With untouched beaches of fine pearly sand, azure Caribbean colours and world class deep sea fishing, Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Ensenachos are the perfect getaway. Tour Santa Clara and explore its central plaza. Do some shopping, visit the Che Guevara Museum and Memorial Centre and learn about the Cuban Revolution. Discover the 16th century colonial town of Remedios and its patrimonial church, meet the locals and see how cigars are made at an authentic cigar factory in Camajuani.
Accessible by a recently built causeway linking the mainland to the keys, Villa Clara's northern coast boasts the two pristine beaches of Cayo Santa Maria, with 11 km of spectacular sands set in beautiful natural surroundings and the isle of Las Brujas with its 2 km of virgin beach.
The province of Villa Clara is a traditional sugar, cattle and mineral producer. Excellent coffee grows on its southern mountain slopes, as does one of Cuba's important tobacco crops. Hence Santa Clara has always been an important commercial center and today houses one of Cuba's largest universities. Now, with the resort area of Cayo Santa Maria, it is also becoming known as a beautiful beach vacation destination. A recently built causeway linking the mainland to the keys of Santa Maria has helped open the beautiful virgin beaches to tourism.
A quieter destination, Cayo Santa Maria is the perfect getaway spot for couples and families looking for rest and relaxation. Singles looking for a lively destination might be better off in Varadero or Havana.
Avg. °C | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
High | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 28 | 27 |
Low | 17 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 19 | 17 |
Rain (mm) | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 110 | 150 | 120 | 160 | 170 | 160 | 40 | 20 |
Scuba diving and snorkeling are wonderful here with the abundant formations of Coral and varied of sea fauna.
You can hike along the shore and on the inland portions of the Cayos and the Escambray Mountains area.
Hanabanilla Lake is a popular trout and largemouth bass fishing spot.
Catch a show at the Teatro La Caridad or at Mejunje, a cultural and sports center bar that hosts various performances such as traditional and modern music, theater and art exhibits.
Santa Clara offers a few dancing clubs like El Bosque Disco and Cabaret and the popular discotheque in the hotel Santa Clara Libre.
Traditional Cuban and Creole dishes can be had in Santa Clara at the Villa La Granjita, La Casa del Gobernador or at the restaurant of the Santa Clara Libre Hotel.
Currency: CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso); CAD dollars easily exchanged but subject to 8% conversion fee (10% for US dollars and 11.24% for credit card charges). US-issued credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted in Cuba.
Climate: The temperature varies between 25 and 27C. Coral reefs create a barrier producing gentle waves and breezes. Sunny days and pleasant tropical climate allow the beach season to extend throughout the year.
Electricity: 110V or 220V (converters required) depending on hotel.
Documents
Canadian citizens require a valid passport to enter Cuba. All other nationalities please consult a vacation specialist or the Cuban Consulate at (416)234-8181 or the Cuban Tourist Board at (416) 362-0700.
Cuba tourist cards are supplied & validated with vacation packages. Some restrictions apply to tourists 18 years & under, when traveling without parents.
IMPORTANT: Each traveling passenger is responsible to pay a local departure tax in Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC). This fee is payable in cash at the airport in destination prior to boarding your flight, in the amount of CUC$25 (subject to change).
