What is the first thing that comes to mind when you picture islands in the Caribbean?

You might be surprised to learn that you can find so much more than the crystal clear water and white sand beaches, you’ve seen on a postcard.

Nestled just south of the main island of Cuba and surrounded by a chain of white sand keys, it is technically a part of Cuba,

Isla de la Juventud

It may feel like a world away, many visitors compare it to a Cuba of the past.

The charming capital city of Nueva Gerona is just a tiny town, with only about 50,000 inhabitants, filled with the historic architecture and the vintage American cars that make Cuba famous.

After a quick visit to Nueva Gerona, head outside the city to the island’s true attraction:

the countless pristine beaches, including some of the most beautiful undeveloped beaches in the Caribbean.

While the white and black sand beaches are unmissable, you’ll also want to visit the pristine beaches on the keys just off the island’s shore.

The most famous nearby key is Cayo Largo del Sur, home to Playa Paraiso and Playa Sirena, which is largely considered the most beautiful beach in Cuba.

Isla de la Juventud is easily accessible by regular flights from Havana, so you can add a day in Old Havana to your itinerary before catching a flight to Nueva Gerona.

For more information about this beach and 9 other secret unique spots in the Caribbean, click below.

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