How do I get to Playa Guanabo Este from Havana?

Playa Guanabo Este is approximately 27 kilometers east of central Havana, about a 30-40 minute drive. You can take a taxi (negotiate fare beforehand, usually 20-30 CUC), rent a car, or use the local bus system. Bus P11 runs from Havana to Guanabo, though service can be irregular. Many visitors hire a private taxi for the day. The beach is easily accessible by road and well-signposted from the main coastal highway.

What food and lodging options are available near Playa Guanabo Este?

Guanabo town offers various casas particulares (private homestays) and small hotels at budget-friendly prices, significantly cheaper than Havana. You'll find local paladares (private restaurants) serving fresh seafood and Cuban cuisine along the main street. Beach vendors sell snacks, drinks, and fresh coconuts. Several beach bars and restaurants operate directly on the sand during high season. Stock up on supplies in Havana for better variety and prices if staying multiple days.

What makes Playa Guanabo Este different from other Havana beaches?

Playa Guanabo Este is the main beach in the eastern Guanabo extension, offering a more authentic, local Cuban beach experience compared to tourist-focused Playas del Este beaches like Santa María. It's popular with Cuban families, giving visitors a glimpse into local leisure culture. The area is less commercialized with a relaxed, residential atmosphere. Its eastern location means it's quieter than beaches closer to Havana while still offering good sand and scenic coastal views.

Guanabo · Havana Province · Cuba

Playa Guanabo Este

Just east of Havana, Playa Guanabo Este pulses with local life and sun-drenched energy. Its wide, golden sands invite sunbathers and families, while the gentle surf whispers a constant invitation to cool off in the Atlantic's embrace.

1 / 8

Conditions right now

Reading live conditions…

Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Playa Guanabo Este. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.

Waves

—

01m2m3m+

Wind

—

kmh

Water

—

Air

—

OnlyBeaches IndexUpdated just now

OBI

—

Live-scored for Playa Guanabo Este

Tuned for

Purity: 0%
Conditions: 0%
Crowd: 0%
Vibe: 0%

The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.

Verified beach

Guanabo·Havana Province·Cuba

No reviews yet

familyurbanscenicsun bathing

Trending This Week

Photos

8 captures from Playa Guanabo Este

About this beach

Step onto the sun-baked expanse of Playa Guanabo Este, where the golden sand stretches wide, meeting the turquoise Atlantic with a gentle sigh. This isn't a secluded hideaway; it's a vibrant slice of Cuban life, a place where the air hums with laughter, the distant thrum of salsa, and the chatter of families enjoying a day by the sea. The scent of salt and s…

Where it is

Playa Guanabo Este

Guanabo, Havana Province, Cuba

23.1709°, -82.1038°

Open in Google Maps

Top things to do

At Playa Guanabo Este

Sun Bathing

Golden sands

Ocean Dip

Warm, shallow water

Local Bites

Beachside paladares

People Watching

Vibrant Cuban life

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Playa Guanabo Este.

Loading nearby eat & drink…

Loading nightlife…

Good to know

Questions people actually ask about Playa Guanabo Este.

Is Playa Guanabo Este safe for swimming and families?

Playa Guanabo Este is generally safe for swimming with calm, shallow waters ideal for families. The beach is popular with local families and has lifeguards during peak season. Waves are typically gentle, making it suitable for children. As with any beach, supervise young swimmers and check local conditions before entering the water. The urban location means facilities and help are readily accessible. Avoid swimming during rough weather or if warning flags are posted.

When is the best time to visit Playa Guanabo Este?

The best weather occurs from November to April, with sunny skies, lower humidity, and temperatures around 25-28°C. This is Cuba's dry season, offering ideal beach conditions. For budget travel, visit during the shoulder seasons of May or October when accommodation rates drop and crowds thin out while weather remains pleasant. Avoid September and October if concerned about hurricanes. Weekdays are quieter than weekends when locals flock to the beach.