Playa Santa Lucia

Playa Santa Lucia tops out at an impressive 20 kilometres long, making it one of the largest beaches anywhere on Cuba. Approximately 100 kilometres from the country’s third-biggest city, Camaguey, its sands line the country’s northern coast.

Although large, Playa Santa Lucia remains mostly undeveloped, allowing beachgoers to enjoy the natural beauty of the island at its best. This ranges from thick native vegetation to habitat for flamingos and a coral reef in waters that shift between the colour of green jade to turquoise blue.

Playa Santa Lucia is particularly popular with divers keen to explore its underwater worlds, including moral eel and bull shark populations, which can be reached without the need of a boat. Offshore winds also make kitesurfing a major water sport here.

However, its golden sands are more than adequate for anyone seeking some time in the sun. The nearby village of Santa Lucia has a small selection of restaurants and stores, while vendors and hotels rent out beach chairs and umbrellas.