Palm trees on white sand at Playa Sirena on Cayo Largo.
98655236
tree, sand, cayo, palm, cuba, flora, playa, beach, white, plant, largo, sandy, sirena, island, beauty, tourism, caribbean, landscape, recreation

©yykkaa/Shutterstock

Playa Sirena

Top choice


Cayo Largo's (and, perhaps, Cuba's) finest beach is the broad westward-facing Playa Sirena, where 2km of powdery white sand is wide enough to accommodate several football pitches. Tourists on day trips from Havana and Varadero are often brought here. Thanks to calm seas, nautical activities (kayaks, catamarans) are available. Set back from the beach there's a restaurant, along with showers and toilets. It is the only Cayo Largo beach with shade.

Just southeast is Playa Paraíso, a narrower and less shady but nonetheless wonderful strip of sand, serviced by a small bar.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Centro de Rescate de Tortugas Marinas

1.24 MILES

A small, often-closed complex beyond the airstrip on the northwest end of the island in the settlement of Combinado. From May to September guides here can…

2. Cayo Iguana

1.44 MILES

Off the northwest tip of Cayo Largo, Cayo Iguana is home to, that's right, hundreds of iguanas. A catamaran trip with snorkeling and lunch will cost you…

3. Vivero de Crocodrilos

3.39 MILES

A beautiful, old building on Cayo Largo? You'd better believe it. Just past the turnoffs to the Sol resorts, the stone tower marking the Vivero de…

4. Cayo Rico

5.72 MILES

A big day-trip destination between Cayo Largo and Isla de la Juventud. Boat excursions to the beaches leave from the hotels (for around CUC$85 per person)…

5. Playa los Cocos

6.59 MILES

You can head up the island's east coast via this beach, where there is good snorkeling, but no shade or facilities. The paved road gives out after Playa…

6. Playa Tortuga

10.89 MILES

Beyond Playa los Cocos at the far end of the island is this beach, where sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand in the summer.