CAYO SANTA MARIA
The island is located in the Atlantic Ocean near the islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, opposite the northern coast of the province of Villa Clara. The island is only 13 km long and 2 km wide. Cayo Santa Maria is connected to the mainland by a causeway 48.6 km long. Near Cayo Santa Maria are the small islands of Las Brujas and Ensenchos. On the island of Las Brujas there is an airport where planes of local airlines fly from Havana. The distance to the international airport of Santa Clara is about 110 km and 386 km to Havana. All three islands have beautiful beaches with soft white sand and clear waters, perfect for fishing, diving, water sports and boat trips.
The beaches of Cayo Santa Maria are 5 sq. miles stretch for 6.8 miles, the depths of the sea are of amazing beauty and abound in diverse fauna.
A relaxing holiday on the island goes well with an active cultural and entertainment program in Havana.
60 km from the island is the town of Remedios, whose historic center has been declared a national monument. You can also visit the capital of the province, the city of Santa Clara, famous for its vast historical and cultural heritage, as well as the hospitality of the locals.
Climate The
beach season continues on the island all year round; high season – from December to April (the driest time of the year); Hurricanes are possible from August to October.
CAYO LARGO
Cayo Largo or – an island in the Los Canarreos archipelago in the Caribbean off the southwestern coast of Cuba. The island is 25 km long and only 3 km wide. Almost the entire southern coast of the island is occupied by beaches with the finest white sand, the total length of which exceeds 20 km. The waters of the Caribbean Sea are warmer than the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the northern coast of Cuba, and the water temperature off the coast of Cayo Largo never drops below +25C.
Cayo Largo is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday away from noisy resorts, as well as for lovers of water sports and romantic getaways. Near the island there are many colorful coral reefs that attract diving and snorkeling fans from all over the world. All Cayo Largo hotels are located just 10 minutes from the airport, and many offer full service and evening shows, as well as all-inclusive holidays.
The beaches of Cayo Largo are the “calling card” of the island. The sand on all beaches is fine and soft, the water is crystal clear. All Cayo Largo hotels are located on the 5-kilometer Playa Lindamar beach in the central part of the island. However, the most famous and popular are the beaches to the east of the hotels, since they are subject to the least changes due to weather conditions – these are Playa Sirena, Playa Paraiso and Punta Mal Tiempo.
Playa Sirena is a picturesque and wide 2 km long beach with very calm seas. The only water entertainment center on the island is located here, the services of which are used by guests of all hotels in Cayo Largo. You can also find a restaurant, bar and shops here. Tourists often come here with an excursion from Havana and Varadero, so there are usually more people on Playa Sirena than on other beaches.
Playa Paraiso or “Paradise Beach” is a quiet and peaceful holiday destination. The sea is also calm here. The beach has a number of sunbeds and umbrellas, there is a bar with drinks and snacks. From hotels to Playa Paraiso and other eastern beaches, you can walk along the coast, take a taxi or a small tourist train.
Punta Mal Tiempo Beach is located west of Playa Paraiso and is a secluded deserted beach. On Punta Mal Tiempo you will not find umbrellas and sunbeds, restaurants and bars. Since there is practically no natural shade on the beach, it is recommended to take beach umbrellas with you. From Playa Paraiso, you can walk here in 15 minutes.
Those who want to spend time in even greater silence and absolute privacy should go to the western beaches – Playa Blanca, Playa Los Cocos, Playa Tortuga. On these pristine beaches, you can often find iguanas, pelicans, sea turtles and many other representatives of the tropical fauna.
On Cayo Largo, you can go in for water sports, horseback riding, cycling, fishing, tennis, and in the evening go to a colorful performance in one of the island’s hotels. But the favorite pastime of tourists on the island is long walks on the white sand of many kilometers of beaches. Snorkelling near coral reefs and boat trips on yachts and boats are very popular. Diving Center Cayo Largo is located at the main pier of the island.
For those who wish to go on an excursion, trips are organized to Havana and Trinidad, as well as to the islands of Juventud, Cayo Iguana and other islands of the Los Canarreos archipelago. Long distance excursions include an internal flight and are usually quite expensive.
The international airport on the island of Cayo Largo receives direct flights from several cities in Europe and Canada. There are daily regular flights to Havana. There is a 24-hour taxi service on Cayo Largo, it is possible to rent cars and scooters. In addition, tourist trains run from hotels on Playa Lindamar to the beaches in the east of the island.
Climate The
beach season continues on the island all year round; high season – from December to April (the driest time of the year); Hurricanes are possible from August to October.