Cuba’s Top Tourist Attractions
Cuba crosses the borders of time and spans six different eras simultaneously. Take in Old Havana’s mid-century atmosphere and Spanish colonial architecture. Hail a classic American car, and whisk along the Malwcón with hair flowing in the wind. There are many natural wonders outside the city. The Caribbean coast is protected by glimmering coral reefs and tranquil turquoise waters.
With an open mind and a willingness to learn, Cuba will whisper new wind between its sounds of salsa, reggaeton or mesmerizing Santeria tambores, calling for the saints to come down in celebration. The 18 most memorable places you should visit when traveling to Cuba are listed below.
1. Visit Mesmerizing Havana
The famous capital Havana is one of the most unique spots in Cuba. It’s not uncommon for travelers to fall in love or even avoid Havana. You’ll find yourself captivated if you take your time to wander the cobblestone streets and soak in Cuban culture and all the architectural styles that line the Old Town and Central Business District. It’s best to spend at least one day in Havana. But, if possible, we recommend three.Havana offers many interesting things. It is filled with culture, music and great food. You can also find many other must-see spots within the city. Distance from Havana for day trips.
First, I suggest that you go on a traditional American car tour of the city. Take in all the differences. You can get an amazing overview of Havana by taking a classic American car tour. This allows you to experience firsthand all the different atmospheres within the cities.
The second is to do a guided walking tour of the historic Old Havana (La Habana Vieja). Discover the fascinating historical details about revolutionary Havana, colonial Havana, Che Guevera. Visit the Plaza de la Catedral and Bodeguita del Medio, where Hemingway was a frequent visitor.
Third, book a table at Paladar San Cristobal for dinner (where Obama ate dinner), or at the roof terrace of La Guarida in Central Havana. Ask for a chambre separé in San Cristobal if you are a group, it will be an amazing evening. After dinner at La Guarida enjoy a stroll to the opposite end of La Guarida for a drink at the rooftop bar. Enjoy stunning views of Havana from here.
Havana is a unique place that vibrates in contrast to the beautiful and decaying, new and old, vintage and antique. Its atmosphere was created through decades of solitude and a prideful national feeling as well as a romantic notion about revolution.
If you are open to the possibility of seeing Havana’s Spanish Colonial architecture, and fierce Malecon boardwalk then you will have an unforgettable experience. Seek out the hidden streets of Havana, look past the facades, take in Cuba’s atmosphere, and enjoy the historic architecture.
Havana Hotels
Are you planning to stay in Havana One of Havana’s finest hotels, the Iberostar Grand Packard offers the most spectacular sunset views. The 6th floor bar offers a view of the Malecon, the infinity swimming pools and the bars.
2. Guanabo Town is the place to feel authentic Cuba
Guanabo, Cuba’s best-kept secret is the place you should visit if you wish to see the authentic and undiscovered beauty of a country while you travel.Guanabo can be found just half an hours drive from Havana, along the coast. It is a traditional Cuban village. Although it’s not a tourist hot spot, Guanabo is much more accessible than Varadero and Havana. Guanabo’s main street is lined with bars, restaurants and DJs.
Enjoy a mojito at one of the streetside bars or a traditional Cuban meal in La Esquina de Los Caballitos’ park. Bring cash and stop for a drink. Next, head to Guanabo Beach. Here on weekends, each sunbed houses a family that plays either salsa or reggaeton while enjoying a glass of rum.
If you are looking for authentic Cuban experiences, consider a Guanabo day trip or a stay of a few nights. Guanabo has many casa particulares available for rental. You can experience a more authentic Cuban vibe, with the added bonus of the Nightlife.
3. Basque In Turquoise Waters At Playas del Este
Playas del Este (or Playas del Este) is a series of tiny beaches, which are like little beads that stretch out towards the east side of Havana. Many Cubans visit Playas del Este for the beaches and the seaside, particularly on weekends. Playa Santa Maria del Mar, which is the most popular beach close to Havana, is also the nearest.You can also expect a lot of activity and noise, particularly on weekends. There are many kiosks that sell everything, including traditional chicken, rice and rum. The nightclubs have live music.
