Highlights of Cuba

1. Havana – A Step Back in Time

Cuba’s capital city, Havana, is a time capsule of Spanish colonial architecture, vintage cars, and a pulsating culture. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Havana (Habana Vieja), a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can explore Plaza de la Catedral, the Malecón seawall, and El Capitolio. For art lovers, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes showcases Cuban masterpieces. Don’t miss a stroll along the Malecón at sunset or a visit to one of the city’s many vibrant jazz clubs.

2. Varadero – Tropical Beach Paradise

If you’re seeking sun and sand, Varadero is Cuba’s premier beach destination. Located on the Hicacos Peninsula, Varadero is famous for its crystal-clear waters, powdery white beaches, and luxury resorts. Whether you want to relax under a palm tree or indulge in water sports like snorkeling and diving, Varadero offers a perfect escape for beach lovers. The nearby Cayo Blanco island is also a must-visit for its pristine beauty and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

3. Viñales Valley – A Nature Lover’s Dream

For those who appreciate nature and outdoor adventures, Viñales Valley in western Cuba is a breathtaking destination. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs (mogotes) and verdant tobacco fields, Viñales offers hiking, horseback riding, and spelunking opportunities. The valley is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its traditional farming methods and picturesque landscapes. Be sure to visit the Cueva del Indio cave or take a guided tour of the local tobacco farms to learn about the production of Cuba’s famous cigars.

4. Trinidad – Colonial Splendor

The colonial town of Trinidad, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is a well-preserved gem that feels frozen in time. Known for its pastel-colored houses, cobblestone streets, and charming squares, Trinidad transports you back to the 19th century. Visit Plaza Mayor and the Museo Romántico, or climb to the top of the Iglesia de San Francisco for panoramic views of the city. A short drive away, the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) and the nearby Ancon Beach provide a mix of history and relaxation.

5. Cienfuegos – The Pearl of the South

Often referred to as “La Perla del Sur” (The Pearl of the South), Cienfuegos is a coastal city known for its French-inspired architecture and beautiful bay views. Parque José Martí in the city center is surrounded by neoclassical buildings, including the Tomas Terry Theater and Catedral de la Purísima Concepción. The Palacio de Valle, with its Moorish influences, is one of Cienfuegos’ architectural highlights. Cienfuegos also serves as a gateway to El Nicho Waterfalls, where you can hike through lush forests and swim in natural pools.

6. Santiago de Cuba – The Heart of Cuban Revolution

Known as the “Cradle of the Revolution,” Santiago de Cuba has a rich political and cultural history. It’s here that Fidel Castro launched the Cuban Revolution. Visitors can explore the Moncada Barracks, the Museo del Carnaval, and the imposing Castillo del Morro, a 17th-century fortress with stunning ocean views. Santiago is also famous for its lively carnival and Afro-Cuban music scene, making it a fantastic destination for those interested in Cuba’s vibrant culture.

7. Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria – Island Escapes

For travelers seeking a more remote and luxurious island escape, the Cayos (small islands) off Cuba’s northern coast are ideal. Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria are known for their serene beaches, crystal-clear waters, and upscale resorts. These islands are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and spotting tropical wildlife. The coral reefs surrounding the area are among the most pristine in the Caribbean, providing unforgettable underwater adventures.

8. Camagüey – Cuba’s Labyrinth City

With its maze-like streets, Camagüey offers a unique experience unlike any other city in Cuba. This inland city is known for its large clay water jars (tinajones) and vibrant cultural scene. Visit the beautifully restored Plaza San Juan de Dios or take in the art at the Museo Ignacio Agramonte. Camagüey is also home to some of Cuba’s most important ballet companies, making it a hub for performing arts lovers.

9. Bay of Pigs – Historical Significance and Natural Beauty

Famed for the failed U.S. invasion in 1961, the Bay of Pigs (Bahía de Cochinos) is now a fascinating destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. You can visit the Museo Girón, which documents the invasion, or head to the surrounding beaches like Playa Girón and Playa Larga for some of the best snorkeling and diving in the country. The area is also a haven for birdwatching, particularly in the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, where you can explore wetlands teeming with wildlife.

10. Baracoa – Cuba’s Best-Kept Secret

For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to Baracoa, Cuba’s oldest city located in the easternmost part of the island. Surrounded by lush rainforests, waterfalls, and secluded beaches, Baracoa is perfect for eco-tourists. Climb El Yunque Mountain for panoramic views, visit the Duaba River waterfall, or explore the local cacao plantations. Baracoa also offers a rich cultural heritage, being one of the first places where Christopher Columbus landed in the New World.

Beaches

Cuban beaches are sparkling and unlittered - hotels are not luxurious but seldom blot the shoreline. The bright turquoise waters of the Caribbean, often fringed with palm groves, do not disappoint. The visitor can choose between the isolated and unstructured charms of Las Brujas and the island of Cayo Levisa, or a more sophisticated resort such as Playa Ancon, close to Trinidad.

More about the Cuba Beaches

Rural Cuba

Alongside the plantations of tobacco, sugar cane or pineapples, rural Cuba - with its tranquil, bucolic lifestyle - rewards the visitor with some gorgeous mountain scenery. Close to Viñales in the west is a dramatic landscape of sheer limestone monoliths, fertile valleys and underground waterways. The historically significant Sierra Maestra, where Castro and his fellow rebels plotted revolution, offers fine hiking in forested hills in the east. You can see rural Cuba by bike and take in both coastal and mountainous scenery.

Nature

Zapata Peninsula
The best-known of Cuba's wildlife havens, the Zapata Peninsula, 156 km southeast of Havana, is a refuge for many bird and animal species. The scenery is spectacular: flamingos swoop across the milky lagoons, and crocodiles meander out across the dirt roads. The entire region is now a nature reserve.

Escambray Mountains
... or massif of Guamuhaya: mountain range that is characterized by steep peaks and deep valleys, the exuberance of vegetation, endemism of species of flora and fauna, cave systems, beautiful landscapes, pure and transparent rives and streams that make up picturesque waterfalss and crystalline ponds. The visit to this mountains also allow to know about the rural life associated to the growing of coffee and other agricultural activities.

Escambray Mountains