Colourful and quixotic, Cuba is an exotic destination where it often seems as if time has stood still. From pastel-hued Havana to the white beaches of Cayo Santa Maria and from the tobacco region of the Viñales Valley to luxurious Varadero, Cuba is the epitome of contrast and diversity. If you’ve always been fascinated by this Caribbean beauty, take a look below at some of the most beautiful places to visit on the island.
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Hot Havana
Havana is steeped in the colonial history of Cuba’s past. Here you’ll be immersed in a land that time forgot. Yet it is also thriving, busy and lots of fun. The locals just like it old school! You’ll see a beautiful blend of 1950’s Chevrolets parked next to beautiful Spanish architecture. It’s a heady mixture of crumbling ruins and modern development. But that’s all part of its charm. The rhythm here is slow, relaxed and beats to the sound of the Caribbean and Spanish music. Sultry nights are spent in bars drinking rum, and sunny days are spent exploring old forts and castles and enjoying local cuisine. The vibe is all about kicking back and relaxing. This is, after all, the home of those famous world-class cigars. If you want to see more of Cuba, taking an escorted tour around the country is a great idea. Companies such as Travelsphere’s Touring Holidays have itineraries that enable you to see all of Cuba’s fascinating highlights. They also offer touring holidays to destinations such as Italy, Asia and North America.
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Prehistoric Viñales Valley
Lush, verdant and utterly serene, the Viñales Valley has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This official national park boasts breathtaking scenery. And it will also give you a glimpse into traditional agricultural practices. In this fertile land, you can still see how they grow tobacco using the old methods of animal traction. The Viñales Valley is surrounded by mogotes, which are beautifully rounded hills. There are hotels hidden behind the mogotes, but it’s a fairly traditional and local area. It’s known for its authenticity and is a must on your list when visiting Cuba. The Valley goes back as far as the Jurassic period. And you certainly could be mistaken for thinking you are in a prehistoric world when you enter this captivating terrain.
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Luxurious Varadero
For a totally different scene, a trip to Varadero in Matanzas will land you on paradisiacal white beaches that lead out to turquoise seas. This is far away from your authentic Cuban experience but is certainly an enviable location to finish your holiday at. Hotels here are luxurious, watersports are abundant, and it’s just the perfect spot to sun soak and relax. The warm waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving, with plenty of shipwrecks to explore. Most hotels are all-inclusive, so you really don’t need to worry about anything when you get here. There are also some great spas for a soothing massage and steam. And if you do fancy venturing out? Be sure to visit Al Capone’s old home which is now a seafood restaurant called La Casa de Al!