Guanabo is located within easy walking distance to Playa Boca Ciega’s eastern shore, and Playa Guanabo. Playas del Este, the top beaches you can visit in a single day from Havana are Playas del Este. A bus can be taken from Parque Central. You may also hire a taxi that will take you around the day. Or, you could book a tour on-line.
4. Varadero is All-Inclusive Heaven
TripAdvisor voted Varadero Beach the 2nd most beautiful beach worldwide in 2019. This is the best place to go in Cuba if you are looking for true Caribbean holidays with blue waters, beaches, resorts and pools.A sandy strip of beaches runs parallel to the coast of Hicacos Peninsula. It reaches into the water off Cubas’s northern coast.
Many large, luxurious, all-inclusive spas are located along the coast of the peninsula. You will find restaurants and an artisan market in this small center. There are also a number of shops you can visit.
Varadero makes a wonderful Caribbean vacation. You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and boat trips.
The Botanical Garden is a nature reserve that allows you to explore the nearby caves. Deep sea fishing can be done as well!
Keep in mind that Varadero is not Cuba. It’s a different country. It is great to know that Varadero can be reached from other places in Cuba like Vinales. HavanaTrinidad, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad. It’s worth a look.
5. Lush Green Valle de Viñales & Cuban Cigars
Vinales is well-known for producing the highly sought after Cuban cigars. It’s a small, agricultural village in Pinar del Rio in Cuba.You can take a day trip to Valle de Viñales from Havana, and even from Varadero (although that is a really long day) and experience the highlights of the valley. See the Mural de la Prehistoria, the stunning Cueva del Indio cave, visit a Cuban cigar farm, and have a traditional Cuban lunch – all in one day!
You can stay for a few nights in Casa Particular in Vinales, if you are able to travel slowly.
A variety of restaurants and bars offer delicious Cuban dishes and traditional cuisines. ropa vieja Or pollo con arroz morro. Vinales is unique because of one thing. It is Vinales’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. mogotes. The valley floor is littered with small, sharp hills that look like sugar tops. mogotes.
Mogotes, which are rugged, isolated hills made of limestone, dolomite or marble with round shapes, rise above the plains below them, have steep sides and can be rugged.
Staying for a long time will allow you to take hikes and see some mogotes from up-close. Some of the caves have rock climbing or swimming areas.
You can also try climbing outside. Walk the trails and horseback ride the hills. Also, visit nearby limestone caves. Perhaps you can visit Cayo Jutias’ beautiful beaches up north for a day?
6. Cayo Jutias, an island that remains untouched
Cayo Jutias, located off the coast of Cuba’s northwest coast, is accessible by driving north along a causeway.
You will find a tranquil beach here with only a small strip of crispy sand that separates the mangroves and the soft ocean.
This tranquil island is accessible by taxi, and it’s only a few hours away from Vinales. This is a great place to relax with beautiful beaches and clear blue water.
Cayo Jutias’ rugged beauty and natural beauty are what attract most travelers. Contrary to other Cuban locations, these undeveloped Caribbean beaches haven’t been developed as Varadero and other Cuban keys.
A couple of bars and restaurants are located on the beach. The prices for sandwiches and cocktails here are reasonable. You can spend the whole day on the beach snorkeling or swimming before returning to Cuban mainland in the afternoon.
7. Sustainable Las Terrazas in Pinar del Rio
Las Terrazas, a serene, picturesque community in Pinar del Rio that encourages sustainable development, allows visitors to be one with the natural world.This tranquil oasis, located 46 miles west from Havana is found in Sierra del Rosario. It was designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1985 by UNESCO. Las Terrazas was founded in late 1960s to save an area badly damaged by coffee farming during the 19th Century.
Millions of trees were grown, agricultural terraces excavated and an entire town built to maintain the focus on nature. This land is now protected, not exploited. Nature’s cycles and rhythms are respected.
Las Terrazas, Cuba’s most popular destination for artists is one that attracts a diverse group of people. The location also offers a wonderful outdoor environment for nature lovers, with open studios and workshops as well as endless opportunities to engage in outdoor activities. You can spend the entire day enjoying the stunning river oasis. It features layered cascades that lead to crystal clear pools at each level.
