A Cuban residing in Málaga has taken to TikTok to highlight the main differences between the beaches of Varadero in Cuba and those of Marbella in Spain. Wendy Rey (@wendyrey.7) notes several distinct contrasts between the two.
The first difference she mentions is the sand. “Caribbean beaches have much finer and whiter sand compared to those in the Mediterranean,” she explains, adding that the water in Varadero is “incredibly clear.”
Behavior and Attire
Another aspect she highlights is people's behavior. Rey observes that in Spain, it is fairly common to see women sunbathing topless, a sight that is virtually nonexistent in Cuba. “If you see a woman doing topless in Cuba, she's definitely not Cuban,” she remarks.
Services and Amenities
When it comes to services, Rey says: “Marbella offers an abundance of amenities. There’s a huge promenade lined with bars, restaurants, and beachside eateries. In Cuba, that's a rare sight. What you’ll mostly find are lounge chairs, and if there’s a bar, it’s likely part of a nearby hotel. You might also encounter some street vendors."
Sunbathing Habits
Rey also notes a curious difference: in Spain, it's common to see people sunbathing to get a tan, whereas in Cuba, people prefer to shield themselves from the intense sun. Some even wear long-sleeved bathing suits to avoid getting burned.
“Caribbean beaches are generally very warm, while Mediterranean ones tend to be quite chilly,” she concludes.