The Playas del Este are to Havana what Normandy is to Paris! In summer, every weekend, the Havana people rush there to escape the hustle and bustle of the city!
Authentic, rough and 100% Cuban, these beaches are far from the glitz of Varadero! We tell you everything!
The Playas del Este in a few words
Located at about fifteen kilometers from the capital, the Playas del Este are in fact technically one and the same beach, about 10 kilometers long.
If the environment is on paper paradisiac (white sand, turquoise water and coconut trees), many constructions of resolutely Soviet style come unfortunately to tarnish the picture.
In the summer, the Havana people flock to the Playas del Este in (very) large numbers.
Be warned, if you imagine a huge deserted beach, you may be disappointed.
Far from the glitz of Varadero or the confidentiality of Cayo Levisa, the Playas del Este have the merit of inviting tourists to discover another face of the island, more raw, more authentic … more Cuban!
How to get to the Playas del Este
To get to the Playas del Este, head 18 km east of Havana.
Habana Bus Tour’s T3 bus leaves several times a day from Parque Central, at the corner of Paseo de Martí and Simón Bolívar.
Count 5 CUC per person for the day ticket.
The bus makes stops at several of the Playas del Este.
The seven Playas del Este
Each of the beaches has its own identity, its own regulars.
Playa Bacuranao
Playa Bacuranao is the closest of the seven beaches to Havana.
It is very popular with Cubans.
Playa Megano
Playa Megano has recreational facilities dedicated to children.
It is therefore particularly popular with families.
Playa Santa Maria del Mar
Playa Santa Maria del Mar is the one of the seven beaches that is most frequented by foreign tourists. It is also known as “Marazul” or “Tropicoco” because of the two resorts (Soviet to cry) that border the beach.
Playa Boca Ciega
Playa Boca Ciega is known as a gathering point for the gay community.
Playa Guanabo
This is the most commercial of the seven beaches. You will find many stores, as well as a night club.
Playa Jibacoa & Playa Trópico
Playa Jibacoa and Playa Trópico are known for their rich seabed with coral reefs. If you are a snorkeling enthusiast, the two beaches of Playas des Este will please you the most.
