hand.

Who it's for: active couples and families who value sports and spa.

Playa cayo santa maria all-inclusive 5*

The hotel is on Santa Maria Island, in a secluded spot. The beach with white sand and clear water is a one- to two-minute walk away. The all-inclusive restaurant serves local, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine, with plenty of seafood dishes. Guests have access to a spa center, tennis, billiards, and diving. This is a good fit for those looking for a quiet getaway away from the city bustle and who want a sea view from their window.

The catch: the hotel is secluded, so you need to travel to reach the town and excursions.

Royalton hicacos resort & spa 5*

The complex is located in Las Morlas on the Hicacos Peninsula. Several restaurants operate on the property. One specializes in Italian cuisine, another in grilled dishes. There is both a buffet and a la carte ordering with room delivery. The hotel has a fitness room, a spa with massage, a sauna, a tennis court, and table tennis. A bar operates by the outdoor pool, and evening entertainment programs with animators and a DJ are offered. Guests also have access to a laundry, a souvenir kiosk, a currency exchange desk, and car rental.

Who it's for: those who want evening entertainment and music rather than quiet.

Paradisus Princesa del Mar 5*

The resort complex is a few kilometers from Varadero. The hotel has a spacious sandy beach, several pools, and a large spa center with a long list of treatments. Sports lovers can enjoy surfing, yacht trips, and bicycle rental and car rental. Numerous restaurants and bars operate on the property, serving European, Middle Eastern, and Japanese cuisine. There is a souvenir shop, a hair salon, and a fitness center.

Who it's for: those who value a choice of restaurants and a large spa.

Tryp Habana Libre 4*

Habana Libre hotel facade with mural and flags

The hotel is in Havana and suits those who want to stay in the capital rather than on the beach. It is a convenient base for excursions and exploring the city's sights. Guests can enjoy a large outdoor pool with a sea view. The restaurant offers a la carte service and a buffet, and food and drinks can be delivered to your room. There is a hair salon, and accessible accommodations are available for guests with disabilities. You can rent a car at the hotel.

Who it's for: those who prioritize the city and excursions.

Memories varadero beach resort 4*

The hotel is in Varadero and specializes in family vacations with children. There is a kids' club and animators, and you can arrange a nanny if parents go on an excursion. The hotel has an excursion desk. For adults, there is an outdoor pool, a wellness center, a spa and sauna, a tennis court and squash, and water sports. The restaurant offers a buffet and a la carte ordering, and there is a snack bar. You can rent a car and visit nearby towns.

Who it's for: families with children, because there is a club, a nanny, and entertainment.

Starfish Varadero 3*

The budget-friendly Starfish Varadero is a good option for an affordable stay in Varadero. Amenities include free parking, a currency exchange desk, and an outdoor pool, plus a fitness center. Non-smoking rooms are available. The restaurant offers a buffet, with a la carte ordering and room delivery also possible. The hotel suits those looking for an inexpensive option near the beach who don't want to pay for extra features.

Who it's for: travelers on a limited budget.

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Best time to visit

Classic car on a rainy street in Santa Clara

You can vacation in Cuba year-round, but the climate is divided into two seasons. The dry season runs from November through April, and the wet season from May through October. January is considered the coolest month, and August the hottest. The peak beach season falls during the dry months: the sea is calm and rain is rare (according to the Cuba climate guide). During the rainy season, downpours are often short, and sunbathing under light cloud cover is easier to tolerate. Hurricanes are possible from October through November, but the likelihood of one hitting your resort is low. Windsurfing enthusiasts find the wet season more interesting: the waves are more consistent. Book hotels for the dry months in advance: book a hotel on Trip.com.

Tip: choose dates outside school holidays, when prices are lower.

Vacationing with kids

Vacationing in Cuba with kids has its advantages. The warm sea, gently sloping shore, and sandy beaches make it possible for even toddlers to swim. Hotels usually have kids' clubs, pools, and playgrounds, and discounts for children are common. Exotic fruits and encounters with the island's animals also delight kids. But there are downsides too. The long flight is hard on the youngest travelers. The hot sun requires attention: make sure your child doesn't get sunburned. It's better to swim at hotel beaches to avoid accidentally encountering venomous sea creatures.

Benefits of an all-inclusive vacation

An all-inclusive package costs a bit more, but it's usually worth it. The price includes access to the hotel's infrastructure, beach maintenance, and meals with no extra charges. You don't think about the dinner or bar bill and you get to try Cuban cuisine. Staff keep the beach clean, including removing unwanted creatures. When you get back, it becomes clear: you didn't spend extra money, and your vacation was comfortable. If you want to compare options, check out all-inclusive hotels on Trip.com.

Cuba's resorts on the map

All ten destinations are visible on a single map: Varadero and Havana in the west, Holguín and the cayo islands in the east. This helps you plan your route and understand how much time you'll spend on transfers.

Resorts of Cuba

Places on the map

1Varadero Main beach resort, a strip of sand almost 20 kilometres long
2Havana The capital, historic centre on the UNESCO list
3Holguín Country's second resort, Playa Esmeralda and Guardalavaca beaches
4Cayo Coco Island connected by a causeway, long beaches and pink flamingos
5Cayo Santa María Quiet island with a national park on its southern shore
6Cayo Largo Island south of Cuba, Playa Paraiso beach and sea turtles
7Matanzas City with the Sauto Theatre and the Bellamar Caves nearby
8Santiago de Cuba Second-largest city, San Pedro de la Roca Castle
9Trinidad Open-air museum city, historic centre on the UNESCO list
10Cienfuegos Neoclassical centre founded by the French, bay with a fortress

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to Cuba?

The dry season runs from November through April, and that's when the sea is calmest and rain is rare. From May through October is the wet season with short downpours. From October through November, keep the hurricane risk in mind, though major resorts are rarely affected. For the beach, choose the dry months.

Varadero or Cayo Coco: which should you choose?

Varadero works well for a classic beach vacation: Havana and Matanzas are nearby, and the infrastructure is dense. Cayo Coco and the other islands offer quiet, nature, and reefs, but you need to drive across a causeway or fly to reach the mainland. For a first trip, Varadero makes more sense.

What's included in the all-inclusive package?

The price usually includes accommodation, buffet or a la carte dining, local drinks, and access to the facilities: pools, sports courts, and some entertainment. The exact lineup depends on the hotel, so check the list of services on its page before booking.

Is Cuba worth visiting with kids?

Yes, if your child handles the flight well. The warm sea, gentle entry into the water, and kids' clubs at hotels make the trip easier. Watch out for the sun and swim at the hotel beaches to avoid encounters with venomous sea life. Bring hats and high-SPF sunscreen.

Which cities are worth adding to a beach trip?

Havana, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos are easy to add to a beach trip: their historic centers are UNESCO listed. The capital is convenient to see from Varadero on a one-day excursion.

Do you need a visa to travel to Cuba?

Many travelers only need a tourist card instead of a full visa, but the rules depend on your passport. Check the current requirements for your country with the Cuban consulate and your airline. Also arrange medical insurance for the entire length of your trip in advance.

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In short: what to book

If it's your first trip: go with Varadero, where it's easiest to combine beach time and excursions. If peace and nature matter most: choose the islands of Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria, or Cayo Largo. If you love cities: stay in Havana or Trinidad. A good place to start your all-inclusive hotel search is Varadero: compare Cuba hotels on Trip.com.

Cuba vacation: resorts, all inclusive hotels and the best season