Cuban Beaches
The beaches of Cuba are definitely the most beautiful ones in Caribbean. They are endless and sandy with crystal clear waters, white and soft sand, turquoise panorama and coral reefs. The Caribbean Sea is the ideal spot for you to relax and unwind. You can also sunbath at the beach. Adventure lovers can choose this place to snorkel. One of the best places to party on Cuba beaches is Varadero. It lies a mere 100 km east of Havana and boasts of a number of leisurely occasions right from entertainment venues to sport activities.
Cuban Coffee
The coffee that is produced in Cuba is known all across the world for its unique flavour and aroma. Further, its long lasting after taste, make it a weakness for many. The coffee plantations that are nestled on the hills of Sierra del Rosario are indeed a great place to see. It is also a great place to educate yourself about the history of coffee plantation. You can also partake in cafe cubano tasting that is served to you in small cups.
Festivals in Cuba
Brazil is not the only country that is known for its stuff when it comes to parties and celebrations, The festival calendar of Cuba is in fact packed with a number of exciting appointments such as Easter Procession in Trinidad, Carnival of Santiago and Caribbean Festival (Fiesta del Fuego). So, if your holiday to Cuba coincide with any of these festivals, make sure you go and visit them so as to best enjoy your visit.
Food and Cuisine
The culture of Cuba is more or less an amalgam of traditions such as Caribbean, African and Spanish. This is very well seen in the Cuban dishes which are actually an explosion of taste. Such a potpourri of cooking traditions has metamorphosed the dishes of Cuba. Food lovers visiting Cuba must definitely try out the lobster. However, if you are not all that hungry, you can settle with a small sandwich which is known as bocaditos here. One of the recommended restaurants here is the La Guarida which is particularly known for choicest variety of dishes.
In the footsteps of Buena Vista Social Club
Post the release of the movie Buena Vista Social Club, the Cuban salsa became even more popular. Music is always in the air in Cuba. If you stand amidst a bar listening to the music there is just no way for you to be able to stand still. You will automatically find yourself dancing to the rhythm of chachacha, merengue, salsa and bachata. Do pay a visit to the most famous Club Salseando Chevere of Havana. Its outdoor salsa restaurant that is located in the Parque Almendares boasts of a phenomenal atmosphere.
Cuba at the time of Hemingway
We all know that Havana and Cuba happened to be the favourite places of Hemingway. He actually resided here for 2 decades. There are a number of themed tours that will take the visitors to the life places of Hemingway. Do ensure that you take a visit to the "Ambos Mundos" Hotel. It is this very place where Hemingway spent several years of his life. Check out his favourite cafes and restaurants too. The striking highlights of the tour in the footsteps of Hemingway is the San Francisco de Paula’s La Finca Vigia. This happened to be the residence of the writer which has still been untouched and is still in the very way it used to be. You can take a look at it through a window.
Cuban islands
Cuba is a picturesque island that is located in the middle of the Caribbean. It conceals some of the most beautiful islands making it a great spot for relaxing, swimming and diving. Most prominent places for these water sports is Cayo Coco or Cayo Largo where the water is more or less transparent. The largest one of these is the Isla de la Juventud which is mainly known as Punta del Este. This is the most ideal location for diving and snorkelling.
The real Cuban cigars
There is no truth hidden in the fact that the world’s best cigars are manufactured in Cuba. The most prominent tobacco plantations of Cuba are located in Pinar del Rio. This is the very best place where the best tobacco is produced. Here the tobacco is rolled by hand and turned into the popular Havana cigars. A number of tobacco factories are open here for visits. These can give you a glimpse of the cigar industry of Cuba.
Cuban Rum
For those of you who are not too much of a cocktail person, Cuba might not be the most ideal place to visit. Of course you can refresh yourself with water or beer, but there is definitely no country other than Cuba where Canchanchara, Cuba Libre or Mojito taste this phenomenal. Bacardi too hails from Cuba. To relish on the perfect cocktail, you’ll also need the ideal atmosphere of a 1920s or 1930s bar, cigar and some jazz and for that, you can visit the favourite bar of Hemingway, El Floridita.
Natural parks
Cuba is a home to spectacular natural parks - Parque Nacional Pico Turquino and National Park Alejandro de Humboldt. Named after a German scientist, the Humboldt National Park is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in vicinity to Baracoa, the park includes the Caribbean’s tropical plants as well as its best preserved mountains ecosystems. The Cuba’s highest point on the sea level, Turquino is a part of the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra which is located amidst the Sierra Maestra. It is definitely a great place for bird watching.
