📌Province
Playa Ancón is in Sancti Spíritus province, on the south-central coast of Cuba, within the Ancón Peninsula, about 12 to 14 km south of the colonial city of Trinidad. It's usually considered the best beach on the south-central coast of the island and the go-to beach for those staying in Trinidad. It's a strip of white sand several kilometers long facing the Caribbean Sea, opposite the Jardines de la Reina archipelago farther south, in an area of calm waters and nearby reefs
📌Service town
The service town is Trinidad, a World Heritage Site, where the casas particulares, the hostels, the restaurants (paladares), the ATMs, the agencies and the transport are concentrated. From Trinidad depart taxis, bicitaxis, the tourist bus and excursions to the beach. The nearest airport with flights is Alberto Delgado Airport in Trinidad (limited service, check) and, for regular flights, Abel Santamaría Airport in Santa Clara or Havana's, farther away. On the Ancón Peninsula itself there are some beach hotels, but most travelers use Trinidad as a base
📌Best time to go
The best time for Playa Ancón is the dry season, from November to April, with sunny days, little rain, a calm sea and fewer mosquitoes; it coincides with the high tourist season in Trinidad. Summer (May to October) is hotter and more humid, with afternoon rains and the Caribbean hurricane season between June and November (most likely from August to October), so it's best to follow the forecasts. The water stays warm almost all year. In some months sargassum may appear on the shore; it's best to check the situation on arrival
📌Suggested days
Playa Ancón is enjoyed as a complement to a stay in Trinidad: with half a day or a full beach day you have enough to relax, swim and snorkel. Those who want to combine beach and diving or a catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco can add another day. The usual thing is to base yourself in Trinidad for 2 to 4 days (for the colonial center, the Valley of the Sugar Mills and Topes de Collantes) and dedicate one or two days by the sea to Ancón
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🌤️ Clima en Playa Ancón
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Just over ten kilometers from the maze of cobblestone streets of Trinidad, the coast opens into a long strip of white sand facing the Caribbean: this is Playa Ancón, considered the best beach on the south-central coast of Cuba. After touring the colonial center, going up to Topes de Collantes or walking through the Valley of the Sugar Mills, this peninsula of warm, transparent waters is the perfect reward to slow down.
Ancón is not a big tourist hub like Varadero nor an isolated cay: it's a relatively quiet beach, with a few hotels, palm trees, light sand and a sea of turquoise tones that invites you to float. Its great advantage is its closeness to Trinidad, which lets you combine in a single trip the immersion in colonial Cuba with beach days, without having to choose between one thing and the other.
This guide reviews the practical side of Playa Ancón with a warm, realistic eye: how to get there from Trinidad, what to expect from the beach and the snorkeling, what excursions you can do (like the catamaran outing to Cayo Blanco), where to stay and eat, and some tips to enjoy it without surprises. It's the ideal close to a few days in the colonial heart of Cuba.
📖 History of Playa Ancón
Playa Ancón has no urban history of its own: its story is tied to that of Trinidad, the colonial town to which it belongs. Trinidad was founded by Diego Velázquez around 1514 as one of the first seven towns of Cuba, and its wealth came with the sugar boom in the nearby Valley of the Sugar Mills during the 18th and 19th centuries, when dozens of mills and enslaved labor made the area one of the most prosperous on the island. The Ancón Peninsula, on the south coast, was historically an area of fishing and the sea outlet of that sugar region. With the development of tourism in Cuba in the second half of the 20th century —and very especially after the declaration of Trinidad and the Valley of the Sugar Mills as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988—, the beach was equipped with some hotels to take advantage of its sand and its calm waters, becoming the go-to beach of Trinidad. Today it combines that tourist role with the area's artisanal fishing. The deep history of the region —the founding of the town, the sugar splendor and slavery— is told in detail on our history page.
Read the full history →🗺️ What to see
1
The white sand beach of Ancón
Several kilometers of light sand and turquoise sea, the best beach on the south-central coast, ideal for swimming and resting.
