Playas del Este — Caribbean Beach on the Doorstep
Just 25 minutes east of Havana lie the Playas del Este — a 15-kilometer stretch of coastline with white sand and turquoise Caribbean water. Proof that Havana offers not only history and culture but also a dream beach.
The Beaches
- Playa Santa María del Mar: The most popular and best-developed beach — wide, white sand, some beach bars, and sun loungers. On weekends, Habaneros come here. Often almost empty during the week.
- Playa Guanabo: Further east, somewhat quieter and more local. Here you can find simple Casas Particulares right on the beach — perfect for a night by the sea.
- Playa Bacuranao: The first beach after Havana — small, pretty, and popular with locals. Simple beach bar, little infrastructure, lots of charm.
How to get there?
Bus or taxi from Havana: 25–30 minutes. The HaBaBus (Hop-on/Hop-off) runs hourly from Parque Central to the Playas del Este. Alternatively: Taxi (15–25 CUC round trip, price negotiable). A vintage convertible to the beach? Pure Cuba feeling.
