Language: Spanish    |    Currency: Peso (₱)    |    Local time: UTC-4:00   |    Avg. Flight time: 13.5 hrs

Havana good time

Most Cuban holidays begin in Havana, the island’s fascinating capital. A heady mix of pastel-hued Spanish colonial architecture and brazen art deco, Havana’s skyline is unlike any other. Much of the place is decidedly dilapidated, yet its buildings still retain a certain romance, even if their glory days are long behind them.

Join the sunset crowd for a stroll along the iconic Malecon, and just drink it all in. Talking of which, sipping daiquiris (invented here) or mojitos in a rooftop bar after dark is another must – ideally before jiving to some Cuban jazz or salsa.

Beaches to die for

If your holiday is all about the beach, you’ve come to the right island – Cuba is fringed with perfect white sand beaches. You’ll also certainly find amazing beaches at any of the all-inclusive resorts in Varadero, a 20km (12 miles) sandbar that stretches out into the Atlantic.

Guardalavaca in the east is another postcard-perfect resort town, with a wide range of accommodation to fit any budget. Can’t decide between Varadero or Guardalavaca? Compare their prices and find the best holiday package deals on TravelSupermarket.

Fidel’s fave

A  Cuban holiday wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Viñales Valley, a vast expanse of tobacco farmland set against oddly rounded limestone mountains known locally as mogotes. Said to have been Fidel Castro’s favourite place in Cuba, Viñales produces some of the best tobacco leaves in the world and is one of the only places in Cuba where you can hike freely.

Why go now?

Cuba’s communist government is slowly starting to relax its grip on everyday Cuban lives. As a result, small private businesses are springing up all over the island and a new wave of creativity and optimism currently grips Cuba. The island’s food, art, culture and nightlife are all expected to benefit because of this.

When to go

Cuba has a temperate climate with two seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season is from May to November, with a risk of hurricanes in September and October. Unsurprisingly, hotel prices are cheapest when the tropical storms hit the shores.

The dry season is from December to April, with pleasant temperatures (averaging 22C) that make it the best time to holiday in Cuba. January and February are the coolest months and can be marginally cheaper for travellers, while Easter is expensive.

Events for your diary

The pride of Cuban cultural heritage is magnified in its rum-soaked Havana Carnival. Massive street parties, colourful costumes, plenty of fireworks and wild dancing take place every weekend from early July to the end of August.

The Hemingway Fishing Tournament, held in June, is a definite highlight among sport fishing enthusiasts in pursuit of large ocean fish such as mahi-mahi, merlin, and tuna.