Playas del Este

Playas de Este (Havana’s tropical beaches) start 18 km to the east of the capital city. This stunning stretch of coastline begins at Bacuranao, and then continues through Tarará, El Mégano, Santa María del Mar and Boca Ciega on to the town of Guanabo.

This delightful stretch of Atlantic paradise is where all the locals come to play and chill-out during the balmy months of July and August. If you want an escape from the modern touristy developments or an authentic Cuban beach experience, this is the place to go!

The beaches all have their own unique character and charm. Tarará is a diver’s paradise and an idyllic sailing destination. Boca Ciega is popular with gay couples. While Santa María del Mar is where you’ll find the most tourists and pricey resorts, Guanabo is at the more rustic end of the scale with cheap hotels, casas particulares (private houses) along with some local-type nightclubs and small shops. 

During winter months these beaches can often look scruffy and almost desolate but that all part of their charm! In summer however, they get jam-packed with crazy Cubans, all out to party, swim, socialize, mingle and have fun.

In terms of facilities, these postcard-like beaches are quite limited. So far, they have remained relatively tourism-free when compared with the likes of say Cancun or Cayo Coco. But, be warned, the crowds will inevitably come, so get here fast!