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If your holiday is all about the beach, you’ve come to the right place as Cuba lays claim to some of the finest sands in the Caribbean.

Varadero

This epic stretch of perfect white sand may just be the definition of Caribbean beach paradise. Home to many all-inclusive resorts, it’s super convenient for families looking for a hassle-free holiday. That said, it does get busy in peak season – luckily, there’s plenty of beach to go around.

Playa Paraíso

For somewhere a little more secluded, head to this white sand spot to swim, snorkel and kayak in peace. It’s part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago, a set of islets off Cuba's southern coast famous for their incredible scuba diving.

Playa Ancón

Close enough to Trinidad to be a day trip from the city, this beautiful beach is well worth the effort. Think palm trees, warm white sand between your toes, and daiquiris from a coconut. It’s also great for diving and you can explore the stunning coastline on a boat trip.

Playas del Este

If you’re basing yourself in Havana, this relaxing sandy stretch is for you. About half an hour by taxi from the city, there are plenty of restaurants, snack bars and sunbeds to keep you quietly busy in a less built-up area.

Playa Pilar

Favoured by both beach-lovers and pink flamingos who wade through the nearby mangroves, Playa Pilar is a top spot for sunbathing. The beach is on the Jardines del Rey off the north coast of Cuba and is quieter than the resorts of Varader

Many visitors understandably make a beeline for the island’s world-class beaches, but there’s so much more to Cuba than its beautiful coastline…

Havana

Whatever the weather, Cuba’s coastal capital is buzzing with life and, more often than not, live music. Wander the streets of Havana Vieja (Old Town Havana) and soak in the atmosphere while taking in the fading facades of historic buildings. Or take a ride in a classic car – a coastal drive down the Malecón is a must.

You can learn more about the island’s history at the city’s museums, with the Museum of the Revolution a great place to start. Later, go rum tasting or relax in a lounge bar with a fresh mojito. If you’re here during a festival, get ready to party.

Santiago de Cuba

Cuba’s second city is a hub of art and culture and host to one of the most colourful carnivals. At the end of July, join locals dancing the conga through the streets to African drum beats and watch the parade of enormous floats with sequinned dancers.

Later, cool off at an art gallery or museum. The palatial Museo Emilio Bacardi Moreau, which has fascinating artefacts from Barcardi’s travels, is a good pick.

Valley of the Viñales

Remote and serene, the Valley of the Viñales is a world away from Cuba’s busy beach resorts. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a national park in the Pinar del Río Province, where you can hike around huge limestone rocks called mogotes.

Stay a while and spend time visiting a tobacco plantation, horseback riding through the valley or exploring the many caves and caverns in the region.

Wildlife

Birdwatching, crocodile spotting and fishing are just some of the wildlife experiences you can enjoy in Cuba.

Take a tour of the swamps at Ciénaga de Zapata to see bee hummingbirds, tocororo – Cuba’s national bird – and, if you’re lucky, manatees. The salt lake becomes a sea of pink from November to April when up to 10,000 flamingos descend on the waters, along with numerous other migratory birds.

Trinidad

With cobblestone streets and pastel-coloured houses, Trinidad is easily one of Cuba’s prettiest towns. Explore colonial mansions, museums and churches by day, and enjoy salsa to seemingly endless live music by night.

Several must-sees, such as the Museo Historico Municipal – an old sugar planter’s mansion – are close to the main square Plaza Mayor. From here, visit nearby Playa Ancón to eat fresh seafood and relax by the sea, or go hiking to waterfalls in the Escambray Mountains.

Cuba is a year-round destination with weather that varies across the country. November to April is the dry season and the best time for winter sun beach holidays. The temperature averages around 22C during this time.

Hurricane season is from June to November, peaking in August and September when there’s more chance of rain and the weather can be very humid.

You could time your trip around Cuba’s lively events. July is Santiago de Cuba’s carnival, Havana’s Jazz Festival is in December, May is Romerias de Mayo in Holguin, and June is carnival time in Camaguey.

When is the cheapest time to visit Cuba?

May, June, and October are good times to look for cheap package holiday deals to Cuba. There’s more chance of rain but showers tend to be short and hard. The island is at its most expensive from November to March.

When should I go for the best weather?

Dry season is your best bet for avoiding rain and humidity on a trip to Cuba. It runs from November to April (with temperatures around the mid-20s) and is often the busiest time to travel.