The Cuban archipelago, composed of dozens of islets and keys of the most diverse features and dimensions, has a tourist agenda full of options which are supported by the natural, historic and cultural richness of the country.

Many of these islets, which have hardly been touched by men, show the splendor of their virgin beaches of crystal-clear waters and white sands in a perfectly preserved environment.

In western Cuba, Levisa key, which can be visited from the Palma Rubia jetty in a 30-minute sea crossing, stands out in the northern coast of Pinar del Río.

Meanwhile, in eastern Cuba, mainly in the tourist destination of Holguín, Saetía key, which is located at the entrance of the Nipe bay, stands out as the largest hunting preserve in the country with the presence of many species.

More than half of the 42-square-kilometer islet is covered by woods which house a diverse fauna including white-tailed deer, zebras and antelopes.

Likewise, in the northern province of Ciego de Avila, the tourist resort bearing the colonial name of Jardines del Rey (King’s Gardens) and regarded as one of the destinations with the most dynamic growth in the Cuban tourist sector, is located.

Its main islet, Cayo Coco, is the fourth largest key in the Cuban archipelago, with an area of 370 square kilometers and the additional attraction offered by 22 kilometers of excellent beaches which are complemented by vegetation composed of mangrove and coconut trees.

At one end of the key, the El Bagá theme-natural park is located; visitors can have access to the park, either walking or on horses, to enjoy unique vegetation and watch the fauna of the region.

The tourist expansion strategy goes beyond the main island by including the territories which make up the northern keys and have several kilometers of excellent beaches and a basically virgin environment.

A causeway that extends 48 kilometers into the sea joins the main island of the archipelago to the keys Santa María, Las Brujas, Ensenachos, Cobos, Majá, Fragoso, Francés, Las Picúas and Español de Adentro, among others.

The Cuban archipelago also has the world’s second largest coral reef, covering about 400 kilometers along Sabinal, Guajaba, Romano and Cruz keys; the reef is close to the coastline in Santa Lucía, where a fascinating world comprising about 200 sponge species, 500 fish species and even the remains of 27 sunken ships, can be enjoyed.

Another option is Cayo Largo del Sur, which is precisely a particular and exclusive leisure destination, with 24 kilometers of excellent beaches and fine white sand which prevents excessive heating.

In Cayo Largo, vacationers can enjoy beaches like Sirena, with an extension hardly above two kilometers; Lindamar, which is curved like a conch; Paraiso and Los Cocos, the latter named after the existence of numerous coconut trees in the area.