Cuba Guide
Northern Oriente
Playa Guardalavaca
Address: Guardalavaca
A 1500-metre-long stretch of sugar-white sand dappled with light streaming through abundant foliage, Playa Guardalavaca is simply a delight. A shady boulevard of palms, tamarind and sea grape trees runs along the centre of the beach, the branches strung with hammocks and T-shirts for sale. One of the most refreshing aspects of Playa Guardalavaca is that, unlike many resort beaches, it's open to Cubans as well as tourists, giving it a certain vitality with a marked lack of hustle. Groups of friends hang out chatting or resting in the shade while children play in the water. Those seeking solitude should head to the eastern end, where the beach breaks out of its leafy cover and is usually fairly deserted. Midway along, a restaurant serves simple snacks and drinks, and there are stands renting out snorkelling equipment ($8CUC for 3 hours) so you can explore the coral reef offshore.