Our old post called these the best beaches in Cuba. A more accurate title is three beach areas that mattered on our journey. We liked having time at the coast between towns, with different settings and ways to organise a day.
We chose not to include Varadero in that trip. That choice does not give us a first-hand review of it. What we can describe is our own selection: the northern cays, Playa Larga and Playa Ancón.
First published on 17 January 2017. These are impressions and photographs from our earlier Cuba journey, not a current beach-service or swimming-safety assessment. Planning links and the travel-advice note were checked on 18 October 2026.
Northern cays: begin with the actual island
The original list grouped Cayo las Brujas, Ensenachos and Santa María under the northern islands of Villa Clara. They are distinct places. The regional tourism board describes their geography and the road connection across Buenavista Bay. 1
The beach photograph below is specifically Playa Las Salinas on Cayo las Brujas, identified in the companion journal. It should not be used to claim that we separately visited every cay named in the old list.
Our older enthusiasm for quiet stretches of sand describes that journey. Hotel development, access rules, transport and services must be checked for a new visit. Choose a named beach and island rather than assuming every part of the northern coast offers the same day.
Playa Larga: a different coastal setting
Playa Larga, in the Bay of Pigs area, gave the old article a different kind of beach memory from the northern cays. We associated it with small-scale accommodation and a quieter stay.
Those observations are historical impressions, not a promise that a particular casa, restaurant or stretch of beach is operating now. Our Cienfuegos journal records another part of the southern journey, with time in town as well as on the move.
The original beach text gives no account of a child’s swimming ability, supervised swimming area or lifeguard service. We have not added those details or labelled the water safe for children.
Playa Ancón: the coast near Trinidad
Ancón was the third area in the original selection. The official Trinidad tourism page places it on the Ancón Peninsula, about twelve kilometres from the city. That gives a useful geographical reference for understanding the old journey. 2
The same page still contains a bus fare quoted in the former CUC currency. We have therefore not repeated its fares, schedules or promise of return transport. An official page can contain older operational details alongside stable geography.
For a new outing, confirm the actual outward and return journey, the day’s beach conditions and the services you need. A beautiful photograph does not tell you about currents, shade, toilets or whether a business is open.
Before using these memories to plan a trip
As checked on 18 October 2026, the UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cuba, citing major shortages and disruption. Read current advice for your nationality, check insurance and confirm essential arrangements before considering travel. 3
Our currency article separates the old CUC photographs from present payment guidance. The transport journal makes the same distinction between how we travelled then and what a traveller needs to establish now.
The enduring part of this beach post is the contrast between the places and the pause they gave our journey. It is a set of memories to read alongside those of the towns, rather than a ranking that asks one coast to suit everyone.
Good to know
A couple of useful questions
Did we visit Varadero on this journey?
No. We deliberately left it out of our plan, so this article offers no first-hand judgement of its beaches, hotels or visitors.
Does the Las Salinas image show all the northern cays?
No. The original companion journal identifies that photograph with Cayo las Brujas. Ensenachos and Santa María are separate cays.
Are the old CUC bus fares useful for booking now?
No. We have not reproduced them as current information. Confirm present transport directly and read the current travel advice before planning. 3
Sources and useful links
For more context and practical details:
- Cuba Travel / Villa Clara — geography of the northern cays ↗
- Cuba Travel / Trinidad — Playa Ancón geographical context ↗
- UK FCDO — current Cuba travel warnings ↗
Images and accounts are preserved from our original archive; the note above explains their context. Sources and planning links were checked on 18 October 2026.