Angsana Cayo Santa Maria
- Escape to the tropics at this adults only resort set on a private beach in Cayo Santa Maria. This resort features well-appointed guestrooms brightly decorated to capture the colours of the Caribbean Sea, complete with a private balcony or terrace,… more
Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria
- Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria is an all-inclusive lifestyle resort located on a beautiful private beach. Amenities include five restaurants and four bars, two swimming pools, fitness centre and Kids Club.Dhawa Cayo Santa Maria also offers environmental conservation activities with a… more
Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria
- Families looking for fun or couples planning a destination wedding will love staying at the Gran Muthu Cayo Santa Maria. The hotel accommodations are designed for casual elegance and comfort. Offering destination wedding facilities the resort has a purpose built… more
Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas Beach Resort and Spa
- Nestled within the lush landscapes of Cayo Santa Maria, Grand Aston Cayo Las Brujas Beach Resort and Spa is an ideal destination for your next family vacation. Relax by the sparkling pools including two adults only pools, two kid’s pool… more
Grand Memories Santa Maria
- Create lasting family memories along the pristine beach and crystalline waters of Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba. Grand Memories Santa Maria delights the whole family with a generous range of complimentary facilities and activities, including a supervised kids club. Dip your… more
Grand Sirenis Cayo Santa Maria
- Nestled on a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach, Grand Sirenis Cayo Santa Maria offers picturesque getaways surrounded by tropical beauty. Spend your days soaking up the sun on the resort's sprawling stretch of beach or explore colourful coral reef formations… more
Hotel Roc Casa Del Mar
- Located along a white-fine-sand beach with crystal and clear waters, the Hotel Roc Casa Del Mar offers 800 modern and comfortable rooms, a selection of a la carte restaurants, along with Privilege Service.Location: Approximately 120 km from airport more
Iberostar Selection Ensenachos
- This stunning resort, set on a spectacular white powdery sand beach that stretches over 2.6 kilometres, offers all the luxury one expects from a hotel of this class. Experience some of the finest facilities anywhere in dazzling surroundings!Location: On the unspoiled… more
Melia Buenavista
- This luxury resort is located in one of the most stunning areas of Cayo Santa Maria. Guests at Melia Buenavista will love the attentive staff and numerous amenities. Located in a secluded ecological environment among white sand beaches and clear… more
Melia Cayo Santa Maria
- The Melia Cayo Santa Maria Hotel is a popular and charming resort located directly on a pristine sandy beach on the island of Cayo Santa Maria. This all-inclusive hotel offers comfortable rooms, many activities and a variety of delicious restaurants available.Location:… more
Melia Las Dunas
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Memories Paraiso
- The Memories Paraiso is nestled along a celebrated stretch of sandy beach fanned by pristine turquoise waters. Imprints of Spanish colonial style and design can be found at this beautiful vacation hideaway. From its stained glass windows to its classic… more
Paradisus Los Cayos
- Situated on the world-famous sparkling shores of Cayo Santa Maria, Paradisus Los Cayos offers a memorable beach vacation in Cuba. Vacationers can spend their days lounging by the beach or by one of the resort’s sprawling pools with a refreshing mojito… more
Playa Cayo Santa Maria
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Royalton Cayo Santa Maria
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Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria
- Surrounded by swaying palms and turquoise waters, the aptly named Sanctuary at Grand Memories Santa Maria in Cuba’s Cayo Santa Maria is an adults-only haven that offers complimentary full-service details such as butler service and in-room liquor dispensers in the… more
Sol Cayo Santa Maria
- If you are looking for a relaxing vacation on a white sandy beach then come and visit the Sol Cayo Santa Maria. This exquisite property has been lovingly designed to blend perfectly with the unspoiled natural surroundings of the area,… more
Starfish Cayo Santa Maria
- Pristine white sandy beaches, crystal blue ocean waters, extensive amenities and services and a warm, dedicated staff. Starfish Cayo Santa Maria offers all of this, plus supervised children's activities, stylish accommodations and nearby adventure tour options. Everything required for an… more
Starfish Tropical Cayo Santa Maria
- Pristine white sandy beaches, crystal blue ocean waters, extensive amenities and services and a warm, dedicated staff. Starfish Tropical Cayo Santa Maria offers all of this, plus supervised children's activities, stylish accommodations, and nearby adventure tour options. Everything required for… more
The Reserve at Paradisus Los Cayos
- The Reserve is an exclusive area within Paradisus Los Cayos, featuring a separate entrance and private reception area with stylish junior suites and swim-up suites. Enjoy exclusive restaurants and bars and personalised butler services for couples, groups or families. Situated on the… more
Valentin Perla Blanca
- Located on Cuba's Cayo Santa Maria, and bordered by a stretch of white-sand beach, the Valentin Perla Blanca is a perfectly situated vacation spot surrounded by natural beauty. This modern adults-only resort features contemporary decor and accommodations with ocean, pool… more