We will tell you where it is better to relax in Cuba. A selection of 8 popular resorts for young people, families with children, elderly tourists and excursion lovers. Where are the best beaches and activities? Tour prices, pros and cons of resorts.
Take a look: How to go to Cuba now - there you will find the latest tourist reviews, conditions of entry in case of a pandemic, a list of available resorts and prices for tours. See also the list of open countries.
Tours to Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are currently on sale, so we put these resorts at the beginning of our review and indicated the actual prices for them. The cost of tours to other resorts was relevant before the start of the pandemic.
Cayo Coco
Tourists love this island for its warm climate, serene atmosphere and excellent beaches. Cayo Coco is a real kingdom of doing nothing! The island is located in a nature reserve, so the sea and beaches in Cayo Coco are clean. The magnificent sandy coastline stretches for more than 20 km. The beaches are separated from each other by coral reefs. Most of them offer superb sunrise views. Tourists in their reviews are truly delighted with the beauty of the local nature. Find out more about your holiday in Cayo Coco.
Who suits. Despite the long flight, families with small children are happy to come to rest at this Cuban resort, because the entrance to the water is shallow almost everywhere. Also, the island is to the liking of elderly people and fans of diving.
Prices... There are good hotels on the island. All hotels offer all inclusive accommodation and have their own beaches with sun umbrellas and sun loungers. Tours for 7 nights from Moscow now cost from 110 thousand rubles for two.
Pros and cons... One nuisance - there are mosquitoes on Cayo Coco. Stock up on repellents!
Cayo Guillermo
The tiny island is a popular Cuba resort in the Caribbean. Cayo Guillermo is loved for its white sand, clear sea, high dunes and flocks of pink flamingos.
Who suits. A small piece of land stretches for 4 km. Here, connoisseurs of secluded relaxation and good beaches spend their holidays with pleasure.
Prices... Cayo Guillermo is not the most expensive Cuban resort. Even now, in a pandemic, tours from Moscow for 7 nights to a five-star hotel cost from 120 thousand rubles for two. A trip for 10 days costs from 150 thousand.
Pros and cons... The island is entirely devoted to tourists and has three beaches. One of them - Playa Pilar - is considered the best in Cuba. There are several 3-5 * hotels on Cayo Guillermo, which operate on an all-inclusive basis.
Varadero
The most popular Cuban resort is located 140 km east of Havana, on the Icacos Peninsula. It is famous for its wide sandy beaches, modern infrastructure and excellent service.
Who suits. People come to Varadero to admire the picturesque lagoons and tall palm trees, dive and enjoy seafood. This is one of the best places to go to Cuba with children. The resort is also good for young tourists, couples and senior travelers.
Prices... Holidays in Varadero are not the most expensive, and the choice of tours is always huge. In high season, a tour from Moscow for two for 14 nights costs from 136 thousand rubles.
Pros and cons... Varadero has an international airport. The hotels are built along a 40 km long sandy spit. A coral reef protects the coast from big waves. The peculiarity of local beaches is that the white sand is not heated by the sun. It is pleasant to walk on it even during extreme heat. A significant disadvantage is that the road to Havana takes 3 hours.
Havana
The main city of the country is located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, on the northwestern coast of the island. Havana is so picturesque that it can be safely called an open-air museum.
Who suits. In the capital of Cuba, it is better to relax for those who want to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of this country. Walk around the historic center and see the monuments of colonial and pre-revolutionary architecture. For an amazing atmosphere, walk along the waterfront and drop into Cuban taverns.
Prices... Vacation here is more expensive than in Varadero. In high season, a tour from Moscow for two for 14 nights costs from 157 thousand rubles.
Pros and cons... Havana has beach hotels, city hotels and private accommodation. The hotel fund is almost not represented in international booking systems. Search for suitable options on Cuban sites or locally.
There are no good places to relax by the sea within Havana. A 15-minute drive from the center begins a strip of excellent beaches, which the Cubans call "Oriental". They stretch for 20 km.
