The largest of the Caribbean islands, Cuba is a captivating sun-kissed holiday destination with pristine beaches, stunning topography and delightful weather. Havana is the capital and the largest city in Cuba, where tourism features unique events, hot music scene and great architectural heritage. Cuba also offers plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure, from diving to salsa dancing to horse-riding. Here we have piled up 5 great things to do in Cuba that are an absolute must for any traveler to this dreamscape getaway.
Bask on the Beach
Made up of a majestic coastline stretching to approximately 5,750 kilometers, it’s no wonder that Cuba is home to hundreds of glorious beaches, scattered everywhere from east to west and north to south. And as far as Cuba’s beaches are unique for the varied tone of the sand that ranges from dazzling white at the child friendly Varadero beach to sparkling gold at Holquin’s Guardalavaca, basking on one of the famous Cuban beaches must undoubtedly be one of the top things to do in Cuba. Swimming, diving and other beach activities can be enjoyed year-round thanks to Cuba’s pleasant climate with an enviable 330 days of sunshine per year. In short, visiting a Cuban beach is sure to leave you relaxed, rejuvenated and with great memories.
Dive into the deep
Standing on a huge, exuberant and totally virgin coral reef, Cuba is a sunken haven for those with passion for diving. An abundance of superb diving destinations, unspoiled, healthy reefs systems with a wide range of hard and soft coral life, amazing underwater scenery, breathtaking marine life and fabulous wrecks – Cuba really does offer excellent diving ideal for all levels of divers. Dive into the deep of the stunning Jardines de la Reina – an astounding virgin archipelago of no less than 250 coral islands and islets; indulge in fantastic diving in Cayo Largo, enjoying several species of turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs, or else explore the underwater magic of the Isla de la Juventud, where you’re likely to spot Tarpon, huge predators that can reach up to 2.5 meters.
Venture into Old Havana
Another great thing to do in Cuba is to step into the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Havana (La Habana Vieja) – the capital’s historic center, dating back to the 16th century. This is where visitors will find an abundance of fortresses, museums, art galleries, hotels and restaurants, nestled among the grand colonial buildings that once housed Spanish power. Visit the Plaza de Las Armas – the oldest plaza, dating back to 1951, from where visitors can enjoy a wide view of the old city; head to the Gran Teatro de la Habana well-known for the performances of National Opera and National Ballet of Cuba; and explore the artifacts housed in the Museum of the Revolution, showcasing the rich history of Havana. Finish your day visiting one of the best restaurants the center has to offer, serving Asian, Cuban and International cuisines.
Explore Mountains and Caves
Mother Nature has blessed Cuba with stunning natural wonders that are one of the reasons Cuba is so crowded with visitors from around the world. Along with fabulous beaches and colorful islands Cuba offers soaring mountains, lush tropical forests and vast underground caves, providing visitors with great opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking, genuine rock-climbing, horseback riding and even zip lining. There are 17 caves recorded in Cuba and many more that are still unexplored now. One of the most naturally beautiful places in Cuba is Pinar del Rio, famous for its caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. In this province one can also find the Guaniguanico Mountain Range, made up of Sierra de los Organos and Sierra del Rosario that are highly influenced by the fast growing tourism sector and provide visitors with many options, including excursions, and overnight stay in those areas.
Roll a Fat One in the Cigar Museum
It’s a common knowledge that Cuba is the country that historically produces the best tobacco in the world. And even non-smokers will agree that a visit to Cuba will not be complete without investigating the island’s most famous export, cigars and trying to roll a fat one in the Cigar Museum. Vuelta Abajo in the Pinar del Rio Province and Vuelta Arriba in the Villa Clara Province are known for their quality cigar cultivation, however Havana is considered a cigar city and is home to the habano. People head to Havana to take part in the torcido or the rolling of cigars, when the already dried tobacco leaves are transformed into habano cigars.
No matter how long you will plan to stay in Cuba, this unique island paradise will welcome you with open arms whether your interest lies in its scenery, wildlife, cigars or golf. Come explore its crystal clear waters and mysterious mountains and caves, sample delicious Cuban cuisine and return home with sweet memories and the wish to return!
