Cuba in the International Ranking of the Best Beaches 2025

A collaboration by Yoanna Cervera

The prestigious International Ranking of the Best Beaches 2025 has revealed its results, positioning Cuba as an undisputed benchmark in coastal sustainability and responsible tourism. This recognition not only highlights the natural beauty of its coasts, but also the country’s commitment to environmental conservation and the balanced development of its tourist destinations.

One of the major protagonists of this edition was the Meliá Las Antillas resort in Varadero, which took second place worldwide, consolidating the excellence of Cuban destinations on the international scene. In addition, the list included other coastal jewels such as Piedra Movida, Ensenachos, Caracol, La Estrella, La Salina, Perla Blanca and Meliá Las Dunas, all located in Cayo Santa María, along with the Meliá Internacional de Varadero area, also previously recognized.

This year, the ranking introduced for the first time the category of “enclave beaches,” a recognition for those destinations that achieve a perfect harmony between tourism development and natural conservation. In this new classification, Cuba achieved a full score, with nine of its beaches standing out for their balance between infrastructure and environmental protection.

The evaluation process was carried out by a group of more than 70 international experts, who analyzed 200 beaches in 11 countries in the Americas and the Iberian Peninsula. The methodology applied combined ecological, social, cultural and economic indicators, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of each destination. Among the criteria evaluated were recreational quality, coastal protection systems, environmental conservation and sanitation standards.

This recognition not only positions Cuba as a top destination in the Caribbean, but also reinforces its commitment to a tourism model that prioritizes the protection of its marine and coastal ecosystems. The inclusion of Cuban beaches in this ranking shows that the country has been able to combine tourism development with the preservation of its natural wealth, becoming an example to follow in the region.

With these results, the Caribbean archipelago consolidates its position as a world reference in sustainable tourism, offering visitors not only unique landscapes, but also an environment carefully managed to ensure its long-term conservation.