The great attraction of Playa Ancón is, simply, its beach: a long strip of fine white sand that stretches for several kilometers over the Ancón Peninsula, bathed by a Caribbean Sea of turquoise tones and mostly calm waters. It's considered the best beach on the whole south-central coast of Cuba and the natural option for those staying in Trinidad who want a day at the sea.
Unlike the big crowded resorts, Ancón keeps a relatively quiet air: there are a few hotels along the coast, palm trees, areas of natural shade and more solitary sectors where you can spread your towel almost alone, especially far from the hotels. The water is usually warm and shallow near the shore, ideal for swimming and for the kids to play.
You can spend the day simply swimming, walking along the shore, sunbathing and enjoying the landscape, or add activities like snorkeling and boat trips. Many travelers arrive in the morning from Trinidad, spend the day and return at dusk.
How to get there: from Trinidad by taxi, bicitaxi (for the more athletic), tourist bus or rented bike (about 12-14 km). Best time to go: the dry season (November to April) with a calm sea. Tips: bring water, sunscreen, some food or cash for the hotel/kiosk services, and check whether there's sargassum on the shore that day. Watch your belongings on the more solitary stretches.
ℹ️ Distance: Ancón Peninsula, about 12-14 km south of Trinidad (taxi, bike, bicitaxi or tourist bus) · Best time to go: Dry season (November to April), with a calm sea and clear skies · Entry: Free (public beach) · Duration: Half a day or a full day
2
Snorkeling and diving on the reefs of Ancón
Coral reefs near the shore with colorful fish, ideal for snorkeling and diving in clear waters.
Off the coast of Ancón and around the peninsula there are coral reefs relatively close to the shore, which makes this beach one of the best places in the Trinidad area for snorkeling and diving. In some sectors you can enter directly from the beach and, swimming a stretch, find coral formations, colorful fish, sea fans and, with luck, a starfish or lobster.
For snorkeling you just need a mask and snorkel, which you can bring or rent at the hotels and operators of the area. For scuba diving, there are dive centers (for example, associated with the hotels of the peninsula or with operators in Trinidad) that organize dives on the nearby reefs and at sites of the south coast. The waters are usually clear and warm, with good visibility in the dry season.
One of the most popular outings combines snorkeling with a boat or catamaran trip to Cayo Blanco, a small nearby cay with especially striking reefs.
How to get there: from the beach of Ancón or by booking an excursion in Trinidad or at the hotels of the peninsula. Best time to go: dry season, with clearer waters and a calm sea. Tips: respect the corals (don't touch or step on them), use reef-friendly sunscreen if possible, and check the sea conditions and the day's visibility before going out. For scuba diving, verify the operator's certification.
ℹ️ Distance: Reefs off the coast of Ancón and around the peninsula · Best time to go: Dry season, with better visibility and a calm sea · Entry: Snorkeling from the beach free; equipment rental ~US$ 5–10; guided diving US$ 30–50 per dive (verified July 2026) · Duration: 1 to 3 hours (snorkeling); half a day (guided diving)
3
Catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco
Boat or catamaran trip to a nearby cay with reefs, snorkeling, lobster lunch and pristine beaches.
One of the classic excursions from Playa Ancón and Trinidad is the catamaran (or boat) outing to Cayo Blanco de Casilda, a small sandy cay located south of the peninsula, in Caribbean waters. It's a full-day trip much chosen by travelers who want to combine sailing, snorkeling and a pristine beach.
The excursion usually departs from the Ancón area or the nearby port of Casilda and, after a sail of some duration, makes one or several stops to snorkel over coral reefs rich in fish and marine life. On Cayo Blanco, participants enjoy the white sand beach and transparent waters and, on many outings, a lunch on board or on the cay, often with grilled lobster and fresh fish.
It's a very complete experience to get close to the world of the Cuban cays without going far from Trinidad, and one of the best ways to make the most of the south-central coast waters.
How to get there: the excursions are booked in Trinidad (agencies and casas particulares) or at the hotels of Ancón, with transfer included to the boarding point. Best time to go: dry season and good-weather days (calm sea). Tips: book in advance in high season, bring sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit and some cash; confirm what the outing includes (snorkeling, lunch, drinks). Prices and availability vary by operator.
