Playa Ancon
About 12 kilometers south of Trinidad, Playa Ancon, on the Peninsula Ancon, is one of the prettiest beaches on the south coast of Cuba. A coral reef bristles just offshore, and the 4-kilometer stretch of white sand fringes crystal clear seas in dreamy shades of blue. Though not quite as striking as Varadero, Guardalavaca, and Cayo Coco, Playa Ancon tends to be less crowded than these famous strands and offers a broader range of accommodations - from all-inclusive hotels to guest houses. Those on a budget can opt for a home stay at La Boca, another beach area near the top of the peninsula, which offers much more interaction with the locals than some of Cuba's other beach resorts. For a fun day out, many sightseers rent bikes in Trinidad and cycle to Playa Ancon; the trip takes about 40 minutes. A short boat ride from Playa Ancon, Cayo Blanco is popular for day trips. In addition to basking on the island's white sand beaches, visitors can dive and snorkel the largest black coral reef in Cuba.