Cayo Santa Maria

If a scene of a deserted beach with crystalline white sand and warm azure water tickles your fancy, then Cayo Santa Maria is for you, at least for the time being. This island off the north coast of Cuba's Villa Clara province is changing fast. Cuba has designated Cayo Santa Maria as a tourist zone and mega resorts are being built one beside another right down the entire 11km / 6mi beach.

Cayo Santa Maria is linked to the mainland by a 48 km / 30mi causeway called El Pedraplen and a toll is payable both ways. Note that Cuban citizens are not allowed on Cayo Santa Maria and will be turned back at the tollbooths.

Cayo Santa Maria faces the Atlantic Ocean and the waves on the beach can be large so weak swimmers should take care. There is no shade and no palm trees on the beach, but thatch umbrellas can be rented from local vendors.