The Sierra del Rosario Mountain Range is lush with vegetation. There are also stunning viewpoints around Las Terrazas where you can admire the gorgeous coastline.
8. Colonial Living Museum Of Trinidad
Trinidad, a historic colonial capital located approximately four hours from Havana on Cuba’s south shores is commonly referred to “the museum in Cuba”.Trinidad has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because its historic center is nearly identical to what it looked like during the Cuban sugar era, when Trinidad was considered the capital. The city was left behind after Cuba’s exclusion from the sugar trade. It was neglected and not developed as other Cuban cities in the 19th or 20th Centuries.
Trinidad, Cuba’s most popular tourist destination today, is known for its colonial architectures and cobblestone streets. These details are filled with historical relics of the Colonial Era in Cuba and Caribbean.
Take a look at the many museums in Trinidad, such as the Museum of Colonial Architecture or Museo de Arquitectura Colonial. Also, take a stroll around Plaza Mayor at nightfall and enjoy a dinner on the balcony of Los Conspiradores near Casa de la Musica.
You can travel the short distance to Valle de Los Ingenios or Valley of Sugar Mills. This area was once home to large sugar plantations. You can explore Trinidad’s Topes de Collantes National Park, or just head to the paradisiacal Playa Ancon Beach, which is only 15 minutes away from Trinidad Town Center.
9. Cienfuegos City of The French Heritage
Cienfuegos has a unique feature: it was not founded by Spanish but the French.The heritage of Cienfuegos, a small village on Cuba’s southern coast just west of Trinidad is evident in architecture and city planning. Parque Jose Marti is a miniature of the Arc de Triomphe, which can be found in the city’s main square.
A variety of small shops can be found along Boulevard avenue, Cienfuegos. The Paseo delPrado is open when Boulevard closes. The Cienfuegos nightlife can be found here. After the sun sets the doors and windows of the Paseo del Prado are opened and the music starts.
The city also offers many other attractions, such as the botanical garden and the opportunity to go horseback or kayaking outside. For a spectacular sunset and dinner, head to Camila’s Restaurant on Punta Gorda across the Malecon.
10. Infamous Bay of Pigs & Playa Giron
Bahia de Cochinos or the Bay of Pigs is the most famous destination in Cuba. It was also the site of the dramatic 1961 world events.This was where the US attempted to invade Cuba. Over a thousand troops landed on Cuban beaches. The Cuban forces defeated them and they ended up in prisoner of war for nearly a year.
Playa Giron today is a tiny village located at the bottom of the Bay of Pigs. The Bay of Pigs Museum is worth visiting. It tells the history of Cuba and the unsuccessful invasion by the United States from Cuba.
A variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes are available in the neighborhood. You can enjoy Cuban dishes for lunch or stay the night. There isn’t much more here than the market and museum.
Playa Larga is a great place to go if you want to see some of the most amazing dives on the island. If you are looking to discover the underwater world, this spot has 17 kinds of coral and is very visible.
11. Santa Clara City, Heart Of The Revolution
Santa Clara, a city in central Cuba located two hours from Trinidad is called “Santa Clara”. The university is located here. This was the location of possibly the most crucial incident in the Cuban revolution that occurred in 1959.Here is where Che Guevara’s men and Batista soldiers defeated in a thrilling fight in December 1959. They then conquered the city which saw President Batista escape the country on the New Year’s Eve. This is a popular place to see in Cuba today. It has the largest collection of memorabilia and monuments. There are also murals. You can find signs all over the city about the Revolution, such as in Parque Leoncio Vidal.
Santa Clara is also home to the last resting place of Che Guevara; he has been honored with a huge mausoleum on the verge of the Plaza de la Revolución. Santa Clara is home to a good nightlife with many casa particulares as well as a wide variety of bars and restaurants. You can take a hike to La Loma to view the sunset and then enjoy delicious Cuban food at this museum that lives and breathes the Revolution in Cuba.
