Cuba's Pristine Shores to Take Center Stage at Upcoming International Tourism Fair
Cuban beaches are always in the spotlight due to their preservation, beauty, and variety. Despite a diversification of offerings, they consistently stand out in the preferences of visitors and locals alike.

This condition of excellence will receive due prominence during the upcoming International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2026, May), which will feature the key Sun and Beach product, showcasing exceptional settings like the Varadero resort and targeting the Canadian market.

The vast majority of these locations boast golden sands and turquoise waters, ideal for relaxation at any time of day.

With over 5,746 kilometers of coastline and an archipelago of more than four thousand keys and islands, Cuba is a paradise for those seeking the perfect combination of sun, sand, and sea.

A Privileged Natural Environment
The country has approximately 430 natural beaches, according to the Institute of Oceanology. Of these, about 50 have the necessary development and infrastructure for international tourism. The combination of warm waters, fine sand, coral reefs, and a privileged geographical position make it a world-class sun destination.

Cuban beaches are characterized by their geographical diversity. In the north, from Havana to Holguín, extensive beaches of white, fine sand predominate, with calm waters and shades ranging from turquoise to emerald green, protected by the island's shelf and coral barriers.

On the south coast, beaches are generally narrower, with darker sand (golden or even black in some volcanic areas) and a sea with stronger waves and intense blue. Most beaches have a gentle slope, ideal for family bathing.

The reef element is fundamental. The world's second-largest coral barrier extends along the northern coast, which not only creates a paradise for diving and snorkeling but also protects the beaches from erosion and moderates wave action.

Internationally Renowned Destinations
While all coastal regions have their gems, some stand out for their international fame.

• Varadero (Matanzas): Cuba's most famous beach, stretching 22 kilometers along the Hicacos Peninsula. Its sand is white, fine, and pure, composed mainly of pulverized coral. It concentrates the country's largest all-inclusive hotel offerings. Despite high development, the beach retains exceptional water and sand quality.

• Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo (Ciego de Ávila): Part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago, connected by causeways. These are synonymous with isolation and pristine nature. Cayo Guillermo is notable for its Playa Pilar, named after Ernest Hemingway, with dunes over 15 meters high, a sanctuary for pink flamingos.

• Playas del Este (Havana): A set of beaches like Santa María del Mar, Bacuranao, and Guanabo, just 20 minutes from the capital, serving as the main local resort with a vibrant atmosphere more oriented towards mass tourism.

• Cayo Largo del Sur (Canarreos Archipelago): A paradisiacal beach. Playa Sirena and Paraíso stand out with white sands and crystalline waters. It is an exclusive destination, accessible only by plane or catamaran.

• Guardalavaca (Holguín): A name referring to its history as a cattle refuge. It is a bay with calm waters, a more authentic environment close to Aboriginal historical-archaeological sites.

• Playa Ancón (Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus): The best on the south coast. It combines the appeal of a coral beach with proximity to the museum city of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
Regarding threats, coastal erosion affects over 80 percent of sandy beaches, a phenomenon accelerated by climate change (sea level rise), inadequate construction, and excessive extraction—elements confronted by the government.

There is a National Beach Protection Program that includes constant monitoring, a ban on sand extraction, artificial regeneration with dredged sand (as in Varadero), and restoration of dunes and native vegetation.

Responsible tourism is recommended: using designated access points, not stepping on dune vegetation, not extracting sand or corals, and using biodegradable sunscreen to protect the reefs.

Cuban beaches offer much more than an idyllic landscape. They are the gateway to an experience that combines absolute relaxation in privileged natural settings with the possibility of immersing oneself in culture, history, and warmth.

From famous Varadero to the solitude of a virgin key, Cuban sand bears witness to the country's transformation and remains its main attraction for the world. Its future depends on a delicate balance between tourist enjoyment and the protection of that fragile and invaluable natural heritage.