The 36 kilometres of beach resorts with blue-green waters and fine white sands, prepared for the development of sun and beach tourism in the Guillermo, Coco, Paredón Grande and Antón Chico keys, constitute one of the main attractions of the Jardines del Rey destination, in the north of the province of Ciego de Ávila.

Yoleidys Sosa Rodríguez, sub-delegate of the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) in the central province, underlined other natural values such as the location within the Ramsar Site Gran Humedal del Norte de Ciego de Ávila, the Buenavista Ecological Reserve and the presence of the highest coastal dunes in the insular Caribbean.

In relation to the latter, he stressed that Cayo Guillermo is home to the most outstanding sand mounds in the region, with heights varying between 13 and 16 metres above sea level, distributed over an area of 35 hectares, integrated into the Buenavista Protected Area of Managed Resources and also conserved as a priority ecosystem with the status of Outstanding Natural Element.

It is precisely in the vicinity of these dunes that there is a seaside resort ranked among the most welcoming in the world, deserving of one of the Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best 2024 awards, granted by the well-known travel platform Tripadvisor.

Sosa Rodriguez explained that Playa Pilar was ranked eleventh among the 25 best beaches in the world, based on its definition as a quiet place «with turquoise blue waters, fine white sand and breathtaking views», options to enjoy the sun and snorkel in the shallow, warm sea.

The peculiar characteristics of the enclave also earned it the number four position among the 25 best beaches in the Caribbean, a selection based on the comments and opinions left by Tripadvisor users over the past 12 months, and which includes only 10 percent of the establishments listed on the website, he said.

Meanwhile, the dunes of Lomas del Puerto, located in the protected area of the Central and Western Ecological Reserve of Cayo Coco, hold the second position, rising up to 15 metres above the ocean surface and offering excellent views of the sea and the natural reservoir, to which luxurious hotel and extra-hotel facilities are integrated for the enjoyment of holidaymakers.

From the Ranchón de Playa Prohibida, close to the gigantic sandy structures, it is possible to contemplate the way the sun fades, in a distant horizon, where the immensity of the ocean absorbs the cumulus of light, although the observer is certain that it only hides it until the following day.

The reproduction of the pink flamingo, the arrival of migratory birds, the spawning of fish and the nesting in interior aquariums, the coral reefs and islets, as well as the high endemism and degree of conservation of the flora and fauna, are other natural spectacles that Jardines del Rey offers, ideal for ecological and adventure tourism, in a pleasant climate.

According to the Mintur sub-delegate, the northern cay of Avila is still the preferred destination of international travellers for family enjoyment, due to the safety of its isolation, as well as the warmth and shallowness of its beaches.

Jardines del Rey is an ideal place for lovers of romantic and enchanting landscapes, as well as being an appropriate place to appreciate the beauty and conservation of the environment, to practice nautical sports, to have fun, to discover and to live unique experiences.