Imagine you are lying on a beach with fine white sand covering your feet. The only thing you can hear is the sound of waves of crystal clear water crashing on the shore and exotic birds flying between the beach and the tropical forest behind you. It sounds great, doesn’t it? Well, this is what cayos in Cuba can offer you. A peaceful and relaxing holiday to forget about all your problems and worries. From isolated paradisiacal beaches to all included resorts, you can find different cayos all over Cuba. However, each of them offers a unique experience where nature is the main attraction. In this article, we present to you our favorite cayos in Cuba so you can start planning your next getaway.
Cayo Coco
Cayo Coco in Cuba is the fourth biggest island in the country and one of the most incredible corners of the Caribbean. This cayo is very accessible to tourists and it counts with a very well-developed infrastructure which even includes an airport. The north side of the island is urbanized, so you will find plenty of luxurious all-included resorts where you can stay. On the other hand, the south of the island is considered a natural tourist park which means it remains unspoiled. This cayo stands out as a destination for relaxation thanks to its paradisiacal beaches which include Playa Larga, Playa Flamencos and Playa Las Coloradas. Three beautiful beaches of crystalline water, ideal to leisurely enjoy a dip. Cayo Coco is also rich in sea life, so watersports such as scuba diving are a must if you decide to go.
Cayo Guillermo
Linked to Cayo Coco through a natural path is Cayo Guillermo. This cayo is smaller and quieter than its neighbor Cayo Coco, but that doesn’t mean that it is less beautiful. Cayo Guillermo is home to two of the most stunning beaches in Cuba: El Paso and El Pilar. Flora and fauna are abundant on this island, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time searching before you find starfishes or iguanas. Diving is also a popular activity in Cayo Guillermo as colorful fishes and marine creatures can easily be found.
Fun fact: Cayo Guillermo in Cuba was Hemingway’s favorite cay. In fact, he even described this dreamy place one his famous novel called “Islands in the Stream”.
Cayo Santa Maria
The largest cayo in Cuba is Cayo Santa María which is placed in the breathtaking archipelago of the Cayerías del Norte. Cayo Santa María is known to be linked to the main island through a 45 km road called Pedraplén, which helps with accessibility. Driving through Pedraplén is an experience itself with amazing views of Bahía de Buena Vista during the whole journey.
Cayo Santa María covers 18 km2 of land and offers 10km of white sandy beaches with turquoise waters. For that reason, the place is known among locals as “Rosa Blanca de los Jardines del Rey” which translates to “White Rose of the King’s Gardens”. There are several incredible beaches in Cayo Santa María, but our favorite ones are Perla Blanca, Las Caletas, Cañón and Cuatro Punta. In terms of accommodation, it is important to note that you will only find all-inclusive hotel resorts on the island.
Other stunning Cayos in Cuba
If you are looking for a complete getaway from civilization, we recommend Cayo Ensenachos. This cay is very close to Cayo Santa Maria but it is not as popular as its neighbor. Another good option would be Cayo Levisa, placed in the Gulf of Mexico and with limited access, this cay preserves like no other its wild natural landscape.
For a great scenery to practise water sports you should visit Cayo Las Brujas and its coral reef, one of most impressive ones in the world. Jardines de la Reina is also a great spot for divers because of its marine biodiversity. In fact, this cay has been included in the World Heritage Marine Programme. Another cay you should consider visiting for the beauty of its natural landscape is Cayo Sabinal, home to many different and exotic species.
Finally, if you want a fun and different activity, you should try the Turtles Farm in Cayo Largo del Sur or a boat day trip in the waters of Cayo Blanco.
Which cay is your favorite? Contact Espíritu Travel and let us know. We will start planning your trip while customizing the schedule to all your needs and wants, so you can have the most relaxing holidays of your life. To get more ideas of places to go and things to do in Cuba, you can check out our website. We are also available if you have any questions about cayos in Cuba.
