Are you going to travel to Cuba? I was there earlier this year and more, and more people are now choosing to explore Cuba. Here you have five places you shouldn’t miss to visit!
Havana
Cuba’s capital city offers salsa, mojitos and amazing buildings mixed with old cars and colorful houses. In the old part of Havana, there’s always hustle and bustle from morning to night. Salsa music is never far away, and there are often live performances by local bands.
The old vintage cars are everywhere, and for those who want to go on a private tour, it costs about 15-30 CUC per person. Then you go over to the old fort, through the city and to a number of various tourist attractions.
The old vintage cars come in all sorts of colors, so they will probably have your favorite color, at least if it’s pink, blue, green or red.
As if this weren’t enough, you can also drink drinks as Ernest Hemmingway himself and just enjoy the atmosphere and vibe.
Viñales
Tobacco plantations and lush green mountains and dramatic landscapes are what Viñales is famous for. Here you will see the rural side of Cuba. From Havana, it’s approximately 3-4 hours to Viñales. Buses and taxis collectivos are available and cost about 20-30 CUC per person.
Trinidad
If you like colorful houses, then Trinidad is the place for you. About 4 hours from Havana lies the old colonial town with cobblestone streets and colorful houses in abundance. Every street is full of them, and they come in all kinds of colors you can imagine.
Trinidad is quite small, and most parts are within walking distance. The restaurants are lined up around the square and also have some classic water holes where you can enjoy a Cuban Mojito. Next to the plaza is a market where you can buy handicrafts, clothes, and knick-knacks in quantities.
Just outside Trinidad, 20 minutes away lies one of the finest beaches on Cuba’s southern coast – Playa Ancon. If you’d like to snorkel, boats are departing from the beach several times a day.
Varadero
Do you long for the Caribbean paradise beaches? Then Varadero is a destination for you! One can not directly say that Varadero is somehow the real Cuba, but oh, the beaches are beautiful!
Here you’ll find all kinds of resort hotels and some of Cuba’s finest beaches that have attracted sunbathers and charter tourists for decades.
Cienfuegos
A beautiful old town that has been restored. Cienfuegos is especially known for its friendly locals, and I’m ready to agree. Moreover, the main square Plaza de Armas is very beautiful. Next to the square, one will find a market where local crafts and art are being sold daily.
Prices are lower in Cienfuegos than Havana, Trinidad, and Varadero. At Villa Maria in Cienfuegos for example, you can enjoy fresh and tasty lobster for half price compared to restaurants in Havana and Trinidad.
We paid 12 CUC for a hearty and fresh lobster meal.
For those who have more time
Santiago de Cuba
Although this city is on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, there are only a few tourists who take the time to go here. Santiago de Cuba is located at the other side of the country, in the far east. One of the most famous attractions here is the fortress of San Pedro de la Roca.
Cayos
Outside the northern and southern coasts are small islands, also known as “Cayos.” On the northern side of the island you can drive by car to some of them, but on the south side, they are only accessible via a small aircraft or boat. Some of the most famous islands are Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Largo.
Varadero is quite full of tourists, but these islands are basically empty as they are harder to get to.
Santa Clara
A historic town where Fidel Castro defeated Batista’s forces. Freedom fighter Che Guevarra has his burial place in Santa Clara. For those who wish, it is possible to visit his mausoleum and museum where you can learn more about him and his life.
Besides that, Santa Clara a lovely little town with fine old buildings.