Sunrise and Sunsetin Havana, Cuba

Havana sits on Cuba's north coast at the mouth of a wide bay, with open water to the north and west that provides clear sunrises over the harbor entrance and sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. The Spanish colonial skyline and the elevated hilltops east of the harbor add useful fixed vantage points.

Best sunrise spots in Havana

1. Malecón

   The eastern stretch of the Malecón, near Avenida del Puerto and the harbor mouth, faces northeast with direct views of the sun rising over open water. Free and accessible 24 hours; a 10-minute walk from the center of Old Havana.

2. Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro

   The promontory at El Morro sits at the northeastern edge of Havana Harbor, with the lighthouse terrace facing open ocean to the north and east. The exterior viewpoint is accessible before the fortress gates open at 10 AM; reach it by taxi through the Havana Tunnel from Old Havana (around $6 USD) or via the Casablanca ferry.

3. Playas del Este

   The north-facing beaches 25 km east of Havana, particularly Santa María del Mar, offer an open ocean horizon for sunrise with no obstructions. Tourist buses don't run early enough; a private taxi from central Havana costs around $15 USD and takes about 25 minutes.

Best sunset spots in Havana

1. Malecón

   The Vedado section of the Malecón, west of Hotel Nacional, faces northwest toward the Gulf of Mexico. Almendron collective taxis run along nearby Avenida de los Presidentes; a regular taxi from Old Havana costs around $5 USD.

2. El Cristo de la Habana

   This hilltop statue on the Casablanca ridge faces west directly over Old Havana, with clear sightlines to the cathedral, harbor, and Malecón. Take the Casablanca ferry (2 CUP, about 9 minutes) from the Emboque de Luz terminal on Avenida del Puerto, then walk uphill for 10 to 15 minutes; entry to the viewpoint is free.

3. Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña

   From the western ramparts of La Cabaña the view runs straight west across Havana Harbor to the Old Havana skyline, with the sun dropping behind the city. The fortress opens at 8 AM; daytime entry costs around 100 to 200 CUP. Access via taxi through the Havana Tunnel or by the Casablanca ferry from Old Havana.