One of the biggest selling points of Cayo Cruz is that it doesn’t have mass tourism. Since the explorer, Diego Velázquez, gave his name to the archipelago to which Cayo Cruz belongs (around 1513 or 1514), it has successfully kept its evocative tropical and coastal landscapes almost untouched. The result is a dream destination for those seeking the most authentic and genuine side of Cuba, while immersing themselves in a natural wilderness that leaves visitors speechless.
Without a doubt, among the unmissable sights of Cayo Cruz are the extraordinary beaches that stretch over its north-eastern coast. Of this key’s 25km of coastline, 22.5 km —or, in other words, 90%— of it, is covered by sandy beaches that provide the perfect place for sunbathing, taking a refreshing dip or doing a spot of snorkelling. Distributed over seven stretches, some of Cayo Cruz’s top beaches include Playa Cara, Playa Dorada, Playa Onda and Playa Sigua, among others. All of these are characterised by white sand, a gentle incline, shallow waters and underwater vegetation. The beaches also range from 5m to 20m in width, as is the case with Playa Cara and Playa Onda.
But if the beaches of Cayo Cruz weren’t enough for visitors to fall in love at first sight, the exuberant coastal flora should do the trick. There are mangrove forests, particularly at the two extremes of the key, coastal brushwood, and typical sand dune plants. Among all of these, you’ll find abundant fauna, including numerous amphibians, reptiles and birds, among other vertebrates that pose no threat to humans.
Cayo Cruz is also the perfect base for an excursion into the nearby Limones-Tuabaquey Ecological Reserve, in the Sierra de Cubitas, just 32km from the city of Camagüey. In this area, visitors can admire the prehistoric paintings in the cave of María Teresa, the recreation of a traditional Taíno village, and captivating natural landmarks such as Paso de los Paredones and Hoyo de Bonet. This protected area of Cuba’s geography is also home to a large number of animals, with more than 70 species, of which a seventh are endemic to the region.
Culture is an important part of any trip to Cayo Cruz. From here, it’s a short hop to the capital of Camagüey, a charming town of the same name, full of picturesque colourful cottages and monuments such as the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, which dates back to 1825, or the church of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, not to mention the famous Santa Lucía beach.