ℹ️ Distance: Cayo Blanco de Casilda, south of the peninsula (boat departure from Ancón/Casilda) · Best time to go: Dry season, with a calm sea and good weather · Entry: Catamaran excursion US$ 35–60 per person, with snorkeling and lobster/fish lunch (verified July 2026) · Duration: Full day
4
Casilda and the fishing coast
The old port of Trinidad, a fishing village on the way to Ancón, with views of the bay and a local atmosphere.
On the road between Trinidad and Playa Ancón is Casilda, the old port of the town, a small and quiet fishing village overlooking its bay. It was historically the sea outlet of Trinidad and the Valley of the Sugar Mills, from which the sugar was shipped, and today it keeps a local, relaxed and authentic atmosphere, far from the tourist bustle.
Casilda is a good place to glimpse the daily life of the coast: to see the fishing boats, walk along its small seafront and its bay, and feel the slow rhythm of a Cuban seaside village. From here also depart some nautical excursions (like the outings to Cayo Blanco) and there are paladares and casas particulares.
It's not a monumental attraction, but a complement of landscape and atmosphere for those going to or coming from Ancón who want to get to know one more corner of the Trinidad surroundings.
How to get there: it's on the road linking Trinidad with the Ancón Peninsula (taxi, bike or tourist bus); it's a few kilometers from Trinidad. Best time to go: any time of day; the sunset over the bay is pleasant. Tips: combine it with the trip to or from the beach; bring cash if you want to eat or have a drink, and take the chance to chat with the locals and get to know the fishing area.
ℹ️ Distance: On the Trinidad–Ancón road, a few km from Trinidad · Best time to go: Any time; pleasant sunset over the bay · Entry: Free (touring the village) · Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour (on the way to the beach)
5
Sunsets and walks along the peninsula
The Ancón Peninsula offers sunsets over the Caribbean and long walks on the sand among palm trees.
Beyond swimming and snorkeling, Playa Ancón invites you to enjoy the landscape calmly. Its long strip of sand allows extensive walks along the shore, far from the hotels, where the beach becomes more solitary and natural, with palm trees, coastal vegetation and almost pristine stretches. It's an ideal plan to start or end the day.
The sunsets on the peninsula are one of its greatest charms: the sun sets over the Caribbean horizon and tints the sky and sea in warm tones, in a quiet postcard very different from the colonial energy of Trinidad. It's a perfect moment to stay on the beach or on the terrace of a hotel with something cool to drink.
The area also allows biking along the coast (many people arrive pedaling from Trinidad) and watching birds and coastal vegetation in the less developed stretches of the peninsula.
How to get there: from any point of the beach of Ancón. Best time to go: late afternoon for the sunset; early morning for cool walks. Tips: bring comfortable footwear or go barefoot on the firm sand, water and repellent for the stretches with vegetation (there may be mosquitoes at dusk). Watch your belongings if you go off to solitary areas.
ℹ️ Distance: Along the whole Ancón Peninsula · Best time to go: Sunset for the best light; early morning for walking · Entry: Free (open access to the beach) · Duration: 1 to 2 hours
6
Colonial Trinidad and the Valley of the Sugar Mills
The colonial town, a World Heritage Site, and its sugar valley, a few kilometers away, the perfect base for the beach.
Playa Ancón is inseparable from Trinidad, the colonial town founded around 1514 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 together with the Valley of the Sugar Mills. 12-14 km from the sand, its historic center of cobblestone streets, pastel mansions, plazas and bell towers is one of the best-preserved colonial ensembles in the Americas. The Plaza Mayor, the Romantic Museum (Brunet Palace), the tower of the former Convent of San Francisco and the live-music bars like the Casa de la Música make the city the ideal cultural complement to the beach days.
A few kilometers away stretches the Valley of the Sugar Mills, where during the 18th and 19th centuries dozens of sugar mills and enslaved labor generated the wealth of the town. Today you can visit the Manaca-Iznaga tower (about 45 m, with views over the valley) and the old estates. Almost all travelers who go to Ancón stay in Trinidad and alternate beach and heritage.
