Weather Lowdown
So, it is now the middle of the winter time in Playa Pesquero. December is a time of festivity, but it is definitely not time for a white Christmas. Here you will find sunny weather even right at the end of the year, and you can rely on mild temperatures as well as the need for sunscreen even on Christmas Day itself. The average daily temperature is an impressive 24°C, which is going to mean leaving the jumpers at home and double-checking that you've packed that bikini.
Daily highs can go up as far as 28°C, and even at the coolest parts of the day, the lows only go to around 19°C. The good weather continues year-round, as evidenced by the fact that this is in fact the second coldest month of the year, with January being just that little bit cooler. Rainfall is not particularly heavy at this dry part of the year, with an average of 62mm coming down over around 6 days. This means you can expect a mostly dry holiday with a few scattered but brief showers.
8 hours of sunshine a day means that there is plenty of time after sunrise to explore before the sun goes down and you can time it right for a romantic dinner too. Make sure that you go swimming if you head to the beach, as the sea temperature hits an amazing average of 27°C. The beaches can also be a lot quieter, as there are not so many tourists around on the island at this time of year. Just make sure that you watch the weather forecast to help plan your visits, as windier or cooler days might not be the time that you want to head to the beach.
Where to Stay
Over at the Las Delicias Restaurant & Guesthouse you are getting two services for the price of one a nice casa which is a great place to spend Christmas or the leading weeks of December, and a restaurant which serves local cuisine to a very high quality. This makes it easier for you to get everything you need in one place!
Another casa which is very quiet and private is the Casa Julio Y Omara Danta, where two bedrooms are available in the home of a Cuban family. There is an en suite bathroom for each and you have access to the kitchen, with breakfast and dinner provided for you if you do not wish to cook. This quiet option is based just up the coast in Guardalavaca.
Finally, try the beautiful building that is the Habitacion Iliana, a blue and white painted home with a geometric pattern. It also has a small restaurant on site and is close to the beach. Guests have the advantage of getting access to a private patio, so you can have your meals in peace instead of sitting in the main dining room.
Hit the Beach
Christopher Columbus landed on the white sands of Guardalavaca Beach, and allegedly described it as the most beautiful land he had ever seen in all of his travels. You can visit this same sandy beach, although it doesn't look quite the same as he found it these days there are plenty of tourists around as well as hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops all lined up along the shoreline. There's a chance to pick up anything you could possibly need while you are there.
The average sea temperature in December is still a very warm 27°C, so be sure to take a dip while you visit. There's no reason not to get your toes wet, and so long as there are no warning flags about the tide, you can swim easily from this gentle beach.
Restaurants and Nightlife
One of the best-kept secrets in Cuba is La Ternura, a tricky restaurant to get into. First you have to book a table, then knock on the door and provide proof of your booking. This is the only way to get in you can't just walk off the street! The balcony provides some fresh air, and there is an intimate atmosphere inside the dining room where live music is played every night.
There is another bar which you might hear whispers about: the Bar Parrillada Buena Vista, which is owned by Canadians who upped sticks to live here. The broad menu includes ice cream, shrimp, steak, and lobster, all served in large quantities. It is popular amongst the media, winning awards and getting plenty of coverage in local papers.
How about something Italian? Milano is a restaurant where Italian classics are given a bit of Cuban flare. How about pizza topped with spaghetti? You won't find this very often, so take the chance to eat one of their delightful combinations while you are there. It's a unique experience for certain.
Things to Do
Warm yourself up on the cooler December nights by attending some dance lessons! The Blau Costa Verde Beach Resort as well as some other local hotels offer Cuban dance schools, with some key instruction in this Latin dance style. Cubans love music, so this is a great way to get a taste of the culture and also learn a new skill.
Local food is also a big feature of the scene here. You can eat at plenty of the hotels around the area, as well as being able to go out to a restaurant nearby. Many of them serve traditional Cuban cuisine, with very little outside influences. The flavours are normally based around elements like fried plantains and pork, and seafood is a huge feature of dishes on the island. Salad is also a common option. There's a lot to try, so check out some of the delicacies while you are here.
