Playa Giron

With its soft, smooth sands and comfort, it's hard to imagine that in 1961, Playa Giron was the scene of the infamous Bay of Pigs invasion, when Cuban exiles landed on the island and tried to overthrow the newly formed government of Fidel Castro.

Today, there is an interesting little museum on offer, where visitors can learn about the history of the area - and of Cuba itself. The village of Giron is a relaxing place with a wide selection of bars, restaurants, and hotels, while its long beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a few rays of sunshine.

Located in one of the largest wetlands in the world, Playa Giron also has some beautiful coral reefs just offshore. It makes it a great place to go scuba diving or snorkeling, as the abundant marine life beneath the water is mesmerizing to witness.

Well worth a visit if you get the chance, Playa Giron definitely won't let you down with all it has to offer. Its history makes it all the more fascinating; There aren't many beaches in the world where you can lie back on the spot where an invading force once landed.

Location: Matanzas, Bay of Pigs