How a 27 km causeway transformed Cayo Coco in Cuba

Cayo Coco is a scenic island off Cuba’s northern coast, framed by the clear waters of the Atlantic. Getting there by car is straightforward today, but just a few decades ago visitors had only two options: boat or plane. That changed with the construction of a 27‑kilometer causeway linking the island to the mainland.

Back in the 1980s, Cayo Coco was almost empty. Wildlife roamed here, and the only regular visitors were fishers. Cuban authorities decided the island had strong potential for tourism, yet the lack of transport made building hotels and stocking them with supplies a real challenge.

The causeway offered a simple, cost‑effective answer. It connected Cayo Coco to Ciego de Ávila province, making it easy to bring in goods and allowing tourists to arrive by bus and car. In the end, the roadway stretched 27 kilometers.

Once Cayo Coco had a land link to Cuba, development took off. The first hotels opened, tourist numbers climbed, and local residents gained new jobs. Today, Cayo Coco is among the country’s key resorts, drawing travelers for beach time, diving, yacht outings, and encounters with the island’s nature.

The road built decades ago still does its job and remains in good condition, even as traffic steadily grows. With plans to keep developing the region, additional roads or new ways of getting around may follow.

The 27‑kilometer causeway changed life on Cayo Coco. It made the island accessible and turned it into a popular destination.