This former fishing village an hour and a half from Havana is a diver’s nirvana.
Choose between two shipwrecks for underwater exploration, including
a sunken cargo and military ship still kitted out with ladders and
ropes, before dropping towel on the beach – where you will pretty
much have the whole place to yourself. Stock up on snacks and
cerveza at the shop across the street and bask in the sweet
stillness all afternoon.

The 35-minute boat ride from Palma Rubia is more than worth your
while to lie on one of Cuba’s little-trodden beaches. Akin to
jetting off to your own private island, you’ll share these sandy
stretches with only a lucky few. Book a bungalow stay at Cayo
Levisa’s only hotel, or – if time restricts you – pop over for a
day trip. Part of the Colorados Archipelago, this place is renowned
for its unusual black coral – divers pack your PADI licence.

Caléton is a heady blend of Tulum and Ibiza, attracting an clued-up
bohemian crowd that you’ll want to join in the sunshine. There’s a
stretch of low-key beach shacks along the sand here; show up at
golden hour and stay past dinnertime. If you’re into the barefoot
and fancy-free scene, this is the place to stick around for live
music and dancing on the beach among creative, tousled-haired
beauties.

Known as Hemingway’s favourite place to go fishing in Cuba,
Playa Pilar is one of the country’s best jumping-off points. Set
out to sea or find an untouched spread of sand among to dunes
suitable for picnicking. Once you’ve run out of cold drinks, check
out Ranchon Playa Pilar for excellent lobster. If you get bored of
bathing and reading the latest on Justin and Hailey, go in search
of flamingos – you’ll spot them peeking out from behind
mangroves.

Just 12km away from Trinidad, a colonial town known for its
brightly hued facades, this beach is one of the south coast’s most
noteworthy. With pearly sand and a tie-dye abyss stretching out as
far as the eye can see, it’s one of the best stops to soak up a
sunset. Check out the marina for chartered catamaran trips out to
sea.

With some of the clearest water in all of Cuba, it’s no wonder
that María La Gorda is one of the country’s most sought-after
diving destinations. Plotted on the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, this
beach is part of a UNESCO-recognised International Biosphere
Reserve, thanks to its intricate coral networks and pristine
coastline. The area is also a former pirate hideout; its storied
location just makes it all the more appealing.

This strip of sand curves along three kilometres of Cuban
coastline. Mangroves and driftwood dot the beach and the water that
stretches out from it ranges from mint-green to baby-blue hues. If
photogenic scenes and serene surroundings are what you’re looking
for, make this one of your first stops – provided you’re anywhere
near Viñales.