Best beaches near Havana, Cuba

While most folks head to Havana for its culture and history, it’s worth bearing in mind that plenty of palm-backed stretches of white sand can be easily accessed from Cuba’s captivating capital. For example, just a short drive east, past Cojímar town — which is famed for its Hemingway connection — you can enjoy a bunch of beaches collectively known as the Playas del Este. Ready to pack your bags for a Cuban adventure that combines culture and blissful beach experiences? Read on for a run-down of the best beaches near Havana.

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Playa Bacuranao

Best for: local life and snorkeling
Distance from Havana: 15 km (9 miles) east of Havana
How to get there: 15–20 minute-taxi ride, or local buses heading east

A short hop from downtown Havana, the white sands of Playa Bacuranao stretch around a peaceful cove.

With colorful reefs just offshore and an 18th-century Spanish galleon buried beneath the waves, this places calls out to be explored by scuba divers. 

In fact, this is one of the best snorkeling spots close to Havana, with coral reefs and marine life. It’s also a favorite with locals.

Traveling beyond Havana? Read our guide to the best beaches in Cuba.

Playa Santa María del Mar

Best for: easy access and a lively vibe 
Distance from Havana: 20 km east
How to get there: 20–30 minute taxi, or T3 tourist bus from Parque Central

Because of its proximity to Havana, Playa Santa María del Mar — usually just called Santa María — is the busiest and trendiest of the eastern beaches. Think boombox reggaeton, water-sports and beach bars aplenty.

It extends for about 4km from the foot of Santa María Loma, a hill to the south of the Río Itabo, with the bulk of hotels dotted around the main Avenida de las Terrazas, just behind the beach. 

Arguably the most attractive of the beaches near Havana, with golden sands backed by grassland and a few palm trees, it’s also the most touristy. 

Like to dig deeper into the destinations you visit? Discover some off-beat things to do in Havana.

Playa Boca Ciega

Best for: local life and LGBTQ+ travelers
Distance from Havana: 23 km (14 miles) east 
How to get there: 25-minute taxi, or take T3 tourist bus from Parque Central to Playa Santa María, which is a 5-minute walk from Boca Ciega.

A bridge across the Río Itabo connects Santa María to Playa Boca Ciega, also known as Playa Mi Cayito. 

While its lack public facilities make this the least user-friendly of all the beaches near Havana, its sherbet-yellow beach is open to all, and it has a true local vibe, with small beach bars (ranchones) serving fresh seafood, Cuban sandwiches, and rum-based cocktails. 

Far less touristy than Playa Santa María del Mar, it comes alive with locals at the weekend, and it has a reputation for being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly beaches in Cuba.

Playa Guanabo

Best for: authentic Cuban beach town experiences
Distance from Havana: 30 km (18.5 miles) east
How to get there: 30–40-minute taxi ride

Roughly 2.5km to the east of Playa Boca Ciega, Playa Guanabo attracts fewer crowds and has no big hotels. 

As a result, it feels much more authentic than most beaches around these parts, especially towards the east end of town, where tourism has hardly penetrated at all. 

While not an all-out idyllic tropical beach, its charms come courtesy of its authentic beach town vibe. Avenida 5ta, the appealing main street, has a clutch of cafés and shops.

Meanwhile, the side streets near the beach host a few excellent paladars — privately run restaurants located in the owner’s homes.

Like getting off the beaten track? Wise up with our tips for backpacking Cuba.

Playa Tarará

Best for: swimming, snorkeling and history
Distance from Havana: 20 km (12 miles) east
How to get there: 25-minute taxi, or T3 tourist bus from Parque Central, plus a short walk

Offering fine white sand, turquoise waters, and a more tranquil vibe than more crowded beaches like Playa Santa María del Mar, back in the 1950s Playa Tarará was home to a luxury resort area.

Later a rehabilitation center for children from Chernobyl, today it has a mix of private homes and rental villas, alongside remnants of its past.

With a small reef area, it’s a good place to snorkel, with windsurfing and kayaking gear available from local rental shops.

Playa Jibacoa

Best for: scenic day trips and scuba diving
Distance from Havana: 60 km (37 miles) east of Havana
How to get there: 1-hour taxi, or book a tour

For fantastic snorkeling and diving — reefs are located close to shore — Playa Jibacoa is one of the best beaches near Havana.

Located between the capital and Varadero, it’s also very scenic, with lush hills backing the beach.

With its resort area mainly visited by Cubans, Playa Jibacoa delivers very a different vibe and scenery from other beaches within reach of Havana.

Want more practical tips whle you plan your trip? Read our Cuba travel tips and take inspiration from the best things to do in Cuba.

Not keen on planning? Talk to our local experts about curating your perfect Cuba itinerary.