ℹ️ Distance: Trinidad 12-14 km; Manaca-Iznaga tower about 16 km from Trinidad · Entry: Walking Trinidad is free; museums US$ 1–3; Manaca-Iznaga tower ~US$ 1–2 (verified July 2026) · Best time to go: Dry season; morning or afternoon to avoid the heat · Duration: Half a day to a day (combinable with the beach)
💵 Prices
Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|
| Access to the beach of Ancón | Free (public beach) |
| Rental of loungers, umbrellas and snorkeling gear | Lounger/umbrella ~US$ 2–5; snorkeling gear ~US$ 5–10 per day (source: hotels and operators of the beach, verified July 2026) |
| Scuba diving (guided dive) | US$ 30–50 per dive at the area's dive centers (source: dive operators of Trinidad/Ancón, verified July 2026) |
| Catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco (with snorkeling and lunch) | US$ 35–60 per person depending on operator (source: nautical agencies of Trinidad/Casilda, verified July 2026) |
| Transtur tourist bus Trinidad–Ancón (pass) | ~US$ 3–5 the pass, in cash (source: Transtur / Cubas Best, verified July 2026) |
| Day pass at a beach hotel (if available) | US$ 15–35 per person, with use of the pool and sometimes lunch (source: hotels of Ancón, verified July 2026; check availability) |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
Activities and tours
| Activity | Price | Duration | Operator |
|---|
| Beach day and swimming at Ancón | Free (beach); lounger/umbrella ~US$ 2–5 | Half a day or more | Open access / hotel services |
| Snorkeling on the nearby reefs | From the beach free; equipment rental ~US$ 5–10 (verified July 2026) | 1-3 h | Hotels and operators of the beach |
| Scuba diving on the south coast | US$ 30–50 per dive (verified July 2026) | Half a day | Dive centers of Ancón/Trinidad |
| Catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco | US$ 35–60 per person (verified July 2026) | Full day | Nautical agencies and operators of Trinidad/Casilda |
| Bike ride from Trinidad to Ancón | Bike rental ~US$ 3–8 per day (verified July 2026) | Half a day | Bicycle rentals in Trinidad |
| Visit to the fishing village of Casilda | Free (touring) | 1 h | On your own |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🚌 How to get there and distances
Getting around
| Mode | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|
| Tourist bus Trinidad–Casilda–Ancón (Transtur) | ~US$ 3–5 the pass (or about 2 CUC at the departure from the tourist kiosk in the center), in cash (source: Transtur / Cubas Best, verified July 2026) | About 30 min | The 'tourist bus' is operated by Transtur and runs about 3 times a day connecting Trinidad, Casilda and the hotels of Ancón. It's the most comfortable and economical way to get to and from the beach; paid in cash. Confirm the schedules at the tourist kiosk in the center of Trinidad, which is usually near the Plaza Mayor |
| Taxi from Trinidad | ~US$ 8–10 per trip; about US$ 10 round trip with wait, to be agreed (source: Trinidad taxi drivers / Cubas Best, verified July 2026) | About 15-20 min | Fast and direct; taxis have no meter, the price is agreed before getting in. You can arrange a round trip with waiting time at the beach. There are private and state taxis in Trinidad |
| Bicycle (rental) | ~US$ 3–8 per day (source: casas particulares of Trinidad, verified July 2026) | About 40-45 min of pedaling | A popular and athletic option: the road from Trinidad to Ancón is fairly flat (about 12 km). Bring water and sunscreen; the sun beats down hard. Bikes are rented in Trinidad or at the casa particular itself |
| Bicitaxi (short trips / to Casilda) | ~US$ 4–6 per trip; within Trinidad 50–150 CUP (source: market range, verified July 2026) | Variable | A pedal tricycle, useful for getting around within Trinidad or to Casilda; for the full stretch to the beach most prefer a taxi or tourist bus because of the distance. Paid in cash |
| Transport apps and payment method | — | — | Trinidad doesn't have its own real-time app for urban transport (Moovit and Transit don't have the local lines loaded; the MW Urbanos app only covers Havana). Local transport —tourist bus, taxis, bicitaxis, carriages— is paid in cash: Cuban pesos (CUP) for local things, and CUP or foreign currency for taxis and the tourist bus as agreed. The long-distance Víazul buses are booked online at viazul.wetransp.com and paid with an international Visa/Mastercard card |
