What a casa particular is
A casa particular is a private home licensed by the Cuban state to rent rooms to travellers. The system was legalised in the 1990s as part of opening limited private enterprise, and it has grown into the main form of authorised private lodging across the island.
Hosts hold a licence and pay taxes for the activity. In practice a casa can range from a single spare room to a small independent apartment or a whole restored villa, but the core is always a family that lives with, or beside, its guests.
Why they dominate fishing towns
Small coastal and fishing towns like Gibara, Cojimar's surroundings, or the Baracoa area rarely have large hotels. Casas fill that gap entirely, spreading tourist income directly into local households rather than into resort chains.
For guests, the payoff is access. A casa host in a fishing town knows who has fresh fish that day, how to arrange a boat or a ride, and where the town's rhythm really runs. Meals cooked at the casa are frequently the best food you will find.
What to expect, and the limits
Expect a clean room, home cooking, and warm hospitality, but also simplicity: variable hot water, occasional power cuts, and slow internet. Bring cash, since casas and their meals are usually paid in currency and US cards do not work.
A casa is a stay, not a stake. It does not lead to ownership, and foreigners generally cannot buy homes on Cuba's open market; ownership routes through residency, marriage or inheritance. US travellers should also confirm they meet OFAC travel categories. This page is information only and not a listing.
Booking and etiquette
Casas can be arranged in advance through online platforms or, in the traditional way, on arrival by word of mouth and the recommendations of one host to another. A house displaying the official blue anchor sign is a licensed casa particular for foreign guests. In small fishing towns, a good host will often help you find a room in the next town when you move on.
A little etiquette goes a long way. Agree the room rate and the cost of meals up front, respect that this is a family home, and give notice if you want dinner cooked. Tipping modestly for exceptional hospitality is welcome. These small courtesies keep the informal network that sustains coastal-town travel healthy for everyone who follows.