Cuba is an increasingly popular destination. Going to this wonderful island means reconnecting with a permanent sun and living in the middle of spectacular landscapes. Cuba is a real encounter with another world which has its own richness: that of the heart.
A little history: struggles and clash of civilizations
Cuba was colonized by the Spaniards who founded the cities of Santiago, Cuba and Havana in the 16th century. Very early on, the island specialized in the production of cigars (to buy during your shopping sessions). Cuba is also famous for its coffee and sugar cane.
The Cubans expressed their desire for independence from Spain very early on, helped by the United States. This murderous struggle continued until the middle of the 20th century: Fidel Castro, his rebel army and Che Guevara overthrew the dictator Batista and founded the Republic of Cuba. Castro moved away from the United States very early to the point that the Americans declared a 30-year embargo on Cuban products. At the same time, the President of Cuba is getting closer to Russia, which is becoming his most solid ally. The fall of Russia led to a serious economic crisis in Cuba, from which the country has struggled to recover since.
National flag with Che Guevara
In Cuba, recent events have created what one might call a generation shock. The oldest lived under the Spanish dictatorship, while their children lived under the Cuban revolution. Finally, the youngest have only known the Castro family in power… and are trying by all means to leave the island and go to the continent, in particular to the United States.
Cuba, dream destination of the Caribbean
Stretching 1200 kilometers, Cuba is the largest of the Caribbean islands. Like all its neighbors, it is surrounded by islets and coral reefs and bordered by paradisiacal beaches on the Atlantic side or the Caribbean side. Its shape is slender to say the least, since it is only between 30 and 210 kilometers wide.
The relief of the island is quite diverse. Throughout the central part of the island, you will discover beautiful mountain ranges including the Cordillera de Guaniguanico. This will allow you to do many sporting activities, especially in the Sierra Maestra, at the eastern end of Cuba.
Everywhere else, vast fertile plains with soft and laughing relief plunge you into an enchanting universe. Do not hesitate to think outside the box during your stay and to see Cuba as its inhabitants live it every day.
Tourism: Cuba's main activity
One activity allows the island to overcome part of its economic backwardness: tourism. Many hotels have sprung up on the island to satisfy a demanding clientele. More and more, Cuba is proving more and more to be a destination for honeymoons. There are several reasons for this: idyllic beaches, an absolutely remarkable heritage to visit and a unique local kindness.
Where to go in Cuba?
The main Cuban regions and cities
It is possible to practice different activities in Cuba: it all depends on where you are. Here is a presentation of the main Cuban regions.
Destination “culture”
Havana
Havana
On the northwest coast of Cuba lies Havana, the capital of the Cuban country. Cultural city par excellence, Havana was made famous by Hemingway. It stands out from other Cuban cities by its dynamism and its openness to the world. This is where the biggest tourist activities and infrastructures are concentrated: you will have the choice between many hotels, but also many places to go out at night. Some museums may be included in the program of your visits, including the Historical Museum of the Revolution : this museum traces the great epics of the Cuban revolution. The heroes of the people are in the spotlight.
Learn more about Havana: read our article dedicated to the city
Casas Particulares Cienfuegos
José Martí Park à Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos is also remarkably attractive from a cultural point of view. Take a stroll through its historic center: you will then take a journey between the 19th century and the 20th century with buildings in the neoclassical, art nouveau and art-deco styles.
Trinidad
Trinidad
If you want to continue your journey through time, push to Trinidad. The old town from the 16th century is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former colonial city has many attractions, both cultural and leisure.
Casa Particular in Santa Clara
Mausoleum of Che Guevara in Santa Clara
Santa Clara is a true sanctuary for all Che aficionados. It notably houses the remains of one of the most famous faces in the world. Santa Clara is indeed the city of Che, and it is naturally here that the remains of the great Cuban revolutionary were buried. Discover the Ernesto Che Guevara Memorial which was erected to the glory of Che, and which still fascinates much of the world today since the 60s. Here you can learn more about the history of the Cuban revolution . Although not very interesting, this museum is one of the places to see on the island.
Did you know?
Even if the Cuban revolutionaries tried to suppress the religious cult of the island, the Catholic religion is omnipresent. Certain cathedrals deserve our attention, in particular that of Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Today, Cubans can practice freely, the reception of Pope John Paul II by Fidel Castro in 1998 sealed reconciliation.
Destination “maritime”
Cuba is also a sunny destination. Many spots allow tourists to practice their favorite sporting activity, such as diving. There are indeed many scuba diving spots in Cuba, the most beautiful of which are undoubtedly located on the Caribbean coast. You will then meet many marine animals with shimmering colors, and even whale sharks, harmless to humans. Head in particular towards Cienfuegos. On the Atlantic side, it is near Holguin that you have to go: the diving will be more sporty, but the underwater photos will be all the more beautiful.
