There are around 400 idyllic small islands or cayos dotted along Cuba's coastline. Although some of these are now connected to the mainland by causeway or short flight or ferry, they remain relatively untouched by commercialism and as most of the cayos also feature a network of flora and fauna reserves, development so far has been mostly sustainable.
Cayo Coco is the fourth largest of these keys and together with its smaller neighbour Cayo Guillermo, has been slowly developing for tourism over the last 20 years. While the beauty of its 15 miles of pristine white sand beaches and amazing coral reefs are the biggest draw for most tourists: its forests, mangrove-fringed ponds and large mudflats are also important habitat for the large variety of bird species to be found here, including a large colony of flamingo.
Further west along the northern coast can be found Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Ensenachos and Cayo Las Brujas. All these islands have stunning untouched beaches, sparkling seas and lush vegetation that are a refuge for many species of birds and wildlife. A good selection of mostly large all-inclusive hotels can be found on these islands. However, they are almost always quietly located and on Las Brujas, there is a smaller more low-key hotel. In Pinar del Rio, Cayo Levisa has a similar delightful property with wooden cabins in an unspoilt setting.