Things to do in Habana del Este, Cuba
Habana del Este is Havana's beach side: across the bay, east of the city. This is where the Playas del Este sands sit (Santa María del Mar, Guanabo, Boca Ciega) — the closest white sand to the capital — plus Cojímar, the fishing village that inspired Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea."
Must-visit attractions in Habana del Este
Playa Santa María del Mar
The most popular of the Playas del Este, white sand 30 min from Havana.
See stays near Playa Santa María del Mar →Playa Guanabo
More local, laid-back beach town with paladares and casas particulares.
See stays near Playa Guanabo →Cojímar
Fishing village that inspired Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea."
See stays near Cojímar →Playa Boca Ciega
Quiet cove between Santa María and Guanabo, a family favorite.
See stays near Playa Boca Ciega →
How to make the most of Habana del Este
- The Playas del Este — the closest white sand to Havana
- Cojímar, Hemingway's village, and its seafood paladares
- 20–30 min from Habana Vieja, far cheaper than Varadero
- A beach escape without leaving the capital area
Where to stay in Habana del Este
We manage 6 casas particulares in Habana del Este, bookable directly with local hosts and 24/7 WhatsApp support.
Browse stays in Habana del Este →Getting there
20–30 min east of Habana Vieja by taxi (15–25 USD) through the bay tunnel. No separate flight needed — it is part of the Havana area.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main attractions in Habana del Este?
The essentials include Playa Santa María del Mar, Playa Guanabo, Cojímar and 1 more sites. Each is a short distance from the casas particulares we manage in the area.
Where should I stay near the attractions in Habana del Este?
RentalHo manages casas particulares in Habana del Este that you can book directly — no OTAs — with secure payment and 24/7 WhatsApp support from a local host.
How do I get to Habana del Este?
20–30 min east of Habana Vieja by taxi (15–25 USD) through the bay tunnel. No separate flight needed — it is part of the Havana area.