Santa María del Mar, Havana, Sandy beach in Alamar, Cuba.
Santa María del Mar is a sandy beach along the northern coast with light-colored shores and turquoise water facing the Straits of Florida. The strand extends for several kilometers with gently sloping sand suitable for swimming.
The beach was developed as a recreation area in the late 20th century when authorities built roads and facilities to serve growing local demand. Infrastructure improvements drew more visitors from the city and surrounding areas.
Families and friends gather here on weekends to swim and relax, with local vendors selling drinks and light meals nearby. The beach serves as an everyday social meeting point for residents from surrounding Havana neighborhoods.
The water is warm and suitable for swimming year-round, with a gently sloping bottom that makes it safe for children and weaker swimmers. Public buses and taxis provide reliable access from downtown Havana.
The beach is part of an extended chain of shoreline stretching east from Havana, connecting several lesser-known coves and sandbars. These natural formations offer varying swimming and snorkeling conditions.
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