Each week we bring you one of the best beaches in the world as our beach of the week. This week’s best beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba.
BEACH: Bahía de Baracoa
WHERE: Baracoa, Guantánamo, Cuba
WHY: On the eastern tip of Cuba sits the Bay of Baracoa. Backed by verdant mangroves dotted with pretty pastel houses, it’s little wonder as to why Christopher Columbus (who set foot upon this gorgeous isle back in the 1500’s) described it as the most beautiful place in the world. While you’re there, make sure you try a cucurucho – a mix of coconut, sugar and dried local tropical fruits, all wrapped up in a palm leaf package.
HOW: You can fly to Baracoa from Havana in two hours, but it’s expensive (think around the £200 mark for a return flight). If you’re already in the east of the island, catch a Víazul bus from Santiago de Cuba to Baracoa for about 15CUC (£10); it takes about five hours. Oh, and expect a rather bumpy ride.
H2O TONE: Deepest teal
SAND TONE: Charcoal velvet
STAY: In a casa particular with a Cuban host – a great way to get a real feel for Cuban life. Your host will have some good local tips to share and the food is likely to be much better than in the hotels, too.
WHEN: Cuba has a tropical climate, so December to May is warm and dry. Hurricane season runs from June to November and is hot and humid (and there’s the odd inconvenient downpour, of course), but it’s still pleasant.
By Emma Cambers
