What comes to mind when you think of Cuba? The swaying fields of sugar cane or the powdered sandy beaches; the famous cigars that are the area's number one export; or the gigantic square in Havana that has been filled with political rallies, many of them centring around the dictatorial rule of Fidel Castro? Whatever your image might be you'll be sure to find all that and a lot more in one of the most bewitching areas of the Caribbean. Much of Cuba's charm centres on its capital with its crumbling buildings, overhanging balconies and colonial architecture, but there are many resorts that have vastly grown in popularity thanks to their palm-fringed shores, clear waters and the nightlife scene that offers everything from salsa dancing to clubbing. The climate is typically hot and humid throughout the year but there is a general split between the dry and wet season, with the dry period (running from November-April) usually attracting the majority of tourists - visitors should be wary of September and October as this is the high time for hurricanes. There are several airports in Cuba but the main three are Havana International Airport, Varadero and Holguin which take between nine and ten hours to reach from the UK on charter or scheduled flights.
With its sandy beaches and electric nightlife, Cuba draws all types of holidaymakers...
Cuba is very much a complete holiday destination with a resort for just about everyone. Families will be drawn to the purpose built beach resort of Varadero, which is a tourist hotspot and offers plenty to keep you active both on and off the sands. These beach resorts are also good for partygoers and couples due to their varied nightlife scene. Sightseers should head to Havana or Santiago de Cuba, which are packed with architecture and historic buildings. Cuba has more to offer than one trip can hope to take in, which is why this is an increasingly popular year-on-year destination.
What you want to experience and achieve during a holiday in Cuba should dictate the resort you choose to stay in. If it's a beach resort you want then head to Varadero, which is the largest resort complex in the Caribbean. It has warm aquamarine waters with lots of world-renowned diving spots along with land-based activities such as golf, skydiving and bowling. Cayo Libertad is the best area to discover the depths with snorkelling particularly popular, along with rides in the glass-bottomed boats of the Nautilis vessel. There are tours available via yacht and helicopter and many luxurious hotels along the area. Varadero is also famous for its nightlife with cabaret shows, dance clubs and discos galore.
Cienfuegos is considered the pearl of the south, lying on the south central coast. Many small beaches including Rancho Luna and El Ingles surround it, and there are more than 50 scuba diving spots across the area. The city itself if extremely stylish and includes the Paseo del Prado, which is a great avenue that acts as the entrance to the city. Cienfuegos is also known for its architecture including the Tomas Terry Theater, Jose Marti Park, where the city was founded, and the Palacio del Valle, a stunning building with Gothic architecture.
If it's a city atmosphere you're looking for, then few places can compete with Havana. It is colourful and full of character with Centro Habana boasting some of the most important museums and architectural splendour, while Vedado is deeply contrasting and profoundly modern with high-rise buildings, theatres, art galleries, cabaret shows and luxurious hotels.
Havana is packed with sights including the Capitolio Nacional, which is much like the US capitol with its stone stairway and decorated chambers. Habana Vieja contains museums, hotels and restaurants, along with beautifully restored colonial buildings, while Plaza de la Revolucion is a gigantic square made famous by political rallies and speeches. There are many museums to discover such as the Museo de le Ciudad, which tells the tale of Havana, the Museo de la Revolución, which was formerly the Presidential palace and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which houses everything from Greek artefacts to works from Cuban artists. And of course, no trip to Havana would be complete without visiting the famous cigar factories, which display the art of cigar making. Havana is also a great place to shop with many open-air markets and shopping arcades.
Santiago de Cuba is renowned for its music and its annual carnival along with its many attractions such as the Barcari Museum and the Castillo de San Pedro del Morro, an enormous piece of military architecture. The city constantly thrives on the sound of music while maintaining remnants of its past at the Moncanda Barracks and the Santa Ifingenia cemetery. Trinidad, in Cuba, is a world heritage site with its roots in the sugar trade and you can visit the tomb of Che Guevera in Santa Clara.
