ISLAND OF YOUTH SPECIAL MUNICIPALITY

Island of Youth or "Isla de la Juventud", located 100 km south of the main island of Cuba, is the second largest in the Cuban archipelago. The air and sea transport are the only access roads to beautiful landscapes, counting the last special acceptance because it allows through the peaceful and transparent waters of the Gulf of Batabanó.






Its main economic sector is the commercial fishing, centered on species such as grouper, lobster and turtle. However, since the Revolution of 1959, the national government was interested in developing agriculture in the region, through proper utilization of unused land. Citrus cultivation became one of the core activities of their livelihood, with a huge production rivaling the areas of greatest agricultural tradition of the country.


Many names have received this island after being discovered by Columbus C. in 1494, in a failed attempt to capture with place names singularities of the socio-historical and natural evolution of the territory. Perhaps the best known, by the promise of exciting mystery that implies, is "Pirate Island".



For four centuries, this area was a haven for pirates and smugglers, who were in their desolate shores a gracious coat. Even many scholars and enthusiasts consider piracy inspired the writer Robert Louis Stevenson to write his most famous work: Treasure Island. Even today you can find adventurous prowling its coastline under the thankless expectation of finding the forgotten pirate treasure of some famous.

Cayo Largo del Sur (Losng Key from the South)

The main tourist square of the Island of Youth is Cayo Largo del Sur, an island of coral origins located at the eastern end of the archipelago of Los Canarreos. Its privileged natural surroundings, intact before the pernicious advance of the hotel industry, have become one of the most visited destinations in the country and celebrated.
More than 25 km of its shores are littered with beaches, notorious for its long stretches of white sand and blue waters penetrating.


In its sea depth, classified by experts as one of the most beautiful in the country, a communion of elements is achieved without equal in the Cuban geography: extensive coral reefs populated by an abundant marine fauna, complemented by the exotic presence of several galleons.
The Island of Youth brings together some of the most contemplative coastal landscapes of Cuba, crossed intriguing legends and vain aspirations.


This cay coral origin, with a land area of 37,5 km², is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the region. That paradisiacal image of Caribbean islands filled with coconut trees, beaches of fine white sand and blue waters of a penetrating, finds its reflection in the approximate idyllic atmosphere offered at this place.

Of all the cays of Cuba used for tourism purposes, this is one that has best avoided harmful friction of the hotel infrastructure, so its nature has a high degree of conservation. In it, and neighboring cays that complement, numerous species of flora and fauna are developed, for which there is a competent protection program.



Among its many attractions is the Turtle Farm, a small resort northeast of the island, from May to September, turtle watching trips organized overnight. Seabed, one of the most beautiful in the country according to connoisseurs, allow diving enthusiasts from sunken galleons walk, beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine fauna. This activity is carried on the platform surrounding the cay, which has an area of 30 miles.



Finally, it is essential to mention its 25 km of beautiful beaches, which, in that wonderful combination of warm weather and refreshing waters, completely absorb the attention of tourists.

Among them the best known is Playa Sirena, for many the best beach in all of Cuba.