A clean and small tropical exotic island with a clear and warm sea, with a snow-white sandy coast and a huge number of pink flamingos and pelicans is the island of Cayo Guillermo. Its area is about 20 square kilometers. The island belongs to the Caribbean, is part of the archipelago, stretching along the northern coast of Cuba. Four beaches are located on Cayo Guillermo, with a total length of about 4 kilometers, especially the famous of them is Playa Pilar Beach, whose name is associated with Ernest Hemingway.
The island is popular for its sand dunes, mangroves, coral reefs.
On the island of Cayo Guillermo Cuba, hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis. The island is suitable for a relaxing romantic getaway.
Hemingway’s Grandfather’s Island Business Card or Island
The hallmark of the island is its exotic tropical nature and surprisingly calm, warm and clear waters. Surfers have no place here: Cayo Guillermo is a place for lovers of a calm, warm clear sea, diving and fishing.
This island became famous thanks to the legendary novel "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway, which describes the island's local pearl - Playa Pilar beach. In addition, the writer’s yacht is still moored at the pier of the island.
The history of the island of Cayo Guillermo and modernity
Tourism on the island of Cayo Guillermo began to develop since the end of the twentieth century. Until this moment, residents from other islands came here for fishing and communicating with nature (the island itself does not inhabit).
Currently, the island is very famous among tourists, but there is no mass fullness on the beaches. He managed to maintain his color - an untouched secluded charm.
What you must see in Cayo Guillermo Cuba
Cuba and the island of Cayo Guillermo know how to surprise. Be sure to look at the amazing sand dune, 16 meters high. See the coral reef, dive and enjoy the beauty of the coral underwater world. Be alone with nature.
Leisure activities
The most common tourist attraction in Cuba is scuba diving. There are three water centers on the island: Coco Diving, Action Sport, Abalon, where you can rent a diving uniform and all the necessary equipment, and take training courses for diving.
In the water center "Abalon" is an exciting show with sharks.
On the island you can try a unique water sport - kiting, that is, ride a board on the surface of the water, driven by a kite.
On the island you can play tennis, beach volleyball, do aerobics or sailing.
Local exotic Cuban cuisine
Any restaurant at the hotel offers its visitors dishes of international, European and Cuban cuisines. In addition to juicy fruits, freshly cooked fish, delicious cocktails, be sure to try the dishes of national Cuban cuisine:
- baked or fried meat pies;
- spicy chicken with rice;
- stew stuffed with vegetables;
- sweet potatoes in citrus-garlic sauce;
- rice and red beans and a chickpea stew;
- Havana eggs with pepper, caraway seeds and tomatoes;
- sweet fried bananas;
- oxtail stew.
You should definitely try cocktails with Cuban rum or herbal tincture and coffee.
What souvenirs to bring with you as a souvenir
Be sure to get a gorgeous burning rum, Cuban cigars and cigarettes, original Cuban T-shirts, caps, shawls and skirts, Cuban coffee, musical instruments, guyabera (men's shirt), coral souvenirs, machetes, souvenirs with the image of Che Guevara. There are excellent wood carving masters on the island, so pay attention to the mahogany figurines that are here for every taste and style.
But there are also forbidden products that will not be allowed to withdraw from the country: weapons, old books, antiques, stuffed animals, jewelry, black coral and articles made of it, local currency, tortoise shell, sea shells.
On the island of Cayo Guillermo, prices for souvenirs are slightly lower than on the rest of the Cuban islands, so in shops you can meet tourists from other islands and from Cuba who come here for gifts.
In Cuba and the islands of the archipelago, two currencies are in circulation - the dollar and the peso. When purchasing goods, it should be clarified in which currency the price is indicated.
Beaches of Cayo Guillermo
The beaches of the island are considered the best in Cuba. The most popular beaches are Playa Pilar and El Paso, the decoration of which is a huge sand dune. There are two more beaches - Larga and El Pilar. The length of the beach line is about 4 kilometers. The water here is very clean and resembles a huge aquarium. This is one of the best places for underwater fishing and diving.
The beaches are not crowded, as there are no hotels. All hotels are located in the eastern part of the island.
The Internet is replete with numerous reviews of Cayo Guillermo (Cuba), tourists who have visited here note the beauty of the tropical landscape, cozy sandy beaches, warm calm sea, as if the island and beaches were created for families with children.
Attractions on the island of Cayo Guillermo, Cuba
The attraction of the island is its nature - amazing mangroves, coconut palms, mahogany, junipers. Colonies of pink flamingos and pelicans live here. The best time to observe birds and their behavior is winter. Fans of eco-tourism will have something to see here, they are offered amazing walking and cycling excursions.
Not far from the island is the largest coral reef, which is of great interest to lovers of fishing and diving.
The attraction is the sea itself. Boat trips, sailing boats and yachts, various water sports and entertainment are very popular. The temperature of the sea water is just magical! So, the average water temperature in the year is +25 - ºС, in the coldest months - in December and January - the water temperature is about +23 ºС, in August it warms up to +29 ºС. This is an exotic paradise for vacationers, the recreational season is open year round. The air temperature even in the coldest months does not fall below +24 ºС.
What special type of vacation is successful here? Of course, fishing! The catch is quick and easy - these are lobsters, lobsters and crabs. Fishing here is treated with special respect. Many who are interested in the biography of Ernest Hemingway know that he was an avid fisherman. And he sailed for fishing precisely on Cayo Guillermo. At the pier of Playa Pilar beach, his yacht is still moored, which bears the same name as the beach. You can buy a fishing tour at any hotel on the island.
In addition, between the islands of Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco there is a lake, which is known worldwide as the Trout Breeding Center. You can also get a fishing permit here.
Sightseeing trips are also organized, mainly to the cities of Havana, Trinidad or Moron.
Local hotels also arrange various entertainments for vacationers - Cuban parties and all kinds of shows.
Transport
The airport closest to Cayo Guillermo Island is located on Cayo Coco Island. These two islands are connected by road. Cayo Coco is connected to Cuba by an artificial highway that runs along the dam. Its length is about 20 kilometers.
Cayo Guillermo Hotels
There are several hotel complexes on the island; hotels provide various services that can satisfy even the most fastidious vacationers.
For local residents, except for service workers, access to the island's resorts is closed.
The island has restaurants, shops, cafes, sports centers, water centers, rental equipment for diving and fishing.
According to vacationers who leave feedback about Cayo Guillermo on the Internet, the best hotels are:
- Iberostar Daycurie Al Inclusive;
- "Crystal Lagoon Villas and Resort" 4 *;
- "Grand Carib Villa Kozhimar" 3 *.
All hotels of the island are located near the sea, just a few meters, which creates additional comfort for vacationers. From the windows a beautiful landscape opens.
In the evenings, the hotels organize an entertainment program for vacationers, Cuban parties and festivals, and entertainment shows.
