Central America is home to incredible places to visit, but Cuba is a unique experience. The island combines History, culture, a vibrant music scene, friendly people (especially in the countryside), and excellent cuisine.
Travelers should know that Cuba still has travel restrictions for Americans, but it's possible to enter the island. The best time to visit is typically between October and April. Although many people choose to stay in all-inclusive resorts and spend a few days in Havana, the island has countless interesting places to visit.
10 Havana Features The Traditional Spanish Architecture
Havana is one of the most exciting cities in Central America, featuring classic cars, Spanish architecture, and great restaurants. Therefore, it's recommended to spend at least a few days in this vibrant city.
During the day, travelers can stroll over the city in a vintage car, take Salsa lessons, visit a cigar factory, and walk through Old Havana's streets. The city is home to Floridita (Hemingway's favorite bar).
The afternoon is the best time to walk along the malecón, Havana's famous seafront boulevard. Visitors can wrap up the day by going to a traditional nightclub to dance Salsa.
9 Varadero Is The Most Famous Beach In Cuba
Varadero is arguably Cuba's most famous beach among tourists. The 12-mile beach features white sand, contrasting with turquoise waters, and offers various activities. Travelers can go sailing, diving, snorkeling, fishing, or kite surfing. They can also take a tour in a glass-bottom boat.
Visitors planning to relax can rent a beach chair and spend the day. There are also many restaurants and hotels in the region.
Many tourists can also take a day trip from Havana, which is located 72 miles away. Varadero can be reached by bus or private car.
8 Discovering The Real Cuban Cigars In Viñales
Cuba is well known for producing the world's best cigars, and visiting the island is a chance to discover how they are made. Tourists need to travel 113 miles to Viñales, home to the largest tobacco production in the country.
The best thing to do in Viñales is horseback through the tobacco fields along with a guide. They are perched within the Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most breathtaking views on the island.
Travelers can also spend an extra day exploring caves, water springs, and hiking. They can also visit the fantastic beaches at Cayo Jutías and Cayo Levisa.
7 Santa Clara Is Home To Che's Memorial
The first thing people learn about Santa Clara is that it's home to Che Guevara's mausoleum, the Complejo Escultórico Memorial Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara. The place features a real-life statue of Che and much information about his life.
Although most people only stop at the memorial, Santa Clara has other attractions. Many locals spend their free time at Parque Vidal, an excellent place to sit and enjoy the slow-paced rhythm of Santa Clara.
In the evening, locals and tourists head to the Casa de la Cultura to dance Salsa.
6 Trinidad Is A Charming Colonial Town
Perched in the middle of the island, Trinidad is known as one of the most well-preserved colonial cities in the Caribbean. Thanks to its sugar production, the city was an important commercial hub through the 18th and 19th centuries.
Trinidad has preserved the cobbled streets and colonial buildings, and it's considered a World Heritage by UNESCO. The colonial buildings were turned into restaurants and art galleries.
Disco Ayala is where most travelers go in the evening. The club was built inside a cave named after a serial killer who used to hide in the cave.
5 Exploring The Nature In Cienfuegos
Travelers visiting Trinidad often take a day trip to Cienfuegos, 82 miles away. Dubbed Pearl of the South, the town receives fewer tourists when compared to Havana and Trinidad, so Cienfuegos is ideal for travelers looking to avoid crowded tourist places.
The highlight of the visit is walking along the malecón and Punta Gorda. Another famous spot is José Martí Park, surrounded by historic buildings, excellent for History fans.
4 Remedios Is A Strategic Location For Visiting The Beaches
Cuba features an array of all-inclusive resorts, including Cayo Santa Marias and Cayo las Brujas. Travelers planning to visit those CCys can also stay in Remedios, 34 miles away. The small town features historical buildings, and the central plaza is where to go in the evening to have drinks.
The best decision is to visit one cayo per day, and the hotel/guest house can help schedule a round trip on a private car.
3 The Vibrant Santiago De Cuba
Santiago de Cuba, the island's easternmost point, is considered the second most important city in the country. The city features incredible beaches, such as Chivirico, and excellent hiking trails in the Sierra Maestra Mountains.
Although those would be enough reasons to book a trip to Santiago, the vibrant music scene is what draws most tourists to the city. Santiago's streets are lively and full of music, especially during its famous Carnaval.
2 Baracoa Is One Of Cuba's Hidden Gems
Baracoa is located in the eastern part of the island and is famous for its lavish nature. This hidden paradise is home to the Alexander Humboldt National Park, one of the world's most diverse biological reserves.
The Yumuri River is one of the region's highlights, and travelers can take a boat ride. The river is surrounded by a forest with many hiking trails.
Baracoa is also an excellent place to visit for seafood fans, and the dishes are often prepared with local and fresh ingredients.
1 Matanzas And Its Caves
Caves are impressive, and they are often turned into incredible tourist attractions around the world. Cuba is also home to some worth-visiting caves.
Matanzas has many historical buildings, galleries, and a vibrant music scene. Yet, the highlight of visiting Matanzas is exploring the impressive caves. Known as Cuevas Bellamar, they are considered one of Cuba's natural treasures and are open year-round for tourists.