Havana Beach Day
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Although Havana is right on the water, there arenโt really any beaches to go to right in the city. Well, none that we came across at least. After some research, I decided that the best option would be to go to Santa Maria del Mar. Itโs only about 20-30 minutes away by car, so itโs an easy day trip. Another option I considered was Veradero. Itโs two hours away, so definitely doable for a day, but since there were no rental cars available in Havana for the dates we were there, I decided on Santa Maria del Mar. It was 25CUC in a taxi. It probably could have been cheaper, but we didnโt negotiate.
Before we went to the beach, we went on a mission to find some sunscreen. We didnโt bring any with us since we didnโt check a bag, so we figured weโd grab some in Cuba. Horrible mistake. If youโre going to Havana, BRING SUNSCREEN. You will not find it there. Luckily there was some in a little hotel shop at the beach. Well, the only shop that was in Santa Maria, actually. I brought two bathing suits to Cuba and this is the one that just felt perfectly Cuban, so I was super excited to wear it. I didn’t really bring a cover up and since there wasn’t much of a plan, I wore an outfit on top of my suit.
The beach was absolutely packed. Everyone was prepared with beach umbrellas or makeshift shade coverings made of sticks and a bed sheet or tarp. There were tons of people flying kites, listening to music, and drinking on the beach. All the people there seemed to be locals, which I loved. On the road behind the beach was a long row of outdoor food stands selling smoked meat, snacks, and of course, cerveza. We stopped at a bar right before we left and cooled down with a nice beer. These places definitely weren’t the most luxurious, but it felt authentically Cuba, which is exactly what I wanted!
July 31, 2017 @ 12:15 pm
Looks and sounds perfect to me!
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July 31, 2017 @ 1:33 pm
It was so beautiful! Such a great time ๐
August 1, 2017 @ 9:09 am
How gorgeous are you, Megan? Love that two piece swimwear (the print is love!!) ๐
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August 1, 2017 @ 1:46 pm
You’re so sweet!! Thank you so much!
August 2, 2017 @ 7:26 pm
Cerveza on the beach sounds lovely! Was it mostly crowded with tourists, or do locals head to this beach as well to get out of Havana?
August 3, 2017 @ 1:01 pm
I thought I mentioned this in the post, but it was all locals!! We didn’t see any tourists.
August 2, 2017 @ 8:28 pm
The pictures are great! Cuba is at the top of my bucket list, so hopefully I visit soon. Must be great to interact with local people. ๐ I feel they always have the best tips as to where the best food is.
August 3, 2017 @ 5:05 pm
Omg, 150%! It’s definitely my favorite way to travel! I hope you get to make it down there ๐ Such an amazing country!
August 2, 2017 @ 8:39 pm
I want to visit Havana so badly! I really hope that it will stay open to US citizens. Love your pictures! Makes me want to go all the more.
August 3, 2017 @ 5:05 pm
I do too! I would love to be able to go again. It was incredible!
August 2, 2017 @ 10:55 pm
I love your swimsuit! Looks like a perfect way to spend the day.
August 15, 2017 @ 1:48 pm
Thanks, Kristi! It was! ๐
August 3, 2017 @ 12:02 am
You looked lovely and great choice of bathsuit! Felt like a great match to a Cuban beach haha. Lucky that you eventually found sunscreen, can’t imagine without it under that sunlight :p
August 3, 2017 @ 5:06 pm
Lol it really was a great match! Thank you ๐ Omg, seriously it was SO sunny. I’m really careful about sun protection usually, so it was definitely important to me!
August 3, 2017 @ 12:18 am
I took the bus to Santa Maria Del Mar from Havana for about 3CUC a few years ago! Gorgeous beach.
August 3, 2017 @ 1:07 pm
If I didn’t have issues with getting carsick, I totally would have done that! It’s more than worth the extra cash to me!
August 3, 2017 @ 4:42 am
ahh your pictures are stunning!! I’d love to visit Havana Beach!
August 3, 2017 @ 5:07 pm
Thanks, Felicia! It was beautiful!
August 3, 2017 @ 6:30 am
Gorgeous photos! Good thing you went to the beach as the day looks perfect! The beach looks pink (or is it just my eyes? LOL).
August 3, 2017 @ 5:08 pm
Lol! Not pink, but definitely lots of beautiful colors! It was the perfect day to go for sure ๐
August 3, 2017 @ 3:39 pm
I seriously have to make my way over to Cuba!! Been loving the pics. Keep the posts coming. I have that swimsuit too! ๐ xo
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August 3, 2017 @ 5:08 pm
You really do!! It’s amazing! Ahhh, awesome! I love it <3
August 3, 2017 @ 11:28 pm
I should move cuba up my list I guess. The beach looks pristine. And you look lovely and relaxed too ๐
August 15, 2017 @ 1:49 pm
Omg, you totally should. It was so beautiful there. Totally recommend it!!