The Cuban archipelago, made up of dozens of islets and keys, offers a wide range of recreational options that allow tourists to be in direct contact with nature.

Many of those areas, where man's actions have barely have an impact, boast pristine beaches of crystal-clear waters and white sand, surrounded by a beautiful and well-preserved environment.

In western Cuba, tourists can visit Cayo Levisa, off the north coast of Pinar del Río province, where they arrive after a 30-minute boat ride, departing from the Palma Rubia jetty.

Three kilometers of excellent beaches and 23 dive sites turn Cayo Levisa into an excellent place for diving enthusiasts, thanks to its crystal-clear water and one of the world's largest coral reefs.

In eastern Cuba, especially in Holguín province, vacationers can go to Cayo Saetía, which is at the entrance of the Bay of Nipe and is considered the island's largest game preserve.

More than half of the 42-square-kilometer islet is a forest inhabited by several animal species, including white-tail deer, zebras and antelopes.

Conceived as a Natural Park, Cayo Saetía is a pristine area where its original flora and fauna is well preserved.

Off the north coast of Ciego de Avila is one of the fastest-growing tourist destination in Cuba, Jardines del Rey (King's Gardens).

According to legend, Conqueror Diego Velázquez named this archipelago, which consists of Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo and Paredon Grande, after Spanish King Ferdinand the Catholic, due to its exuberant nature.

Cayo Coco, the main key in Jardines del Rey, is the fourth largest islet in the Cuban archipelago, with an area of 370 square kilometers and 22 kilometers of excellent beaches, surrounded by mangrove swamps and coconut trees.

Cuba's tourist development goes beyond the main island and focuses on the northern keys, which boasts dozens of kilometers of pristine beaches.

A 48-km causeway over the sea links Cuba with Cayo Santa María, Las Brujas, Ensenachos, Cobos, Majá, Fragoso, Francés, Las Picúas and Español de Adentro, among other keys.

In addition, there is Cayo Largo del Sur, which offers 24 kilometers of excellent fine sand beaches.

Vacationers can take a refreshing swim in the two-kilometer-long Sirena beach, Lindamar, whose curved shape resembles a horseshoe, Paradiso and Los Cocos. The latter was named after the many coconut trees growing at the beach.

Cayo Largo del Sur, located in the eastern tip of Los Canarreos archipelago, is a long and narrow islet where aboriginal artifacts from the Siboney culture were found years ago.