Cayo Coco & Cayo Guillermo★★★
The Cayos off Cuba's north coast are the Caribbean from a picture book: uninhabited (or almost uninhabited) islands with dazzling white beaches connected to the mainland by causeways. Cayo Coco and the neighboring Cayo Guillermo (connected by a bridge) form the second most important beach resort area after Varadero.
Cayo Coco
The 370 km² island (most of which is a nature reserve) offers 22 km of beach and about a dozen all-inclusive resorts. The Playa Larga and Playa Las Coloradas are among Cuba's most beautiful beaches: fine, soft sand, crystal-clear water, hardly any algae. Flamingos wade in the lagoons inland — a surreal sight.
Off the coast lies one of Cuba's best snorkeling areas: The barrier reef is only a few hundred meters from the beach. Boat tours to the reef from €25.
Cayo Guillermo
The smaller neighboring island (13 km²) was Hemingway's favorite fishing spot — he hunted marlins here. Today, some of the most exclusive resorts are located here. The Playa Pilar is regularly voted as Cuba's most beautiful beach: 1 km of fine, white sand, sand dunes (up to 15 m high!), the turquoise sea behind. Breathtaking and less crowded than Varadero.
Getting there
Via causeway (Pedraplén) from the mainland — 17 km over the sea, a surreal drive. Toll station at the beginning (for tourists only). Cayo Coco Airport (CCC) receives charter flights from Canada and Europe. From Havana: flight (1 hour) or car/bus (8 hours via Morón).
💡 Tipp
Playa Pilar on Cayo Guillermo is the most beautiful beach in Cuba — and the only one easily accessible without a hotel stay. Early in the morning, you are often alone. Bring provisions, as there is only a small kiosk.