| Rental car | US$ 60–90 per day (national rental, verified July 2026) + fuel | Variable | Comfortable for getting around freely between Trinidad, Ancón, the Valley of the Sugar Mills and Topes de Collantes. Car rental in Cuba can be expensive and limited; book in advance |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
How to get there
| Route | Airlines / operators | Avg. price | Duration |
|---|
| Trinidad → Playa Ancón (taxi) | Private and state taxis of Trinidad | ~US$ 8–10 per trip; ~US$ 10 round trip with wait (verified July 2026) | 15 to 20 min (about 12-14 km) |
| Trinidad → Ancón (Transtur tourist bus) | Transtur (tourist bus Trinidad–Casilda–Ancón) | ~US$ 3–5 the pass, in cash (verified July 2026) | ~30 min, about 3 times a day |
| Havana / Varadero → Trinidad (long-distance bus) | Víazul and agencies | ~US$ 28 (€26) per leg from Havana, with a Visa/Mastercard card when booking at viazul.wetransp.com; the direct Havana–Trinidad route usually operates only Tuesday and Saturday (verified July 2026) | Approx. 5 to 6 h from Havana |
| Santa Clara / Cienfuegos → Trinidad (bus or taxi) | Víazul, collective taxis | US$ 8–15 by bus; US$ 25–40 by collective taxi (verified July 2026) | Approx. 1.5 to 2 h |
| Flight to Santa Clara or Havana + transfer to Trinidad | Airlines to Cuba; then bus/taxi to Trinidad | Variable depending on the airfare + US$ 25–60 for the ground transfer (verified July 2026) | Depending on origin + ground transfer |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🏨 Where to stay
No exact prices: a scale from $ (budget) to $$$$$ (luxury), with 2-3 options per category.
| Category | Price | Recommended options |
|---|
| All-inclusive beach hotels on the Ancón Peninsula | $$$$$ | US$ 60–120 per night per person all-inclusive (e.g. Hotel Club Amigo Ancón, Hotel Club Amigo Costasur, Hotel Brisas Trinidad del Mar). Right on the beach, with a pool and dive center. They usually start from ~US$ 41–59 per person in low season |
| Casas particulares in Trinidad (recommended base) | $$$$$ | US$ 20–40 per night; family homes in the colonial center, with homemade breakfast (~US$ 4–6) and a personal touch. They let you get to know the city and go to Ancón each day. Excellent value |
| Hostels and budget homes in Trinidad and Casilda | $$$$$ | US$ 15–25 per night; simpler casas particulares for budget travelers who use the city as a base for the beach and the excursions |
| Boutique hotels in the colonial center of Trinidad | $$$$$ | US$ 70–140 per night in restored colonial mansions (e.g. Iberostar Grand Trinidad, Encanto hotels), to sleep in the heart of the historic heritage and combine it with beach days |
🍴 Where to eat
| Type | Price | Options / signature dish |
|---|
| Restaurants and bars of the Ancón hotels | $$$$$ | US$ 8–20 per meal (or included in the all-inclusive); international and basic creole cuisine, practical for a full beach day without leaving the sand |
| Seafood and fish paladares (Trinidad and Casilda) | $$$$$ | US$ 10–25 per dish; fresh fish, lobster and seafood in private paladares of Trinidad and the fishing village of Casilda. To eat well before or after the beach |
| Creole cuisine in casas particulares of Trinidad | $$$$$ | US$ 6–15 per dish; homemade dinners and breakfasts with creole dishes (pork, chicken, congrí, root vegetables, salads and fruit). Hearty and authentic, ideal to stay and eat in the same place |
| Kiosks and simple food by the beach | $$$$$ | US$ 2–6; snacks, drinks, coconut water and simple food around the beach and in Casilda. It's best to bring cash and, for more variety, eat in Trinidad |
❓ Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Playa Ancón from Trinidad?+
The beach is about 12-14 km south of Trinidad. The most common options are the taxi (the fastest, ~US$ 8–10 per trip or ~US$ 10 round trip with wait, the price is agreed beforehand), the Transtur tourist bus that links Trinidad, Casilda and Ancón (~US$ 3–5, about 3 times a day) or the bicycle (the road is fairly flat, about 40-45 min, very popular). There are also bicitaxis for short trips or to Casilda. Everything is paid in cash. Prices verified July 2026.
