In the Cayos and Beaches, internal travel is limited — most time spent at the resort and on the beach. Private taxis (€5-20 per ride depending on distance) ease movement between resorts, to shopping centres and to excursion sites. A panoramic tourist bus (Hop on Hop off, €5/day in Varadero) runs along the main avenue serving all resorts.
Access from Europe is mostly by direct charter flight: Air Transat, TUI Fly, Sunwing, Condor, Iberojet serve Varadero (VRA) and Cayo Coco (CCC) in high season (November-April) with all-inclusive packages at €800-2,500 per person for 7 nights. For Cayo Largo (CYO), only a few direct charters in high season, otherwise domestic flight from Havana (1h, Cubana or Aerogaviota, €100-180 return).
Access from Havana: to Varadero (140 km, 2h) by private taxi (€90-110 for 4 people) or Viazul bus (€10, 3h); to Cayo Coco (500 km, 6-7h by road or 1h by Cubana domestic flight €80-150 return); to Cayo Largo (only by Cubana flight, €100-180 return, 1h).
To combine culture (Havana) and beach in a week, the most efficient formula is: Air France or Air Caraïbes flight to Havana (HAV), 3-4 nights in Havana in casa particular, then transfer to Varadero (private taxi, 2h) for 4-5 nights at an all-inclusive resort. This formula is the most rewarding as it combines cultural authenticity and beach relaxation.
Read also
- Varadero, the emblematic resort — 20 km of white sand beach, 50+ all-inclusive resorts, accessible and complete.
- Cayo Coco, paradise coral island — More natural and exclusive than Varadero, exceptional coral reef.
- Cuba — Complete country guide: visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Havana — The Cuban capital, essential to combine with the Cayos for a complete experience.