Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and a state. This country is famous for its stunning beaches on the northern coast, amazing old cities where buildings from completely different eras can coexist - from colonial baroque to Soviet concrete boxes, fiery Latin American music, excellent rum and the best hand-rolled cigars in the world.
In addition to the main island, Cuba has about 450 small islands called "cayos", which means reefs. The capital of the country is the city of Havana, in the center of the island are the most picturesque cities, and the eastern part greets tourists with mountains.
Tours to Cuba - what to see?
It is best to start getting to know the country from the capital - the city of Havana. There are many unique buildings and excellent restaurants. Life is in full swing here and tourists are greeted very hospitably. In Havana, it is worth seeing the Capitol and the Museum of the Revolution, these two buildings will amaze you with their majestic architecture and rich history. It is impossible to imagine a trip to Cuba without visiting the house-museum of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway in Havana. The house is located on the seashore near the writer's favorite bars, the atmosphere and furnishings in the house have remained untouched since the opening of the museum in 1962.
A vacation in Cuba can also be diversified by visiting the Castillo del Moro fortress, which is located 7 km from the city of Santiago de Cuba. Once this fortress guarded the entrance to the bay, today this ancient structure appears to visitors as a fortress with high walls, a moat surrounding the building, drawbridges and numerous guns. During the excursion, you will also be shown a dungeon and a torture chamber with a hatch in the floor through which intractable prisoners were thrown directly into the sea. It is also worth visiting the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, where you can get acquainted with the rich flora and fauna of the island. During a tour to Cuba, it is also worth visiting the famous tobacco plantations, which are located in the western part of the island, the valley where sugar cane is grown. In the central part of the island, there are the most picturesque cities with colonial architecture, where you can leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful buildings. In the eastern region of Oriente, you will find mountains and the most musical city of Cuba - Santiago de Cuba.
Tours to Cuba - what to do?
The most popular entertainment in Cuba is colorful live music, which can be heard in any city. Usually, in the Casa de la Trova on the central square, there are performances after lunch and in the evening. Also, in many establishments and squares, salsa dancers perform, this dance is very popular in the country.
Do not forget about cabarets during your vacation in Cuba, of which there are also many, as well as about tasting colorful local cuisine in all kinds of restaurants and excellent local rum.
Cuba is not created for unforgettable shopping, local stores offer a meager selection of essential goods and products, and souvenirs are often represented by simple figurines, posters and small paintings with local views. If you are planning to buy a more expensive souvenir, for example, in a local art gallery, then you need to worry about permission to export it from the country in advance, since a regular check will not be enough at customs.
Among all kinds of sports, the most popular here are windsurfing, diving, sailing and snorkeling. Cuba has excellent conditions for diving. Not only is the island surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs in the world, but also more than 1,000 different ships have been sunk around the island. For diving enthusiasts and beginners, resorts such as Playa Santa Lucia, Cayo Levisa, Maria la Gorda, Varadero, Cayo Largo, Playa Ancon, Playa Giron, Cayo Coco and Guardalavaca are perfect.
Another great entertainment in Cuba is sea fishing. Trophies that can be hunted include whiting, wahoo, swordfish, tarpon and smaller marine life. Freshwater fishing is also possible, with trips to the Anabanilla and Zaza lakes near Sancti Spiritus, as well as the Maspoton lakes in Pinar del Rio and the Laguna del Tesoro on the Zapata Peninsula.
