A sublime strip of sand regularly touted as Cuba's (and the Caribbean's) best beach, Playa Pilar earns its moniker courtesy of its diamond-dust white sand and the rugged 15m-high sand dunes (the largest of their kind in the Caribbean) strafed by trails that incite piratical exploration.
The sea here is warm, shallow and loaded with snorkeling possibilities. One kilometer away across a calm channel lies the shimmering sands of Cayo Media Luna , a one-time beach escape of Fulgencio Batista. There are excursions to the key (CUC$25), plus kayaks and aquatic bikes for rent, all arranged at the small office (open 9am to 3pm) along the sand from the excellent beach restaurant, Ranchón Playa Pilar .
The hop-on/hop-off bus from Cayo Coco stops at Playa Pilar six times daily in either direction during peak season (two to four times otherwise). And yes, the beach is named after Hemingway's fishing boat, El Pilar.
