The picturesque fishing village of Jibacoa in the Mayabeque Province of Cuba is a spectacular place to visit if feather-soft beaches, first-class diving, and rural countryside is your thing. You’ll find this idyllic spot nestled between the popular tourist resort of Varadero and bustling capital city of Havana, offering visitors a peaceful oasis not too far from the action.
The beaches & nature of Jibacoa
The Playa Jibacoa beach is the village’s main event and is crowned as one of the best destinations in Cuba for snorkelling and diving. With an impressive coral reef just a few strokes from the shore, adventurers can grab their goggles and head straight for the water, which is teeming with exotic marine life. Want to explore a little deeper? Many of the area’s all-inclusive beachfront hotels have a dive centre on-site with a boat that departs in front of the resort, ready to whisk you off to discover mysterious underwater relics, including two shipwrecks! For those who prefer to relax on dry land, the soft, shelving, sands are a fantastic spot to watch the water action unfold. There aren’t many amenities on this stretch, but that’s what makes it so picturesque.
Where to visit
If you fancy a change of pace, Jibacoa’s prime location means it’s easy to plan a day trip to neighbouring Varadero or Havana, where you’ll have access to tourist-packed beaches with plenty of watersports and the capital’s historic streets lined with Cadillac’s, cigar shops, rum distilleries, and a whole host of exotic salsa-dancing!
Those wanting to stay a little closer to home can explore the ghost town of Hershey, around 30 miles from Havana. Officially called Camilo Cienfuegos, this frozen-in-time town was once home to a sugar plantation and refinery acquired by American chocolate baron Milton Hershey – which at the time was one of the world’s most technologically advanced – alongside 160 houses, a school, movie theatre and more. After Hershey’s death, Fidel Castro’s government claimed ownership and it has since fallen to ruin – making it an interesting trip for history lovers! Plus, a 10-minute drive will take you to the beautiful Hershey Gardens, a botanical haven where you can admire tropical jungle-like grounds, seasonal displays, over 3,500 rose bushes, a Butterfly Atrium and a whimsical Children’s Garden – it’s a space of tranquillity all-year-round.
Food & drink in & around Jibacoa
There aren’t many dining options in this little village, but what it does serve up certainly packs a punch. You’ll experience authentic Cuban cuisine here, with local eateries, family-run shacks, and a handful of paladares (in-home restaurants) dishing up Caribbean favourites including seafood or chicken with rice and beans, easily washed down with a classic Mojito – which, did you know, was invented in this part of town?
We have a collection of fantastic Jibacoa deals available for families, couples, honeymooners and groups alike, with a variety of all-inclusive resorts sure to satisfy all tastes and budgets. Whether you want a 10-night twin city and beach escape with three days soaking up the sights in lively Havana, or you’re seeking a spot of adults-only R&R, Love Cuba’s dedicated team of experts can tailor your Caribbean escape to best suit you.