Cayo Santa Maria
This small picturesque island in the Atlantic Ocean is part of the UNESCO Jardines del Rey Biosphere Reserve.
Who suits. On the north coast of Cayo Santa Maria there are several 5 * hotels and soft sand beaches. The resort is popular with fans of snorkeling, sea fishing, catamarans and jeep safaris. Constant winds and waves attract surfers here. Read more about holidays in Cayo Santa Maria.
Prices... Holidays in Cayo Santa Maria expensive. In high season, a tour from Moscow for two for 14 nights costs from 426 thousand rubles.
Pros and cons... The depth increases close to the coast, so there are not many parents with children at the resort.
Holguin
The seaside town in eastern Cuba is the island's second most popular tourist destination.
Who suits. According to tourists, Holguín is the best beach holiday in Cuba. The resort is famous for caves, waterfalls and a picturesque coral reef. Parents with children visit the dolphinarium, the aquarium and go on excursions to the Bahia de Naranjo Natural Park. Reviews about the rest in Holguin →
Prices... Holguin was created for a respectable holiday. In high season, a tour from Moscow for two for 14 nights costs from 216 thousand rubles.
Pros and cons... There are no 3 * hotels and noisy entertainment in Holguin. People come to this resort for the wonderful beaches, snorkeling and diving. If you want to see the town from above, climb the Loma de la Cruz hill.
Cayo Largo
A small elongated island with wonderful sandy beaches is located 80 km from the southern coast of Cuba.
Who suits. The coastline of Cayo Largo stretches for 20 km. Along it there are comfortable hotels with swimming pools and white sand beaches. There are coral reefs near the island, which are convenient for diving. Reviews about the holiday in Cayo Largo →
Prices... Holidays in Cayo Largo are organized on an all-inclusive basis. In high season, a tour from Moscow for two for 14 nights costs from 230 thousand rubles.
Pros and cons... Tourists travel to the small islands of Turtles and Iguanas. Young people can get bored as there are no entertainment options at the resort.
Trinidad
One of the most popular resorts in Cuba on the Caribbean Sea has a rich history and is under the protection of UNESCO.
Who suits. Holidays in Trinidad are popular with connoisseurs of cultural and sightseeing tourism. The city was founded in the 16th century and has preserved ancient squares, monasteries, churches and palaces from different eras. Trips to the Topes de Collantes Natural Park and the Valley of the Sugar Mills are popular among vacationers.
Prices... In high season, a tour from Moscow for two for 14 nights costs from 195 thousand rubles.
Pros and cons... Trinidad pleases not only lovers of ancient architecture and museums. The resort has excellent sandy beaches and excellent conditions for yachting, sea fishing, snorkeling and diving.
Who and where is better to rest in Cuba
Resorts for young people: Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria, Playa Ancon, Playa Rancho Luna and Trinidad.
Where to go to Cuba with kids: Varadero, Holguin, Cayo Largo, Playa Esmeralda and Santiago de Cuba.
Where is the best place to rest for amateurs cultural and excursion tourism: Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Varadero, Pinar del Rio, Trinidad and Rosario.
Cuba resorts for elderly tourists: Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria, Holguín, Cayo Guillermo and Playa Esmeralda.
When is the best time to relax in Cuba
Freedom Island is warm all year round. Most tourists come here during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. During these months, the air temperature is +25 ... + 29 ° С, and the sea temperature is +24 ... + 27 ° С. The wind is moderate and rain is rare.
The low season starts in May and ends in October. During it, 75% of the annual precipitation falls. The rain can charge for several days. Due to the high humidity, it is stuffy, during the day it is hot +30 ... + 34 ° С. The sea is also warm + 27 ... + 28 ° С. The resorts are often hit by storms, and in August there is a danger of hurricanes.
The trade wind climate is changeable, so even in the low season, holidays in Cuba are a lot of pleasure. If you want to save money, come in March-April or November-December, when the weather is good on the island and prices are not high.
