CubaPLUS Magazine

Location

Marea del Portillo is a small coastal village and emerging tourist destination nestled at the foot of the Sierra Maestra mountains and washed by the Caribbean Sea. It lies within the municipality of Pilón, in Granma province, on Cuba’s eastern coast.

Getting There

• The recommended route is a 174 km drive from Bayamo to Manzanillo, continuing along the coast before turning toward Pilón.
• A shorter 100 km road cuts through Bartolomé Masó, though it’s not advised due to poor conditions.
• Public transportation is limited in this area. Roads are fairly passable until Marea, where the pavement gives way to rough gravel and eroded paths.
  
  

Where to Stay

The village of Marea del Portillo is located about 3 km from the beach. A few private homes offer rentals, though most aren’t listed on digital platforms, making advance bookings difficult.

The most idyllic place to stay is right by the sea. Here you won’t find rental houses— instead, there are two hotels: one right on the beach and another perched on a cliff (currently closed). Both are basic and operate on an all-inclusive basis.

Where to Eat

Dining options are limited and mostly centered around the hotels, where variety is scarce.

A good alternative is Restaurante Ferlin, located in the village along the main road. (Booking in advance is recommended).

The hotels also have a USD store selling snacks, drinks, and non–essential goods.

Must-Do Experiences

1. Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Sierra Maestra from the beach.
2. Hike the 3 km trail to Cilantros Reservoir—taste local fruit offered by farmers and enjoy a seasonal waterfall.
3. Visit Peñón de Mota, a striking limestone formation by the sea, 8 km from the beach.
4. Take in the views from El Farallón, a 50-meter-high cliff at the end of the beach.
   
   

Tips

• Drive carefully— this is a quiet area where horses, sheep, and other animals often roam the roads.
• Always take your trash with you when you leave.

Pilón Municipality

Located in southeastern Cuba, within Granma province, Pilón is home to roughly 30,000 people. It’s known for its pristine setting, which includes parts of two mountainous national parks: Sierra Maestra National Park and Desembarco del Granma National Park.

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