🏝 Ultimate Travel Guide to Cayo Santa María, Caibarién & Remedios (2025)

Explore one of Cuba’s most stunning beach destinations and its hidden colonial gems. Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, colorful streets, or authentic Cuban culture, this trio of destinations offers an unforgettable journey on the island’s north-central coast.

📍 Overview: Why Visit This Region?

• Cayo Santa María: Pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and turquoise sea.
• Caibarién: Coastal fishing town with a relaxed, local vibe.
• Remedios: One of Cuba’s oldest towns, known for colonial charm and the wild Parrandas festival.

🧭 Combine all three for a perfect beach + culture + history experience, easily bookable through our trusted taxi network.

🚗 How to Get There

• From Havana (6 hrs) or Varadero (5 hrs): Private or shared taxis via Caibarién causeway.
• From Santa Clara (2 hrs): Closest city with an airport.   Frequent transfers available.
• From Cayo Coco: Inter-cayo transport possible with custom taxi bookings.

✨ Book your door-to-door taxi on our platform — fast, reliable, and with English-speaking support available.

🏖 Cayo Santa María: White Sands & Relaxation

📌 What to Expect

• Top-tier all-inclusive resorts set on long stretches of white sand.
• A quiet, couples- and family-friendly cay compared to Varadero or Cayo Coco.
• Protected natural areas and offshore snorkeling.

🌴 Top Activities

• Playa Las Gaviotas: Untouched and part of the Biosphere Reserve.
• Snorkeling & catamaran tours: Book half-day trips to coral reefs.
• Dolphinarium: A lagoon-based center where you can interact with dolphins.
• Eco excursions: Mangrove kayak tours and wildlife viewing.

🔄 Tip: Most travellers stay in Cayo Santa María and do day trips to Remedios and Caibarién via private taxi.

🐟 Caibarién: Gateway to the Cays

📍 About the Town

• Small fishing town located on the mainland, connected to Cayo Santa María by a 48km pedraplén (causeway).
• Less touristy, offering a genuine Cuban atmosphere.

🎣 What to See & Do

• Caibarién Seafront (Malecón): Perfect for an afternoon walk.
• Fishing culture: Talk to local fishermen or join a coastal boat trip.
• Seafood restaurants: Try fresh lobster, shrimp, and fish.
• Museo de la Agroindustria Azucarera: A fascinating old sugar factory turned into a museum.

🏛 Remedios: Colonial Cuba’s Best-Kept Secret

🕍 Why Visit?

• One of Cuba’s oldest towns, founded in 1515.
• Lesser-known than Trinidad but equally charming and authentic.
• Famous for the Parrandas de Remedios – a wild Christmas festival with fireworks and floats.

🟡 What to See

• Parque Martí: Central square surrounded by colonial buildings.
• Iglesia Mayor San Juan Bautista: A stunning 18th-century church with gold-leaf interiors.
• Casa de la Cultura: Often hosts music, art, and cultural events.
• Local artisan shops: Handmade cigars, crafts, and souvenirs.

📷 Instagram Tip: Early morning light in Remedios offers some of the most beautiful colonial photo ops in Cuba — without the crowds.

🛏 Where to Stay

Cayo Santa María:

• All-inclusive resorts: Iberostar, Meliá, Royalton, and more.
• Best for those who want a worry-free beach holiday.

Remedios:

• Casa particulares (guesthouses): A more authentic experience with friendly local hosts.
• Colonial homes turned into cozy B&Bs.

🛎 Book private taxi transfers between your resort in Cayo Santa María and Remedios guesthouses for flexible day trips or overnight stays.

🍽 Where to Eat

• El Curujey (Remedios): Popular with visitors, Cuban cuisine with charm.
• La Paloma (Caibarién): Fresh seafood and a local crowd.
• Resort buffets (Cayo Santa María): High quality and international variety, though limited Cuban authenticity.

🚖 Transport Guide

• Taxi from Cayo Santa María to Remedios: ~45 minutes.
• Taxi from Remedios to Santa Clara: ~1.5 hours.
• Daily shared rides and private drivers available — pre-book via our platform.

✅ Pay only the commission online; cash to the driver. Easy cancellation. Peace of mind.

🧳 Practical Travel Tips

• Currency: Bring euros or USD. Change at resorts or in Remedios. It is more convenient bringing USD than bringing EUR.
• Connectivity: Resorts have Wi-Fi; towns require ETECSA cards.
• Weather: Best between November and April (dry season).
• Health & safety: Very safe region. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

🧭 Custom Local Tours (Book via Our Drivers)

• 🌊 Cayo boat day – snorkel, picnic, and dolphin lagoon stop.
• 🎆 Remedios Parrandas Festival (Dec 16–24) – taxi + guide.
• 🧂 Salt flats & fishing tour – from Caibarién with local fishermen.
• 🏛 Colonial Cuba tour – Remedios + Santa Clara in a single day.

💬 Final Thoughts

This trio of destinations is one of Cuba’s most unique travel combinations: luxury beach life, local fishing traditions, and colonial elegance all within easy reach. Whether you're traveling as a couple, a family, or solo, Cayo Santa María, Caibarién, and Remedios offer a balance of relaxation and discovery.

🚖 Ready to explore? Book your trusted transport and local experiences now, and travel like a local — safely, comfortably, and authentically.

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