Varadero Ranked in Top Ten Beaches by TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2024, followed by Playa Pilar.
Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice list acknowledges 25 beaches selected from approximately 8 million, based on their significant number of exceptional reviews over a 12-month timeframe.
Sarah Firshein, Head of Editorial at Tripadvisor, remarked on the 2024 ranking, stating, 'Last year, Tripadvisor received millions of reviews for beaches — it’s clear that our community absolutely loves them.
'But as our Travellers' Choice lists reveal, there's no one-size-fits-all "beach day".
'Our top 25 winners alone encompass 18 countries across five continents. The top three beaches are all in Europe, ousting the perennially popular Caribbean from those spots - a sign that some travellers are eager to swap typical resort vacations for the coastlines of Portugal, Italy, and beyond.'
Praia da Falesia in Portugal's Algarve has claimed the coveted title of number one beach, as recognized by the esteemed travel site's 2024 Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches. Tripadvisor's rankings are determined by the collective quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from travellers worldwide, spanning from October 2022 to September 2023.
Italy's Spiaggia dei Conigli on Lampedusa island in Sicily secures the silver medal, while the bronze goes to La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, Spain. Kaanapali Beach in Hawaii claims the title of the highest-ranked beach in the U.S., landing fourth in the 25-strong global charts.
Rounding out the esteemed global top 10 list are Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos (fifth); Anse Lazio in the Seychelles (sixth); Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia (seventh); Eagle Beach in Aruba (eighth); Siesta Beach in Florida, U.S. (ninth); and Varadero Beach in Cuba (tenth).
Varadero, situated 36 kilometres from the city of Matanzas on the Hicacos Peninsula, stands as Cuba's nearest point to the United States. Spanning approximately 30 kilometres, with 22 kilometres of undefiled beaches, Varadero captivates travellers worldwide with its everlasting tropical glow, lush exotic vegetation, and pristine waters, making it a top draw for global visitors. Varadero Beach, also known as Playa Azul, boasts stunning pink and white sands along with crystal-clear waters, solidifying its reputation as one of the world's most breathtaking beaches. Indeed, Varadero Beach is hailed as Cuba's crown jewel.
Leading hotel chains have erected lavish all-inclusive resorts along the coastline, ensuring every desire is catered to. This positioning renders Varadero an ideal retreat for those craving relaxation, where sun-kissed beaches, refreshing cocktails, and vibrant nightlife reign supreme.
Following closely on this list is Playa Pilar in Cayo Guillermo, securing the eleventh spot. Cuba achieves the feat of having two of its beaches featured on the best list, reflecting the preferences of travellers.
Playa Pilar is a pristine beach, encircled by towering dunes rising up to 16 meters high and accentuated by palm trees, enhancing its idyllic ambiance. Renowned for its fine, pale sand and tranquil turquoise waters, it offers a seabed adorned with a coral barrier, providing visitors with an opportunity to marvel at its vibrant and diverse marine life, reminiscent of an enchanting aquarium.
Because of the clarity of its waters, Playa Pilar is an ideal spot for snorkelling, where you'll be delighted by its array of vibrant fish species. Additionally, for those seeking a more advanced diving experience, it serves as an excellent location for scuba diving, although venturing out to sea is necessary.
In close proximity to Playa Pilar, there's a marina featuring a dolphinarium and offering various activities ranging from renting small boats to embarking on catamaran excursions.
Nearby, you'll find notable all-inclusive resorts such as the Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski Cuba and the Iberostar Selection Playa Pilar.
Travellers intending to visit Cuba must secure a tourist card (visa) prior to their journey. This essential document can be easily obtained through the official provider website www.visacuba.com. Obtaining the tourist card in advance guarantees a seamless entry into Cuba for international travellers, enabling them to fully immerse themselves in their Cuban adventures without encountering any hurdles or delays.