Havana is Cuba's vibrant capital city, a place where 1950s American cars cruise past crumbling colonial architecture and revolutionary murals. The city's unique blend of Spanish colonial heritage, Art Deco buildings, and Caribbean culture creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Havana.
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Playas del Este (Santa Maria del Mar)
The most popular and well-developed beach area accessible from Havana. Santa Maria del Mar has 2km of fine white sand and clear turquoise Caribbean water. Hotels, restaurants, and beach rentals line the shore. The quintessential Havana beach escape.
Editor’s tip. G
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Playa Bacuranao
A smaller, quieter beach just before the main Playas del Este development. Has a basic tourist village with cheaper accommodation options and a more relaxed atmosphere than Santa Maria.
Editor’s tip. T
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Playa El Megano
Between Bacuranao and Santa Maria, El Megano is a local favorite with less tourist infrastructure. The wide beach is popular with Havana families on weekends.
Editor’s tip. V
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Playa Boca Ciega
A quieter residential beach east of Santa Maria, popular with Cubans rather than tourists. The calmer waters and fewer crowds make it a better option for families.
Editor’s tip. T
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Playa Guanabo
A proper beach town 30km east of Havana with a main street, restaurants, casas particulares, and a long stretch of beach. More locals than tourists and a genuine Caribbean beach town feel.
Editor’s tip. W
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Marina Hemingway Beach Area
The beach and waterfront area around Marina Hemingway in western Havana. Small beach with marina atmosphere; popular with sailing enthusiasts and those staying in nearby hotels.
Editor’s tip. C
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.