Varadero
Gloriette by the sea in Varadero
In Varadero, the white sand runs as far as the eye can see along the Atlantic. 140 kilometers from Havana, and near Mantazas and Zapata, Varadero has magnificent beaches where many hotel facilities are available to enjoy the sun while basking. Note that the Ancon peninsula is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba.
There are also departure points for freshwater fishing and discovering particular species such as Creole and Mexican biajacas or shad.
For more information:
Varadero: Cuba's new jewel in the heart of the Caribbean
King's gardens
King's gardens
The Jardines del Rey allows you to realize the insolent beauty of Cuba. It is an archipelago of islands and islets where there are many excursions that allow you to go from one island to another. Above all, two magnificent coral reefs are to be seen: Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo.
However, it is on the Larga and Girón beaches that the most interesting sites for scuba diving are to be found. We are then on the Zapata peninsula.
Destination “nature”
The peninsula of Zapata
Zapata Peninsula Natural Park
South of Matanzas, the Zapata Peninsula is home to one of Cuba's most important ecosystems and the largest reserve of wetlands in the insular Caribbean. Its very rich natural panorama serves as a habitat for exceptional and particularly endemic flora and fauna. The Zapata peninsula is the region with the best preserved ecosystem on the island. Cubans are proud of the Bay of Pigs, one of the first places of struggle against the Americans.
Sierra maestra
Landscape of the Sierra Maestra
In the south-east of Cuba, in the province of Santiago, the Sierra Maestra presents an extraordinary natural wealth, not to be missed. You will walk through extraordinary landscapes, with the highest mountain ranges in Cuba. Pic Turquino, the highest on the island, rises to 1974 meters. It was in this massif that Fidel Castro's base was located during the Cuban revolution.
Basilica of the Virgin (El Cobre)
Take advantage of your stay in the region to visit the Basilica of the Virgin Del Cobre, the most sacred place on the island. Near Santiago de Cuba, the basilica is a national shrine to which many Cubans converge. Patroness of the island, the Virgin of Caridad del Cobre was even visited by John Paul II. Drop in and also visit the village and the surface mines of Cobre. Also nearby, discover the El Cimarrón monument dedicated to slaves killed on the Caribbean islands.
Another point of interest in the region: La Commandancia de la Plata. When Fidel Castro led his revolutionary army, he gave his orders from the Commandancia de la Plata in the Sierra Maestra. This made it less easily spotted, which you will not fail to understand when you seek to reach these places. You'll only get to the site for an hour's walk and see Castro's headquarters, the Pirate Radio Command Post, as well as a period hospital.
Shopping: what to bring back from your stay in Cuba?
Souvenirs from Cuba and Che
There are many souvenirs to buy in Cuba. Here are some items that we advise you to bring back in your luggage.
Cigars
Even if you are not a smoker, it is likely that those around you will ask you to bring some back (be careful! You cannot bring more than 50 without having problems with customs). Note that for quality cigars, it is better to avoid street vendors because their very attractive prices hide poor quality. The best can be bought in cigar humidors (casas del tabacco)… or in hotel boutiques.
Decorative objects
In Cuba, you will find many artists to sell you magnificent finely carved objects: masks and statues are among the most numerous objects on the market stalls. True works of art, they will perfectly decorate your home. If you want to acquire a work of art, especially, remember to ask for a certificate that will prove that it belongs to you.
Memories of Che
Ernesto Che Guevara is still present in many Cuban memories. He will be so for generations to come, too, judging by the many articles on which his famous face is portrayed.
Music
You will soon realize that Cubans are outstanding musicians. You will frequently hear them singing and playing traditional, but also modern music. Don't hesitate to buy an album from a local artist that will remind you of the Cuban soul and the Caribbean sun when you get home.
Practical information about Cuba
A woman smokes a cigar in Havana
Here is some practical information that will help you to better prepare your trip to Cuba.
Currency exchange
In Cuba, you will often find Cuban Convertible Pesos, displayed by the three letters CUC. It is a currency made for tourists.
You must also be careful that you are given convertible pesos, and not Cuban pesos, the value of which is very low.
Transport: go to Cuba
The plane is of course the fastest way to visit Cuba. There are different airports in Cuba. Thanks to our comparator, you can find cheap flights to Santa Clara, Trinidad, Santiago, Havana, Holguin, Cienfuegos, Varadero, Guantanamo or Santa Lucia.
Getting around Cuba
In Cuba, you can use all conventional means of transport. If you are the independent type and want to see the country, car rental is a must. The roads are quite rugged (lots of potholes, including on the country's only highway, the Ocho Vias). It may be preferable to take the bus, as the drivers are much more experienced in this kind of inconvenience.
The trains are quite reliable and will allow you to cross the country from city to city… However, the timetables are not necessarily well respected.
READ ALSO :
6 things to know before going to Cuba
Decided to leave? All you have to do is compare the price of plane tickets to Havana.
