A dreamscape Central America travel destination ideally nestled between the awe-inspiring islands of Bahamas and Jamaica, Cuba beckons those looking for a true Caribbean experience that is much more than sun, sea and sand. Holidays to this tropical island paradise offer plenty of fascinating options for vacationers of all tastes and interests, from fabulous beaches blessed with crystal clear waters and uninterrupted blinding white sand, to spectacularly beautiful nature, boasting an amazing variety of colorful flora and fauna, to a wealth of cultural and historical sites waiting to be explored and experienced.
Everything begins as soon as you visit the charming capital of Cuba – Havana (La Habana in Spanish), where you’ll feel as if you stepped back in time while you admire the city’s colonial style architecture with pastel-colored houses and really marvelous high-end old hotels. Havana is also a top getaway for shopping and eating in Cuba, as it has plenty of luxurious restaurants and shopping malls, sure to delight even the most demanding travelers. Other factors that make Havana a must-see place in Cuba are the city’s friendly, indigenous locals always ready to help you and give directions and advice, as well as the many attractions that are worth a visit: Aula Magna or the Great Hall, the Jose Marti Monument and Decorative Arts national Museum.
While Cuba looks Caribbean in ways, its cities also reflect a distinct Spanish and European influence, with grand edifices, such as the Garcia Lorca Theatre. Apart from the large cities, it also has some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in the Caribbean, including the Isla de la Juventud, a separate Cuban island off the western end of the country (the seventh largest island in the West Indies) that has pine forests and many wonderful beaches popular with tourists.
Cuba is also famous for its unique cuisine, which is a fusion of Caribbean and Spanish influences, while Spanish music and dance scene also add to the charm and beauty of the country. Cubans greatly enjoy several popular forms of music and dance, including the world-famous salsa and cha-cha-cha, not to mention the fact that they also appreciate greatly such sports and activities, as basketball, volleyball, amateur boxing and baseball to name but a few.
Every year Cuba is visited by millions of tourists from different corners of the world. For British visitors, the UK Government offers a number of helpful travel tips, including the one that it’s highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before leaving for Cuba, which will cover medical expenses. The documentation concerning this insurance should be presented to customs officials upon arrival at the airport in Havana or a Cuban port of entry. British nationals also need a tourist card in order to enter Cuba: this can be obtained by contacting the Cuban Embassy in London before leaving for your trip.
When it comes to money, foreign visitors to Cuba are encouraged to check with their bank to see if their debit or credit cards will work in Cuba: if not, travelers are advised to bring traveler’s cheques. For those who are able to use ATM machines – these are easy to find in the cities – users should be prepared for a local commission charge of 11-13 per cent on withdrawals. Check the Cuba Travel Advice page on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for more information and the latest updates on items of interest to tourists heading to Cuba. Wish you a memorable holiday.
