For those planning a journey to Cuba, few pleasures rival smoking a fine Cuban cigar with the sea in view and time on your side. Whether you are seeking quiet solitude, postcard scenery, or a touch of old-world charm, the island offers coastal spots that perfectly suit the cigar experience. The Cigar Keep travel team has selected six ideal beach destinations, each matched with cigar guidance, to help you enjoy your smokes in exactly the right setting.
Playa Ancón – For Elegant Simplicity
Near Trinidad on the island’s southern coast, Playa Ancón is a beach we recommend for those who appreciate balance and tradition. The atmosphere is calm, the views are uninterrupted, and it is just far enough from town to feel like an escape without losing access to the area's rich history.
We suggest bringing a Choix Supreme by El Rey del Mundo, a cigar that mirrors the beach’s soft rhythm. It is refined, medium-bodied, and will not overpower the senses in the heat. Set yourself up in the shade of a palm, allow for an hour with no plans, and let the cigar unfold slowly. If you are staying in Trinidad, this beach makes for an easy and worthwhile afternoon retreat.
Cayo Levisa – For True Disconnect
If your idea of relaxation involves silence, solitude, and a clean horizon, Cayo Levisa is the place to go. This small, undeveloped island off Cuba’s northwestern coast is only reachable by boat, making it feel far from the world in the best way. There are no distractions here, just white sand, mangroves, and still water.
This setting calls for a Rafael González Panetela Extra or a mature Punch Punch. Choose something with nuance rather than strength. In the evenings, the air cools and the breeze settles, ideal for lighting up and watching the tide shift. We recommend bringing your own supplies, as cigar availability on the island is very limited.
Varadero – For Comfort and Familiarity
Varadero is Cuba’s best-known beach, and for good reason. While some areas are busy, the beach is large enough that you can find a quiet stretch if you time your visit well. Early morning and late afternoon are the best windows for a peaceful cigar session.
With its international infrastructure and relaxed pace, Varadero is ideal for a Montecristo No. 2 or a Partagás Serie D No. 4, both reliable classics that travel well and perform consistently. It is a great place to enjoy a cigar you know and trust, especially if you are easing into your first few days in Cuba. Several hotels have cigar lounges if you prefer a post-beach smoke indoors.
Playa Pilar – For Scenic Perfection
Often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Playa Pilar on Cayo Guillermo offers turquoise shallows, soft dunes, and a connection to Hemingway’s time in Cuba. It is the kind of place where even the light seems filtered, soft and golden in the late afternoon.
This beach pairs wonderfully with a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 or a La Flor de Cano Petit Coronas. Choose a cigar that is light, fragrant, and easygoing. We recommend a late-morning visit followed by lunch at the beachfront restaurant and a relaxed smoke under a parasol. The atmosphere here is effortless, and your cigar should reflect that same ease.
Cayo Jutías – For Rustic Adventure
If you are the kind of traveler who does not mind a slightly rough road in exchange for an authentic experience, Cayo Jutías is worth the drive. This beach is more rustic, with little development and a true sense of the wild Cuban coast. You will not find luxury here, but you will find space and peace.
A cigar with character suits this setting well. Try a Bolivar Royal Corona or a Saint Luis Rey Regios, preferably with some age. The slightly firmer draw and deeper flavour of these vitolas are perfect for an unhurried afternoon where the cigar becomes the central part of the experience. There is no need for polish here, just good company, good weather, and a strong puro.
Playa Yuraguanal – For Quiet Comfort in the East
Located on the northern coast of Holguín province, Playa Yuraguanal is a lesser-known beach that offers a gentle and comfortable setting far from the bustle of Havana or Varadero. With calm waters, soft sand, and low foot traffic, this beach is ideal for those who prefer a more private experience.
We recommend bringing a San Cristóbal de La Habana El Príncipe, a small, flavourful cigar that does not demand a long commitment. Its creamy and toasty profile is well suited to the still air and the quiet rhythm of the coast here. If you are exploring Cuba’s eastern provinces, this beach makes a perfect afternoon stop, with reliable weather and a peaceful backdrop for reflection and rest.
