Cayo Largo is located 80 km south of the Big Island, almost in the heart of the Cuban archipelago. The length of the small island is only 28 km, and the width is 3 km, but its entire southern coast is an extensive beach with 20 km of the finest white sand.
There are no permanent residents on Cayo Largo, apart from, of course, bright birds and iguanas; Cubans also come to the island only to work in hotels (and live in a small village of Isla Del Sol.) But here there is a fantastic coral reef, an amazing "Iguana Island" and a unique reserve of marine fauna.This resort is a paradise for lovers of scuba diving.
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How to get to Cayo Largo
Not so long ago the island built a modern international airport Vilo Acuña, which can accept large aircraft. The fare from the airport to the hotel is 6 CUC taxi. And to the beaches of Playa Sirena, Playa Paraiso and Punta mal Tiempo there are complimentary shuttle basses, departure from the airport on schedule at 9:00, 10:30 and 11:30 am.
On the island there is only one main road that connects the port, airport and hotel area. It leaves several smaller roads, but most of them are sandy country roads. In view of no traffic and scenic landscapes, it is worthwhile to rent a jeep (when renting 1-6 days - 52 CUC per day) or scooter (when renting 1-2 days - 20 CUC per day) and explore the island on your own. In hotels you can also take a bike (free of charge).
Cayo Largo hotels
All hotels are located for 5 km on the south coast of the island and 10 minutes drive from the airport. The rest of Cayo Largo has not been explored to a greater extent and remains wild to this day.
At the Hotel Gran Caribe, beach towels are changed at will every day directly in the room. And in the hotels Sol Pelicano, Sol Cayo Largo and Playa Blanca they need to be changed in a small building Club House next to the pool. They are free and included in the "All Inclusive", for the lost towels - a fine of 20 CUC.
You can drink tap water, but it's not very tasty, so it's better to take a bottle of mineral water in bars.
Beaches of Cayo Largo
There are no private beaches on Cayo Largo, they are all municipal and are located at the hotels. Use umbrellas or beds of other hotels is not forbidden. Sunbathing topless is also not forbidden, and to take sunny baths "a la nature", it is better to look for a secluded place, so as not to embarrass the service staff and conservative tourists.
Beaches from west to east:
- Playa Sirena (restaurants, bars, shops and water sports center)
- Playa Paraiso (bar, sun beds and umbrellas)
- Punta Mal Tiempo (wild beach)
- Playa Lindamar (here are the hotels Sol Cayo Largo, Sol Pelicano, Villa Lindamar, Villa Soledad, Villa Coral, Isla del Sur and Playa Blanca)
- Playa Blanca, Playa Los Cocos and Playa Tortuga - wild beaches where you rarely, rarely meet a couple of happy, and often naked, tourists.
Restaurants
The most popular restaurant for lunch is the Ranchons Grill, which is located on the beach of the same name near Sol Cayo Largo, Sol Pelicano, Villa Lindamar and Playa Blanca. Here you can taste lobster and giant shrimp on pre-order.
Included in the package all inclusive
In addition, almost every hotel has its own snack bar on the beach where you can have a snack during the day: at Sol Cayo Largo - Sol Azul snack bar, in Sol Pelicano - ZunZun, in Barcelo - Opalino and in Isla del Sur - Medusa bar .
A la carte restaurants at lunchtime: Las Trinas and Lindarena at the Sol Cayo Largo, La Yana and Los Quelonios (Creole cuisine) at the Sol Pelicano, Espigon (Creole) in Villa Lindamar and Vela Mar restaurant (Creole cuisine and fish dishes) in Playa Blanca.
For all a-la-carte restaurants, you must make a reservation for the table and dress appropriately (dress code). In the low season (May to November), some restaurants can be closed.
Other restaurants and bars
The following drinking establishments are not included in the standard all-inclusive packages, but you can have a snack there at reasonable prices:
- restaurant and bar in Playa Sirena (lobster and shrimp)
- bar in Playa Paraiso (cocktails, beer and hot dogs)
- restaurant El Torreon (pizza and fish dishes)
- bar Taberna del Pirata (outdoor terrace)
- disco La Movita (located in the village, open from 11 pm to 2 am, beer ~ 1 CUC, cocktails from 2 CUC, lovers of salsa - to you here) - $
Internet at Cayo Largo
The 24-hour internet can be found in the hotels of Sol Cayo Largo, Sol Pelicano, Playa Blanca and Isla del Sur. The cost is 10 CUC for one hour, the speed is turtle, the keyboard is usually only in Spanish.
Shopping and shopping
Cayo Largo is not a paradise for shopaholics. There are small boutiques in every hotel and one in the village, they are all called Caracol and have a similar range: rum, souvenirs, postcards, clothes, drinks, snacks, mineral water, chocolates and so on. In the hotels Sol Pelicano, Sol Cayo Largo, Isla del Sur and Playa Blanca there are also tobacco and cigar shops. And in Sol Cayo Largo there is also a small souvenir shop for handicrafts. In addition, souvenirs made by the hands of Cuban craftsmen are sometimes sold in the evening on small tables at the entrance to the restaurant.
The most popular souvenir, of course, is the rum Havana Club, the cost is 12 CUC per bottle 750 ml 7-year old. Also it is worth trying the local drink Guyabita del Pinar, which is of two varieties: dry (Seca) and sweet (Dulce). The cost is 5 CUC. In addition, it is worth buying local coffee - ground or in beans - it is very good.
Buying more than 25 cigars, it will be necessary for customs to show a receipt from the store. The cost varies depending on the brand and store, the most popular cigar brands - Cohiba, Romeo y Julieta and Monte Cristo.
Entertainment, Excursions and Attractions Cayo Largo
Popular excursions: a catamaran cruise (70 CUC), a sunset cruise (50 CUC, lunch included), overnight in Havana (285 CUC, overnight at the Tropicana Hotel), Treasure Island (80 CUC), deep sea fishing, snorkeling, trip to the island of Trinidad (125 CUC).
It is also possible to float for half a day on the island of Cayo Rico (Cayo Rico). Departure at 8:30, back - at 13:30. In the program: snorkeling on a coral reef, visiting a wild island, lobsters on the beach of Playa Sirena. The cost is 70 CUC. Or to float to the "island of Iguana" (Cayo Iguana); swimming lasts 45 minutes, costs 12 CUC.
Independently to fly to Havana also it will not be difficult - local excursion agencies sell tickets to the capital, cost in two directions ~ 140 CUC.
Photos Cayo Largo (9)