Cuba is known for cigars, Che Guevara and socialism. However, the best things for the tourist are the long paradise beaches, unique diving sites and memorable landscapes.
Cuba from Columbus to Castro
Cuba rose to the consciousness of Western man after Christopher Columbus landed on the island on his first trip to America. We lived in 1492.
The island nation had time to spend almost half a millennium under Spain and experience a short American occupation before independence. The next really significant turning point for modern-day Cuba was the revolution carried out by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, which was later called socialist.
Castro’s rise to power signaled a new direction for Cuba. Power was concentrated in the hands of a man, free elections were forgotten and productive enterprises were nationalized. As a result, the United States declared a trade embargo on Cuba, which is still in force. However, the safety net was found in the East in the form of the support of Soviet comrades-in-arms.
In the 21st century, Fidel Castro’s condition has been deteriorating and the man has transferred political responsibility to his brother Raúl. Although Cuba is still ruled by Castroes, the country’s politics and economy are gradually opening up – tourists are welcomed in a warmer tone than before.
Water games in the splits of the Caribbean
According to countryaah, more central to the tourist than the historical plots is Cuba’s location at the Parade Site in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. Year-round hot weather and warm sea water allow for total relaxation of the mind and a complexion of complexion with beach activities.
Paradise beaches include Varadero, which is only allowed for tourists and is the subject of many package tours. The white sandy beaches in the Guardalavaca and Santa Lucia areas also attract masses of tourists.
Underwater life is worth exploring with snorkeling and diving equipment. The corals that lodge beneath the surface and the fish species that are more colorful than each other are easily admired – thanks to the clear Caribbean Sea, which at its best offers visibility up to a depth of 40 meters. Cayo Largo Island, for example, is the perfect destination for a diver.
The always warm Caribbean Sea also offers countless opportunities for other types of water enthusiasts. Sailing trips and faster sports ranging from water skiing to jet skis are among the most popular activities.
Urban humor and cultural heritage in Cuba
As a counterbalance to beach life, a trip to Cuba allows you to spend time exploring the city and exploring cultural attractions.
By far the most significant population center in the country is Havana, with a population of two million, whose exotic heartbeat and revolutionary museums combined with the dilapidated decaying art of the UNESCO-listed old town attract a wide range of tourists.
Other UNESCO-listed city sites are also worth experiencing. The historic centers of Cienfuegos and Camagüey, as well as Santiago de Cuba’s San Pedro de la Roca, are sure to pulsate.
Climate and seasons in Cuba
Cuba’s climate is divided into dry and humid seasons. The high season, which lasts from December to March, coincides with the dry season and attracts a considerable number of tourists to the country.
During the high season, especially around Christmas and Easter, congestion at the most popular destinations can even become disruptive. In particular, the occasional overbooking of hotels is likely to dampen the atmosphere of the trip.
The worst peaks should therefore be avoided. The rainier season, which runs from May to October, is slightly hotter than dry, but, as the name implies, wetter.
Traveling to Cuba should be carefully considered, especially in September-October, when the hurricane season is usually at its busiest.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN Cuba
Flights to Cuba
The simplest and easiest way to travel to Cuba is to book a package tour through a travel agency.
A self-employed tourist can also get to Cuba, often also on a cheaper package tour. A round trip is at its best at just under 800 euros, as long as you are prepared to suffer a couple of stopovers and a long stretch of travel time.
Accommodation in Cuba
It is advisable to book a place to stay for a trip to Cuba well in advance if the travel time falls during the busiest seasons. At peak times, you should also be prepared for higher prices.
In the most popular destinations, the selection in terms of accommodation is quite comprehensive. In Havana and Varadero, for example, it is possible to book, for example, a five-star all-inclusive hotel, where you can be sure to pamper yourself.
Of course, there are also lower-budget places to stay, but the level can be quite variable.
Movement in Cuba
There are many ways to get around Cuba short for CU by abbreviationfinder. The fastest and, of course, also the most expensive way to get to the other end of the island is by flying. Especially from Havana, the connections are good.
The train is also a viable option, albeit rather slow for those accustomed to European trains. The bus network that tourists have access to in Cuba, on the other hand, is quite limited. If you want to get to more remote destinations, it is often necessary to rent a car. An environmentally conscious active holidaymaker, on the other hand, chooses a bike.
CUBE DESTINATIONS
The intoxicating atmosphere of Havana
With just over two million inhabitants, Havana is by far Cuba’s most significant city, also popular with tourists. Tourists are attracted by the unique atmosphere of the city and the colonial architecture.
The unique architecture can best be admired in Havana’s Old Town, which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you can feel the splendor of the ancient times of the buildings, even though visually it seems to be the Snow of last winter.
Havana is also an excellent base for tourists who intend to travel around Cuba even more. Transport connections from the capital are quite comprehensive.
A tourist should take good care of their valuables when moving on the streets of Havana, as crime against tourists is not an absolute rarity. Passports, travel tickets and large sums of money should be left in the hotel safe.
Cayo Largo del Sur is an island paradise
Cuba’s second largest island is a true paradise destination that has grown into a full-service vacation spot with foreign investment.
Tourists in Cayo Largo del Sur are particularly attracted to the first-class sandy beaches, where you can enjoy the year-round heat of the country and floating in the Caribbean Sea in the best possible way.
The clear and warm sea is also appreciated by divers, among whom Cayo Largo del Sur has become a prestigious destination. There are numerous different coral-colored dive sites in the area.
Tourists in Varadero
Varadero is a holiday resort in northern Cuba, entirely dedicated to tourists, with the best of the beach, like Cayo Largo del Sur.
The white sand and crystal clear Caribbean Sea, flickering in turquoise sunlight, attract tourists to Varadero in large numbers, especially at Christmas and Easter.
Varadero is a delicious place to relax, even if the holidaymaker does not get in touch with the “authentic” Cuban atmosphere. For a Western holidaymaker, however, it is an easy destination where services mostly work quite well.
THE BEST OF CUBA
The best travel destinations
- Havana – An authentic Cuban atmosphere in a million-class capital
- Cayo Largo del Sur – A diver’s earthly paradise
- Varadero – A holiday oasis dedicated to tourists only
- Santiago de Cuba – the most caribbean city in Cuba
- Cienfuegos – A southern pearl of Cuba surrounded by beautiful nature