Blau Cuba

One of the most iconic beach areas close to Havana. The Caribbean in its purest form. Famous for its crystal-clear waters and its local atmosphere. Everybody’s happy here in the shade of coconut trees and colourful beach bars where people dance to the sensual rhythm of the island’s Afro-Cuban music.

This sweeping sandy beach bathed by calm, transparent water is a local paradise, just a few minutes from Havana and with an authentic Cuban atmosphere. Located in front of Blau Arenal La Habana Beach, it is perfect for long walks, leisurely dips, and unforgettable sunsets.

Another gem on the Havana coast. Surrounded by tropical vegetation and with naturally shady areas, it is a long, gently sloping and very quiet beach. Ideal for those wanting to relax beside the Caribbean Sea, sunbathing, reading with their feet in the sand, and swimming in turquoise waters.

A mere 25-minute drive from Havana, this peaceful beach lies between Guanabo Beach and Brisas del Mar Beach. It has all the usual services and is a favourite with families. This secluded area features a large promenade that runs along its dunes and a beautiful nearby natural lake.

Considered one of the best beaches in the world, Varadero is the very essence of the Caribbean. Its 22 kilometres offer the perfect reflection of paradise: white sand, the sea shining in a thousand shades of blue, and exuberant tropical surroundings. That’s the sight you’ll see when you wake up every day at Blau Varadero.

An underwater world with more than 30 types of coral and more than 500 different species of fish. Located close to Punta Maya, between Varadero and Matanzas, Playa Coral is a favourite spot for diving and snorkel enthusiasts thanks to its 2 kilometres of coral seabed.

Following the coast from Varadero towards Matanzas Bay, just before El Mamey Beach and Buey Vaca Beach, we will reach Caletón Beach. This tranquil and sheltered bay occupies a natural unspoilt environment. Perfect for watching the sun go down.

If you want to feel the real Cuba, you have to walk the streets of Old Havana. And you should really do so to the rhythm of a bolero! A veritable declaration of love to the island. This part of the capital is the historical, cultural and emotional essence of Cuba. A visit as essential as it is unforgettable.

It was Hemingway who immortalised this little fishing village in The Old Man and the Sea. He really knew how to capture all the beauty of its gently bobbing boats, its esplanade, and its colonial castle. Just 7 km from Havana, it boasts unique natural areas such as the River Cojímar Valley and the manigua costera, the dense, scrubby vegetation that lines the Havana coast.

Guanabo simply oozes local energy and Cuban flavour. The vibrant spirit of its inhabitants makes it a must-visit area of East Havana. Its atmosphere is a melting pot of Creole culture, cucuruchos de maní (paper cones filled with peanuts), neighbourhood life, music you can’t stop dancing to, and a huge beach, a favourite with every family.

Matanzas is art, literature, music and memory. So much so that for many, it is the Athens of Cuba. Less than an hour from Varadero, this is where the rumba was born. Its historic centre deserves a relaxed stroll - be sure to see the Sauto Theatre and its historical pharmacy museum.

17 km from Blau Varadero, Santa Marta has succeeded in preserving the typical essence of an authentic Cuban village. Children play in the squares, cyclists trundle by, weighed down by baskets of fruit, people chat on the streets… The perfect place to get away from the tourist trails and discover the real Cuba.

This is a city with a rebellious spirit: it was the first to raise the Cuban flag. Today, life in Cárdenas revolves around its port. They say that its nineteenth-century spirit is reflected in its wide streets and unique architecture. It’s definitely worth a visit.

The great symbol of Havana’s Caribbean splendour and, undoubtedly, one of the most majestic buildings in Cuba. Its enormous staircase, its iconic golden dome and, of course, the Hall of the Lost Steps is well worth a visit (be sure to take lots of photos).

If there is an icon of Cuba’s contemporary history, it is this square. Here stand the silhouettes of Che and Camilo Cienfuegos. Just opposite, we can see the monument to José Martí. For all Cubans, it is a place of collective memory and identity.

One of the oldest castles in Cuba, this fortress defended the island from pirates and conquistadores and is one of Havana’s most cherished symbols. Known as the Castle of the Three Holy Kings of Morro, it hosts the so-called ‘cañonazo’, a historic cannon shot ceremony that commemorates the closing of the city’s gates.

This urban art walk will take you from Callejón de Hamel to the emerging galleries of the Vedado district, admiring murals, sculptures and a wide array of cultural offerings along the way. An authentic open-air living museum, where Afro-Cuban traditions blend with more contemporary expressions.

In Havana, following in Ernest Hemingway's footsteps is quite a ritual. From the writer's room at the Hotel Ambos Mundos to a daiquiri at El Floridita or a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio. A classic route that will allow you to discover the literary soul of the capital.

Close to Coral Beach lies one of the most amazing sights to be seen between Varadero and Matanzas. This underground cave contains a freshwater lagoon of an intense blue colour. Swimming is permitted there, so you can enjoy swimming among stalactites.