Santa Clara can be reached by a 1-hour car ride north towards Cayo Santa Maria. It is one of many paradisiacal Cuban keys, where all-inclusive resorts are possible.
12. Cayo Santa Maria: A private Paradise Island
Cayo Santa Maria refers to a spectacular island triplet. It is part of Cuba’s famous Cuban keys. It is located off Cuba’s north coast, and it can be found just before the Jardines del Rey coral-reef system begins; The King’s Garden.The causeway runs along the north coast for approximately 28 miles. Once you reach the island, the mangroves will hide a secret paradise of luxury resorts.
Cayo Maria is an island with no central city or residents. It is paradise on the entire triplet. You can only go here for a Caribbean getaway.
Cayo Maria has many things to offer, such as beaches, pool bars, food and mojitos. The perfect spot to snorkel, and take a day on a catamaran or scuba dive. Deep sea fishing is also possible from Marina Gaviota.
Cayo Santa Maria allows you to visit Cuban regions such as Santa Clara, Trinidad and Santa Clara. But be aware that it is possible to travel some distances to enjoy other activities.
13. Cayo Coco Paradisiacal beaches and History
Cayo Coco, a stunning Cuban Key, is located on the North Coast of Cuba. It’s the largest of the Jardines Del Rey coral reef systems. From here, you can reach small Cayos Cruz, Paredon and Guillermo. You need to cross another long causeway across the Bahía de Perros (Bay of Dogs) to reach Cayo Coco and Guillermo, as the keys are connected to the main island of Cuba by a 17-mile pedraplen.The beautiful beaches of these islands are known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches. Playa Los Flamencos is the most popular beach on Cayo Coco. Playa Prohibida Playa Larga Playa Colorades and Playa Los Flamencos are also very well-known.
Cayo Coco offers many watersports, such as kitesurfing and diving in the Jardines Del Rey. You can go on a jeep trip or rock climbing at Rocarena’s Climbing Centre. Cayo Coco can also be considered an all-inclusive resort. Sitio la Guira is the exception. Here you can rent rooms within a unique historic setting.
Sitio La Guira, an amazing ecological and historic area that allows you to explore the diverse biodiversity of the region while also traveling back in history, is a fascinating place. Here, you can learn about the customs and life of the early colonists.
14. Capital Of The Carnival Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is today the second largest city on Cuba. It’s located on the east side of the island. It is less than the distance to Havana from Santiago de Cuba.Santiago, Cuba’s formal capital, was home to the carnival for many decades. While most places in Cuba offer a carnival, none of them are like Santiago.
Santiago has an incredibly vibrant and abundant July carnival, which is why it’s so well-known. It also gets a lot more Caribbean influences from its geographical location.
Santiago has some amazing sights like the El Morro fortress that guards the narrow entrance of Santiago bay. San Pedro de la Roca Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Santa Ifigenia Cemetery contains Jose Marti’s last resting place.
Santiago is also home to the 26th of July Movement. It was named after Castro’s resistance organization. The group was established in response to a failed attack against the Moneda Barracks, Santiago, in 1953.
Castro was sent to prison after the attack and spent many years in jail. Santiago de Cuba is home to many popular restaurants, including the Bodeguita del Medio in the main street. Here you can enjoy delicious Camarones (shrimp).
15. Biodiverse Isla de la Juventud
Isla de la Juventud or “The Isle of Youth” is the 2nd largest island of the Cuban archipelago. It’s located in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba. This island is among the most challenging to reach in Cuba.Nueva Gerona (the capital) is more like an island village. It has a handful of casa particulares as well as bars and restaurants. There are also some museums. The island has only one hotel.
This area is known for being a great spot to scuba dive. It’s also near the Jardines of la Reina coral reef, which is the southernmost part of Cuba. Make the journey from the main island port of Batabanó in about three hours, and you can experience amazing scuba diving off the southwestern tip of Punta Francés.
Isla de la Juventud has a lot of biodiversity, including endangered species, such as turtles, parrots, sharks and sharks. The Presidio Modelo is a stunning prison-turned museum where Fidel Castro spent his time after the 1953 failed attack on Santiago de Cuba. It’s eerie and haunting.
