A Caribbean holiday immediately conjures up thoughts of cocktails on paradise beaches, and luckily there are still a few famous beaches in Cuba. If a crowded resort in Varadero isn't for you, there are plenty of uncrowded alternatives perfect for the independent traveller. Often these beaches will amaze you with their authentic Cuban feel. Sometimes, by simply relaxing on the beach, you will also get glimpses of the past. Here, then, is our pick of the Cuban beaches that have yet to be discovered.
Kitesurfing in Cayo Guillermo, Cuba. ©yykkaa/Getty Images
Cayo Guillermo, Province of Ciego de Ávila
In addition to being one of Hemingway's favourite fishing spots, this cayo seduces visitors with cover-to-cover views. The most spectacular beach, Playa Pilar, has soft white sand that accumulates into soft dunes a short bus ride away from the Guillermo Hotel.
Where to stay and where to eat
The Iberostar Daiquiri is the best hotel; for fresh fish in a fantastic location head to Ranchón Playa Pilar, which is likely to become one of your favourite restaurants in Cuba.
What to do
Most people come here for swimming and sunbathing, but there are many things you can do: admire the flamingos in the mangroves, go on fishing excursions to feel like a modern-day Hemingway and take one of the many boat trips from Playa Pilar. Cayo Guillermo is also one of the few places in Cuba where you can go kite-surfing.
A starfish in the reef, Cuba. ©Teerinvata/Shutterstock
Bahía de Cochinos, Matanzas Province
It is strange to holiday in the epicentre of the most dangerous moment of the Cold War: the Bay of Pigs. Yet now it is better known as one of the best places in Cuba to dive, discovering a 300-metre deep coral reef so close to the coast you can swim to it. The best sandy beach is Playa Larga, a thin, bright strip of sand near the village of Caletón.
Where to stay and where to eat
Stay in a typical casa particulare (private flats available as B&Bs) in Playa Larga for a glimpse of Cuban life. For the best food in the area go to Hostal Enrique, more specifically on the rooftop terrace overlooking the sea.
Things to do
Diving is the official attraction and you can find the right equipment at Playa Girón's International Scuba Centre. You can also visit the Playa Girón Museum to learn all there is to know about the history of the Bay of Pigs and then set off on a tour to Ciénaga de Zapata, home to the island's first bird watching site.
A white sandy beach in the early morning light, Cuba. ©Image by Chris Winsor/Getty Images
Península de Guanahacabibes, Pinar del Río Province
Cuba's isolated western cape is the exact opposite of Varadero: 60 kilometres of green nothingness, interrupted only by beaches that dazzle the few visitors who venture there. The pale strip of beach at María la Gorda, in fact, goes almost unnoticed by the handful of tourists who venture out here on offshore excursions. A few rocks outcropping between beach and waves might deter some from taking long swims, but the beach itself is incredible.
Where to stay and where to eat
Behind the beach is the Hotel María La Gorda, the only one around. Both the hotel's beach bar and restaurant have lovely views.
What to do
From the Hotel María La Gorda dive centre you can explore more than 50 sites, diving around the reef. If you are here between June and August, try to look for turtles on the beaches south of the peninsula, where green turtles come to lay their eggs: this is one of the main turtle breeding grounds.
Gibara, Province of Holguín
This idyllic fishing village will give you a break from the flow of tourists, with its decaying colonial houses abandoned on the coast and kept hidden by locals. The best beach is Playa Caletones, a wild sandy comma 17 kilometres from the village. The access road is unpaved and passes Cuba's only wind-powered farm and several freshwater pools.
Where to stay and where to eat
The fantastic La Esperanza restaurant has probably one of the most scenic bars in all of Cuba, with a terrace serving huge trays full of the day's catch.
What to do
Relaxing and swimming is a must in this peaceful place, not only in the sea but also in the many freshwater pools. Ask at La Esperanza restaurant for some of the most interesting caves just behind the beach.
Sign up for our newsletter! For you weekly travel tips, special offers, stories from the world and 30% discount on your first order.
Paradise beaches away from the crowds, Cuba. ©Tuckerg/Budget Travel
Playa Ancón, Province of Sancti Spíritus
The province of Sancti Spíritus is best known for the colonial jewel of Trinidad, but just 12 kilometres south-west of the city a glittering curl of sand rivals the UNESCO city in attracting visitors. Playa Ancón is perfect for swimming, although sunbathing may attract local mosquitoes, particularly voracious at dawn and dusk.
Where to stay and where to eat
Brisas Trinidad del Mar offers direct access to Playa Ancón. A two-kilometre jaunt north of the beach is the excellent Caribbean Grill, specialising in seafood. For something local and inexpensive, head to the village of La Boca, not far from Ancón, where there are a dozen delightful casas particulares.
What to do
Playa Ancón has a marina where fishing and sailing excursions are organised to discover the paradisiacal Jardines de la Reina archipelago.
Not enough for you? Here are more paradise beaches
For one of the chicest experiences in Cuba, head to Hotel Playa Pesquero with a panoramic view of the idyllic Playa Pesquero beach in Holguín Province.
At Hotel Cayo Levisa, on the seductive cove of the same name in Pinar, in the Río Province, you can relax on the lovely beach. As soon as the tourists of the day are back on the boat, this paradisiacal place will be all yours.
