Holidays in Cuba are not only a treat for the senses but also an opportunity to discover one of the best-kept travel secrets on the planet. Cuba offers an authentic allure: charm, culture and adventures that you can't find on any other Caribbean island. While the idyllic beaches and luxurious resorts are enough for some, those seeking unique experiences are treated to charming historic towns, striking natural landscapes, hidden caves, and UNESCO listed wonders.
Viñales is a stunning National Park, surrounded by striking mountains. The valley was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is located 25 km north of the city of Pinar del Rio, in the west of Cuba. It is a karstic valley that has been formed over millions of years leaving spectacular features like Mogotes, dome-like limestone hills that rise as high as 300 m. Walk through the tobacco plantations, explore the largest cave system in Cuba - Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás and watch the sunset at the Mirador de Los Jazmines viewpoint.
Old Havana, also called La Habana Vieja, is the city-centre and one of 15 boroughs forming Havana, the capital city of Cuba. Old Havana contains the core of the original city of Havana and known for its bright colours and rich cultural heritage.
El capital, known as the National Capitol Building, is a public edifice and one of the most visited sites in Havana. Finished in 1929 and held the title of the tallest building until the 1950s. It also houses the third largest indoor statue and is slowly being restored to use as the home of Cuba’s National Assembly.
Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro is a fortress guarding the entrance to Havana Bay. Known as El Morro or Morro Castle and constructed between 1589 and 1630, this castle structure was to guard the entrance to Havana against pirates and other colonists eager to gain control of this strategic transit hub between Europe and the rest of the Americas. Today, the fortress can be reached by ferry or by looping around the bay over land.
Guillermo Key is one of the most visited cays in Jardines del Rey, and for good reason; with some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole archipelago and numerous activities both in and out of the sea. The top experience to be had in Cayo Guillermo is scuba diving. Explore the colourful seabeds rich with impressive fauna and flora.
Found on Cayo Coco, Playa Larga is one of the best beaches in the Jardines del Rey. You can easily spend a day soaking up the sun and splashing in the warm waters. There are also beach activities including volleyball, and some lush vegetation to offer some shade while you enjoy a picnic.
This stunning stretch of shoreline is roughly 20km and has fine, white sand and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for water activities as its seabed is perfect for snorkelling and diving. You can also enjoy some beach volleyball when you’re not sunbathing, and with facilities offering rentals, you can partake in numerous sports such as water skiing and kite surfing.
Cueva Saturno (Saturno Cave) is a popular attraction located 20 km west of Varadero, near Coral Beach. The centote is filled with crystal clear water that you can swim, snorkel and scuba in - there are two underwater caves that reach a depth of 20 meters! The natural wonder is full of striking stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors are free to snorkel or swim in the water, accessed by a series of staircases.
Cuban cigars are the best in the world. Even if you aren't a smoker take a trip to a Cuban cigar factory or visit a tobacco farm to see how they are made. Partagás is the most famous cigar factory in Cuba.
Located on the southern coast of Cuba, Trinidad is a beautiful Spanish colonial town. The old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It is well worth spending a day walking around the authentic city looking at the charming cobblestone streets, exquisite old buildings, majestic churches and lovely gardens. The city is often described as a 'living museum.' Don't miss seeing the Plaza Mayor, Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad and Municipal History Museum.