Explore Cuban Cities
Cuba is famous the world over some of the finest rum on Earth, categorically the biggest cigars and all-inclusive holidays a-plenty for those seeking year-round sun, sand and fun. However, chances are that when most think of a holiday to Cuba or even go about making a booking, they seem to be under the impression that the nation begins and ends with the resorts of Varadero – surprisingly it does no such thing! For savvy travellers it’s a good idea to arrive in Cuba with a few other haunts already in mind as there is much more to discover than the all-inclusive beach resorts.
So, for those looking to get the very most out of any holiday to this gem in the Caribbean, keep the following top-five Cuban picks in mind and it’s pretty much impossible to go wrong:
Havana
To miss out on Havana would be to miss out on Cuba at its best, therefore the capital has to top any realistic list of top-picks. This is where the heart of the Cuban experience lies and it doesn’t take much more than a walk round any of the local streets to feel as if transported to a parallel world. The old town is blessed with UNESCO World Heritage status for a very good reason and serves up an unmistakable array of treats, from live jazz to European architecture to bars to cafés and the most colourful locals on Earth.
Baracoa
About as far away from Havana in both a descriptive and logistical sense is Baracoa – occupying a prime spot on the South East and existing as a far more chilled-out and laid-back resort. Technically, you could call it Cuba’s sophisticated side – think picnics by waterfalls, afternoons spent in cafés and local salsa dancing in the evenings. Baracoa is also flanked by some super natural assets and jungles, making it the ideal place to trek off a rum fuelled hangover or two.
Camaguey
Venture to the very centre-point of Cuba and you’ll find Camaguey, which is the third biggest city in the land and one of the most untouched in terms of tourist influence. The art scene is second to none and there are more galleries than you can shake a stick. Camaguey is a bit like Cuba from another era, with kids running round the streets with home-made toys, old-folks playing chess outdoors and the permanent smell of any number of home-cooked creations filling the air…bliss!
Santiago de Cuba
One for history buffs to say the least; this is where Che and Fidel began their movements. The Citadel is among the most impressive in the world and there’s no better place to put visuals to the historical stories most will only ever ready about.
Trinidad
And finally, another town that’s a little like Camaguey in pace and charm, Trinidad is retro as it gets and doesn’t look to be close to modernisation – and thank the Lord for that! The local bar scene is great and not for those not wanting to get on the dance-floor with the locals – chances are you’ll have no say in the matter! Unlike Camaguey however, Trinidad has the added bonus of a beach just a stone’s throw away from the centre of town.
This article about Cuba was written by Adam Lark who took one holiday to Cuba his teens and has been returning every year since. Here, he shares his thoughts and experience with this guest post and he also contributes to holidayplace.co.uk for the benefit of intrepid and curious Cuba travellers alike.