Kawama Beach
White sand, turquoise calm, zero resort fuss
About
Playa Kawama sits on Cuba's north coast within the Varadero commune, where the Caribbean delivers genuinely turquoise water over a white sand bottom that stays shallow well out from shore. The vibe here is relaxed — this is where locals come, not package-tour buses. No resort infrastructure lines the beach, so the horizon stays clean and the pace stays slow. Calm water makes it an easy, comfortable swim. It's the kind of place you find by walking west from downtown Varadero rather than following a hotel shuttle.
How to get there
From Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport (VRA), roughly 18.7 km away, you can reach Playa Kawama by car in about 20 minutes, by taxi, or by bus — buses run three times a day from the airport. From Varadero itself, a hop-on hop-off bus serves the route, or you can simply walk from downtown. Free parking is available on-site, so driving is a practical option.
Who it's for
For couples
The relaxed, unhurried pace and lack of resort infrastructure make Playa Kawama a genuinely quiet escape — ideal for couples who'd rather share a stretch of white sand and turquoise water than compete for a sun lounger.
For families
Shallow, calm, safe water is the headline here — young children can wade comfortably, and the absence of heavy boat traffic keeps things predictable. Free parking makes the logistics easy for families arriving by car.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Playa Kawama is safe to swim and honest about what it is: a local beach with calm turquoise water, white sand, and zero resort polish. Swimming conditions are rated safe, and the shallow water is genuinely welcoming. What you won't find is a beach bar, a sun-lounger rental, or a hotel animation team — and for many visitors, that's exactly the point. It sits minutes from downtown Varadero but feels a world away from the all-inclusive strip. The dining options within a kilometre are better than you'd expect for a no-infrastructure beach. Come in the dry season (November to April), come early, and bring everything you need.
What to do
Parador Varadero, about 2.1 km away, is worth a visit for a taste of local culture and entertainment. If you want a bit more adrenaline, water-scooter rentals (Alquiler de motos acuáticas) are available 2.4 km from the beach. Vista La Piedra del Chino, also 2.4 km out, offers a scenic lookout that rewards the short trip.
The waterline at sunrise frames turquoise water against white sand with no resort clutter in sight — arrive before other swimmers for the cleanest shot.
Looking east along the shoreline gives a long, unbroken perspective that captures the beach's natural, uncommercialised character.
Where to eat
Risolino, an Italian spot just 0.1 km from the beach, is the closest option for a post-swim meal. A short walk further brings you to Sakura (Japanese, 0.4 km) and Casa del Cheff (0.7 km), which covers grilled meats, Caribbean dishes, and coffee. El Mojito at 1 km and Restaurante Lai Lai (Chinese, 1.1 km) round out a surprisingly varied local dining strip.
Where to stay
Hotel Kawama, 0.4 km from the beach, is the obvious base — close enough to walk back for a midday break. Acazul (0.7 km) and Hotel Acuazul Varazul (0.8 km) are solid alternatives at a slightly longer stroll, while Club Amigo Tropical at 1.4 km suits those who want a fuller resort setup nearby.
Photography
Shoot from the waterline in the early morning when the turquoise water is glassy and the white sand reflects soft light without harsh shadows. The view looking east along the shoreline, with no resort buildings in frame, gives you a clean, uncluttered composition that's hard to find elsewhere in Varadero.
Good to know
Come early — the calm, shallow water draws swimmers and the relaxed atmosphere doesn't last once the day heats up. There are no resort amenities here, so bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Swimming is rated safe, but always check conditions on arrival and stay within the shallow zone. This is a local-visitors beach, so keep noise respectful and leave no trace.
Map
Nearby places
Risolino
Sakura
Casa del Cheff
El Mojito
Restaurante Lai Lai
Hotel Kawama
Acazul
Hotel Acuazul Varazul
Hotel Caleta (FAR)
Club Amigo Tropical
Parador Varadero
Alquiler de motos acuáticas
Vista La Piedra del Chino
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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