Isla de la Juventud doesn’t appeal to people who like cities. It is for tourists who are open-minded and curious, love nature, wildlife, and want to travel off the beaten path.
16. Vast Mountain Range Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada, a mountain range that runs east from Santiago de Cuba is the Sierra Nevada. It starts at the coast and ends in the interior. The area has several national parks like Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra and Parque Nacional Pico Turquino.Pico Turquino also is at the Sierra Maestra’s highest point and highest in Cuba, with its 1974m elevation above sea level. A great destination in Cuba for avid hikers, and nature lovers who will be rewarded with amazing views of the mountains and the sea after a trek up here.
You can explore the many trails and breathtaking waterfalls as well as stunning mountain views. Sierra Maestra has a diverse wildlife and over 80 bird species. Be sure to look out for the native birds! Fidel Castro used the Sierra Maestra as his secret hideout during the 1950s.
17. Fidel Castro’s Secret Headquarters Comandancia de la Plata
Comandancia de la Plata may be the most interesting of all Cuban tourist destinations. In Sierra Maestra, this was Fidel Castro’s secret jungle headquarters. It still appears the same today.Fidel Castro, his friends and accomplices ran the resistance campaign against Batista during the final years of the 1950s. This was before the Cuban revolution. He hid here for long periods of time, planned ahead, and was ready for any attack.
The museum tells some stories about people and events that occurred in the 1950s. You will also be able to see the secret house of Fidel Castro, where he ate and slept – and even his outside toilet.
You can make a day trip to this beautiful destination from Santiago de Cuba. The drive takes about an hour and the hike is short and strenuous from the end of the mountain road.
18. Baracoa in the First City
Baracoa, located on Cuba’s eastern coast is the site of the founding Spanish colony in Cuba. It is also known as “Ciudad Primada”, which is the place where Christopher Columbus first visited Cuba. This town is situated along the Bay of Honey. It has lush rainforest conditions and is surrounded by mountains that protect it from inland Cuba.
Prior to the Cuban Revolution you couldn’t travel to Baracoa except by boat. But, in the 1960s, La Farola (a road that runs 120 kilometers) was created to link Baracoa and the interior.
Baracoa is a peaceful place that has been shielded from tourists due to its remoteness. Baracoa is known for its unique attractions, such as the El Yunque Mountain hike and visiting the Parque Independencia.
You can also visit the Cueva del Paraiso, an archeological museum that houses artifacts of the Taino culture. Casa de la Trova is a house for troubadours. Or rent a bicycle to go on your own.
This historic Cuban destination can be reached by bus, which takes four hours from Santiago de Cuba. It offers amazing natural experiences and historical significance.
19. Cayo Largo del Sur
Cayo Largo del Sur, a lesser-known tourist spot is sometimes overlooked by popular destinations like Varadero and Havana. Cayo Largo del Sur offers an unforgettable and unique travel experience.It is a paradise on earth. The beaches are more than 20 km long and have crystal clear waters. They’re perfect for snorkelling, swimming and diving. It is relatively quiet on the beaches, which allows you to enjoy the peace and beauty of the place without feeling overwhelmed.
Cayo Largo del Sur has an interesting history worth discovering. It was once home to pirates and smugglers. In 1962, it also played an important role in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Visitors can now learn more about the island’s past by visiting museums or historic locations, like the El Torreon lighthouse, and Mural de La Prehistoria.
Cayo Largo del Sur offers visitors a mixture of beauty and history.
Take a look at these 19 amazing destinations in Cuba
If you have a bit luck, it will be easy to feel extremely motivated to make your trip to Cuba. Your only challenge right now is selecting the places and things to do in Cuba.Yes, I understand. Despite being in Havana more than two years now there are still many things that I have yet to see. The first step is discovery, and you’ve just made it. Have fun with your Cuba vacation planning. We are only an email away from answering any questions you may have about Cuba.
Thank you for,
- Author : Hege Jacobsen
- Repost Source : https://theplanetd.com/places-to-visit-in-cuba/
