The Caibarién–Cayo Santa María Causeway: A Bridge Between Dreams and Sea

Stretching 48 kilometers in length, this viaduct connects mainland Cuba to the pristine northern cays of Villa Clara, bridging centuries of aspirations with the island’s modern tourism industry.

The idea of linking Caibarién to the nearby cays is not new. As early as 1842, plans were drafted for a railway to Cayo Francés, and in 1916, visions of a marine railway emerged. But it wasn’t until 1989, under the leadership of Fidel Castro, that the first tangible steps toward constructing the causeway were taken. Built by the "Campaña de Las Villas" workforce, the project completed its first phase in 1994 and was finalized in 2001 after over a decade of technical and human effort.

Constructed in an ecologically sensitive area, the causeway traverses small islands such as Cobos, Fragoso, Majá, and Las Picúas while preserving marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Along its path lie untouched beaches like Las Brujas, Ensenacho, and Santa María—now crown jewels of Cuban tourism.

Beyond its economic impact, the causeway has earned international recognition, receiving the prestigious "Puente de Alcántara" Award for Best Ibero-American Civil Engineering Work due to its technical, aesthetic, and functional excellence.

The causeway has revolutionized access to the cays, transforming the region into a world-class tourist destination. Cayo Santa María, known as "the island of flamingos," is home to the world’s second-largest coral reef and offers an ideal setting for diving, snorkeling, and ecotourism.

This monumental structure stands as a testament to Cuba’s ability to turn dreams into reality. From the early aspirations of intellectual Francisco Javier Balmaseda to the modern resorts now dotting the archipelago, the causeway symbolizes vision, perseverance, and respect for nature.