Cuba beach vacation guide for Canadians

Jul 4, 2022

Canadians love to visit Cuba. It's one of our most sought-after destinations and it's little wonder why. Stretches of sugar-soft sand, dreamy untouched beaches and cities rich with culture and fascinating history beckon visitors. And, of course, best of all, Cuba boasts comparably affordable all-inclusive resorts.

With over 300 beaches to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down the options for the ultimate Cuba beach vacation. From Varadero — Cuba’s longest beach — to the famous cayos off the main island, Travelzoo's Deal Experts put together some of their favourite beach vacation recommendations. Whether you're looking for a cheap-and-cheerful all-inclusive or a 5-star dream resort escape, browse our Cuba beach guide for Canadian travellers to help you make the right choice for your next vacation. 

Cuba is one of the most popular destinations with Travelzoo members, so we strive to bring the best Cuba vacation deals to our Top 20 on a regular basis. We often find great Cuba all-inclusive vacations for under $1,000, and sometimes starting from even under $700. Whether you are new to Cuba or are planning a return visit, check out some of our recommendations for Cuba beach vacation destinations. 

Travelzoo tip: When is the best time to visit Cuba? November-April is Cuba’s dry season, making it the most popular time to go. But prices are also a little higher, so our travel-savvy members also visit Cuba during the rainy season. It’s a little wetter and a lot more humid, but Cuba’s beaches are beautiful rain or shine.


Varadero, Trinidad & more

20 kilometres of sugar-soft sand await in Varadero. Located on the Hicacos peninsula, it is home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, with calm, swimmable waters that are good for the entire family. Visit Varadero Beach, Cuba's trademark stretch of sand, or Playa Coral, known for its coral reefs. 

For an in-depth guide on Varadero and things to do outside of an all-inclusive resort, check out Travelzoo's Varadero beach vacation guide for Canadians


Jardines del Rey and the cayos of Villa Clara

An introduction to the best beach spots in Cuba would not be complete without the Jardines del Rey archipelago. The “Garden of the Kings” has a slightly more isolated and natural feel compared to Varadero. You’ll see flamingos and spoonbills flying overhead, and the white ibis, known as “coco,” is what gave Cayo Coco, the most popular of the islands, its name. 

Visit the cayo where Ernest Hemingway wrote several of his best sellers or time your visit with the annual flamingo migration to watch a flamboyance of flamingos take flight. For details, check out our Jardines del Rey: Cuba beach vacation guide


Eastern Cuba: Holguin & Baracoa 

A Cuba beach vacation guide would not be complete without a mention of Holguin, the third-largest province in Cuba. Christopher Columbus proclaimed it to be “the most beautiful land eyes have ever seen." Baracoa, meanwhile, is home to black sand beaches. For more information on East Coast of Cuba, read Travelzoo's travel guide to Holguin, Baracoa and more from Eastern Cuba. 

Havana & Pinar del Rio 

The capital of Cuba is a must-visit destination, full of history, culture and more. Walk around Old Havana, dine in paladares and dance the night away listening to live music. There is plenty to do in the largest city in the Caribbean. Adventurous travellers can go a little bit more westward and visit Pinar del Rio, full of dreamy cayos and stretches of white-sand beach. 

Visit Travelzoo's Havana, Cuba vacation guide for more information. 


Ready to book a trip? Check out our Cuba deals or visit our blog for more travel inspiration.

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