Iconic Seaside Esplanade: The Malecón of Havana (Cuba)
The Malecón is the famous Havana seawall, sidewalk, and road known for the fresh breeze from the sea, views of stars at night, and cruising in classic cars.
Running along the north-side of Havana’s central historic districts (Vedado, Centro Habana, La Habana Vieja), the Malecón is where locals and tourists flock for a stroll or a drive, eat lunch or catch fish for dinner, take a break from the heat of the day, or make out at night.
To protect Havana from the sea, construction of the seawall, sidewalk and roadway Malecón (English: seawall, jetty) began in 1901. It was built and expanded in three stages, finishing in 1952.
The street itself is officially called Avenida de Maceo, in honor of José Antonio de la Caridad Maceo y Grajales, second-in-command of the Cuban Army of Independence in the late 1800s.
The Malecón is a prime example that an outdoor Happier Place doesn’t have to be in the “Great Outdoors” but can be found in an urban setting – and really anywhere people can step outside, get some fresh air, and have a fun break before getting back to whatever needs doing.
The Lighthouse of the Castillo del Morro and the Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta guard the mouth of the Havana Harbor, where the Malecón beginsSee and be seen while cruising along the seaside Malecón in HavanaRed and blue – fishing, relaxing and enjoying nature on the Maleón wallLooking east along the Malecón towards Faro del Castillo del MorroEating lunch and catching dinner on the old seawall with the classic Havana skyline featuring the Habana Libre and Hotel NacionalNot just fishing, but also catching – Cuban fisherman and his haulThe Malecón roadway, esplanade and seawall as it bends along the old center of HavanaThe extraordinary patina of Havana buildings facing the sea can not be replicated. How much longer will it last?Creative open spaces and restaurants are popping up along the MaleconThe Castropol Restaurant and its neighbors on the MalecónOrnate people pillars on a balcony overlooking the seaHorse-drawn carriage cruising for tourists in front of the old facades along the Malecón roadColorful windows and shutters on the classic buildings facing the seaFishing and relaxing along the Malecón SeawallCuban flag, bunker entrance, the Malecón, and Bay of Havana – seen from the back lawn of the famous Hotel Nacional
The Antonio Maceo Grajales statue is one of several grand memorials along the Malecón
Primavera (Spring) sculpture created by Rafael San Juan on the corner of Galiano Street and the Malecon
Blue Hour after sunset at the Morro Castle Lighthouse Parque Martires del 71 (Martyrs of ’71 Park) and Maximo Gomez monument and entrance to the Havana Harbor, CubaLate-night rendezvous on the famous Malecón seawall along the northside of Havana, CubaThe Lighthouse Faro del Castillo del Morro at night
It would be so nice to visit this place. The sea wall would be a perfect spot to watch the sunset and feel the nice breeze. Havana is a beautiful place, a mix of modern and old town charm.
What I would not give to be by the sea just now. So relaxing and very nice to just chill land watch the waves for sure
Wow looks like a great place to visit. I love all the photos you shared. The sculpture is amazing!
looks fantastic! I love it! I really want to visit Cuba one day. Each city has a lot of angles
Cuba is a lovely place to go visit. When I went we just stayed at the hotel and the beach there. For those more adventurous there is loads to see.
The place looks lovely, I would love to vsit their someday.
The pictures are stunning. I bet that it would be quite an unforgettable experience to stroll along The Malecón.
It would be so nice to visit this place. The sea wall would be a perfect spot to watch the sunset and feel the nice breeze. Havana is a beautiful place, a mix of modern and old town charm.
Malecón is really lovely and it’s cool to know that such a place can exist in an Urban setting. It’s truly beautiful and those are amazing pictures.
I would just sit on the sea wall and listen to the water and take time to relax. Of course not too long as I would have to check out Havana.
I think you have your priorities straight. There is so much else to see in Havana – but this is a wonderful place to take a break.