Is it worth staying in Ancón or better in Trinidad?+
It depends on what you're looking for. Staying at the hotels of Ancón puts you right on the beach, ideal if you want sea and relaxation. But most travelers prefer to base themselves in Trinidad, in casas particulares: you're in the heart of the colonial center, a World Heritage Site, you eat homemade food, get to know the city and go to the beach each day. Trinidad offers more atmosphere, gastronomy and authenticity; Ancón, more tranquility by the sea.
Can you snorkel and dive at Ancón?+
Yes. There are coral reefs relatively close to the shore, so snorkeling can be done directly from the beach in some sectors. There are also dive centers that organize scuba dives on the south coast. One of the most popular outings is the catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco, which combines sailing, snorkeling over reefs and lunch. Bring or rent gear and check the day's sea conditions.
What's the best time to go to Playa Ancón?+
The dry season, from November to April, is the best: sunny days, a calm sea, little rain and fewer mosquitoes (it coincides with the high season). Summer (May to October) is hotter and more humid, with afternoon rains and the Caribbean hurricane season (most likely from August to October), so it's best to follow the forecasts. In some months there may be sargassum on the shore; check the situation on arrival.
How quiet is the beach? Are there many people?+
Ancón is fairly quiet compared to big resorts like Varadero. There are a few hotels, but also more solitary and natural stretches, especially if you go away from the hotels. In high season and on weekends there's more movement, but it rarely feels crowded. It's a beach to rest, swim and enjoy the landscape calmly.
Do I need to bring food and water?+
It's best to bring water, sunscreen and some food or cash. On the peninsula there are hotel restaurants and bars, but the supply by the beach is limited; prices and availability may vary. If you want to eat better and cheaper, many travelers have breakfast and dinner in Trinidad (at their casa particular or at paladares) and spend the day at the beach with something light.
Is there a transport app in Trinidad and how is the bus to the beach paid?+
Trinidad doesn't have its own app to see where the bus is (Moovit and Transit don't have the local lines loaded, and the real-time MW Urbanos app only works in Havana). The tourist bus to Ancón is operated by Transtur and paid in cash (~US$ 3–5 or about 2 CUC at the tourist kiosk in the center); taxis and bicitaxis also have no meter and are paid in cash, agreeing the price beforehand. To get to Trinidad from other cities, the Víazul buses are booked online at viazul.wetransp.com and paid with an international Visa or Mastercard card.
Sources consulted (13)
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Trinidad (Cuba)»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinidad_(Cuba)
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Valle de los Ingenios»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valle_de_los_Ingenios
- UNESCO — «Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios»: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/460/
- Wikipedia (EN) — «Playa Ancón»: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playa_Anc%C3%B3n
- Cuba Travel (oficial) — «Trinidad»: https://www.cuba.travel/
- Lonely Planet — «Playa Ancón, Trinidad»: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba/central-cuba/playa-ancon
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Casilda (Cuba)»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casilda_(Cuba)
- Víazul (oficial, buses interprovinciales, reserva y pago con tarjeta): https://viazul.wetransp.com/
- Cubas Best — «4 Ways to Go from Trinidad to Playa Ancon in 2026» (bus Transtur, taxi, bicitaxi, bici): https://cubasbest.com/trinidad-to-playa-ancon/
- Cubas Best — Transportation in Cuba 2026 (pago en efectivo/tarjeta, apps): https://cubasbest.com/transportation-in-cuba/
- Lonely Planet — «Trinidad: getting around»: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba/central-cuba/trinidad
- Cuba Travel (oficial): https://www.cuba.travel/
- Lonely Planet — «Cuba: practical information»: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba
