Places to See and Stay: Northern Cayes - Cuba

In recent years, the remote northern cayes, east of Varadero, have also been developed. Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Ensenachos and Cayo las Brujas are all small islets connected to the mainland by a causeway. They are covered in thick mangroves and are important bird nesting sites with idyllic beaches and sparkling seas. The resorts here are mainly large but are newer than many in Varadero and provide a quieter alternative, in a pristine setting, whilst still offering a high standard of accommodation, and excellent facilities.

Cayo las Brujas in particular has a delightful small hotel with wooden cabins connected by a boardwalk offering comfortable and peaceful lodgings with a stunning beach. These cayes are all within a four hour drive of Havana and Trinidad. Further to the east lie Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, two well established built up cayes, with a good selection of all-inclusive resorts. Cayo Guillermo is home to Playa Pilar, reputed as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and also resident to a large flamingo population.