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Bursting with character and contradictions, Cuba is a destination full of surprises. With some of the Caribbean’s best beaches, colourful towns and cities, and an incredible culture of live music, there really is nowhere else like it.
Think Cuba and it’s hard not to picture vintage Cadillacs cruising around Havana, crumbling walls daubed with Che Guevara graffiti and rum cocktails on tropical beaches. These things are part of Cuba’s undeniable charm, but there’s much more to this intriguing island.
For a start, the cultural scene in Cuba is diverse and rich. Take your pick from old-school music clubs in Santiago de Cuba, world-class art in Havana, and brilliant museums in Trinidad. Almost all of Cuba’s atmospheric towns and cities have a Casa de la Musica where people meet to play music and dance.
Planning a trip with children? Head to the coast and you’re in family holiday heaven. Varadero has resorts with kids' entertainment on white sands, while Playa Ancón is a top choice for snorkelling.
The greener parts of Cuba, like the Valley of Viñales or Pico Turquino (Cuba’s highest mountain), have excellent hiking, cycling and horse riding opportunities. In Ciénaga de Zapata’s swamps, you can seek out Cuba’s hidden wildlife. From birdwatching to crocodile spotting, there are all sorts of unusual creatures to see here.
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Many travellers will have no problems in Cuba, but, as with any holiday, keep an eye on your valuables. For the most up-to-date travel advice for Cuba, check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Yes. If you are travelling with a full British passport, you will need to apply for a visa at the Cuban Embassy in London or speak to your tour operator before you travel.
The Cuba Tourist Card is the name for a visa in Cuba, and you need to apply for one before you travel. You can do this at the Cuban Embassy in London or via some holiday operators.
You may need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate depending on where you have travelled previously. Find out more on the NHS website before you travel.
Tipping is a big deal in Cuba, including at hotels, restaurants and even in taxis. Always be polite and respectful and bear in mind that things can be quite tough for Cubans. At the moment, food shortages and power cuts are a regular occurrence in Cuba.
Overland travel is fairly straightforward, with Viazul buses covering Cuba's main attractions. Communal taxis called collectivos are another option or you can hire a car, though a lack of providers on the island makes this quite expensive. Slow trains also link the major cities and there are internal flights. That said, dubious safety records mean most people avoid air travel.