Town of Caibarien | Villa Clara, Cuba

Caibarién

Caibarien | Villa Clara, Cuba

Caibarién is a fishing town located on the northern coast of Cuba, in the province of Villa Clara. It’s the main port for the province and it’s the last municipality which we cross before getting on the 48-km causeway Pedraplen leading to the “Cayos de Villa Clara” tourist hub (Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos).

It’s easy to get to Caibarién from the all-inclusive resorts located in the three cayos. You can go by taxi (the driver will be your guide), or with a rented car or jeep. We had the chance to visit Caibarién at our own pace (with a rented jeep) and we truly enjoyed discovering this charming city. It's easy and safe to drive around town, however we suggest returning to the hotel before dusk because the causeway is very dark at night. Note that there's a toll of 2 USD per car (each way) to cross the Pedraplen (causeway), the toll booth is at the beginning of the causeway (Caibarién side). We suggest visiting at the same time the small town of Remedios located just 7 km (4.3 mi) away from Caibarién.

The town doesn’t have impressive tourist attractions besides a few nice colonial buildings on the main square, and the statue of the Giant Crab (which became the emblem of the city). It’s simply a typical Cuban town and a perfect place for immersing yourself in the local way of life, interact with the locals, and perhaps enjoy a drink or eat in one of the local restaurant or in a paladar (private home restaurant). Its Malecon (seaside boulevard) has been redone with a new road, palm trees, and several bars and cafés.

General information on Caibarien:
• Founded October 26th, 1832
• Commonly called "La Villa Blanca" (the White City)
• Area: 385,7 km2 (mainland 173 km2 + the cayos 212,7 km2)
• Population (2020): 40 848 inhabitants

Given the increasing number of all-inclusive resorts in the region (on the off-shore cayos) and the increased demand for hotels' staff, the Cuban government built a new neighborhood in Caibarién composed of several apartment buildings to accommodate employees working in Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Ensenachos and Cayo Las Brujas.

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