> Cuba
Overview
Overview
With its sandy, palm-fringed shores washed by crystal-clear waters and cooled by breezes carrying the scent of frangipani, mango and guava, Cuba could portray itself as the archetypal Caribbean paradise. But the country has so much more to offer than generic Caribbean bliss.
Those who venture from the beaches and resorts will find charming colonial architecture and grand plazas, streets filled with classic vintage automobiles, and the hip-swaying sounds of salsa music filling the night air. Cuba is about cigar smoke, rum cocktails and baseball, and visual references to the Revolution of 1959 are everywhere. The largest island in the Caribbean has a tumultuous history and distinct culture. It's the perfect destination for those in search of something a little different on their beach holiday.
Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba on his way back to Spain after his second voyage to the New World in 1492 and was the first European to remark on its beauty. Cuba is so large that it allegedly confused Columbus, who thought he had discovered a continent and not an island. It sits at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico; the main island is 746 miles (1,200km) long with an irregular coastline that hides hundreds of lovely bays and beaches.
Today, Cuba flaunts its glorious attractions, welcoming droves of travellers keen to explore this once mysterious island. The years of political isolation post-revolution have largely protected Cuba from mass tourism; the main towns and villages retain a crumbling colonial charm and are generally devoid of the large resorts that blight some of its neighbouring islands.
With its turbulent history and great offering of natural attractions, Cuba ticks all the boxes for an adventurous Caribbean getaway. Most visitors agree that it's so unique and extraordinary that it needs to be experienced in person and for a prolonged amount of time to be truly understood and appreciated.
There are very few countries in the world as richly and immediately evocative as Cuba. Just the mention of its name seems to conjure images of charmingly faded colonial buildings, 1950s-era American motorcars parked on sun-soaked street corners, and salsa dancing to the libidinous beat of Afro-Cuban rhythms.
Broadly speaking, Cuba attracts two kinds of tourists: those drawn by the fascinating revolutionary and isolationist history of the country, which has withstood over 60 years of communist rule, staunch US embargoes, and the sudden withdrawal of Soviet Union-sponsored subsidies in 1991 to emerge with its unique national character very much intact; and those who want a tropical Caribbean getaway on Cuba's magnificent white-sand beaches, complete with some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in the world, and maybe a touch of vibrant culture thrown in.
There is much to see and do in Cuba, which is home to historical attractions, wonderfully charming small towns, beautiful natural surrounds, world-class beaches and, of course, more hedonistic pursuits, such as cigar factory tours, salsa dancing classes, and more bars and nightclubs than even Hemingway could've been thrown out of at closing time.
While it must be mentioned that Cuba suffers from a lack of infrastructure, those willing to go with the flow and accept a little bother will be richly rewarded.
Best time to visit Cuba
The best time to visit Cuba is between December and May, when the days are warm, dry and sunny. Between June and November, Cuba can be very hot, humid and wet though, on the plus side, as this is low tourist season, accommodation will be cheaper and tourist attractions will be less crowded.
What to see in Cuba
-The Museo de la Revolucion in Havana provides a fascinating introduction to Cuba's colourful recent history.
-Sancti Spiritus is a beautiful colonial city, largely untouched by mass tourism.
-Even non-smokers should take a tour of one of Cuba's famous cigar factories (Partagas is always a favourite).
-Afro-Cuban dance and musical performances are an integral part of Havana nightlife.
What to do in Cuba
-Join the sunset crowds for a walk along El Malecon, a five-mile (8km) promenade in Havana.
-Spend the day relaxing on the soft white sand and cooling off in the azure waters of Cayo Largo Del Sur.
-Take some iconic photographs of 'Yank Tanks' (50's-era American cars) parked in front of faded pastel-coloured buildings in Old Havana (Habana Vieja).
-Visit the extensive subterranean world of Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás.
Getting to Cuba
Direct flights to Jose Marti International Airport are available from the UK and now from the US as well, making it easier for Americans to visit Cuba than it has been in decades.
Read
Havana Fever by Leonardo Padura, The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, Explosion in a Cathedral by Alejo Carpentier, and Before Night Falls by Reinaldo Arenas.
Listen
Buena Vista Social Club OST, Chucho Valdes, Equis Alfonso, Celia Cruz and Interactivo.
Watch
Buena Vista Social Club (1999), Che (2008), Suite Habana (2003), Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights (2004), and Death of a Bureaucrat (1966).
Drink
Rum cocktails, including the Cuba Libre (rum and cola) and Mojito (rum, lime, sugar, mint leaves, club soda and ice).
Eat
Lechon asado (roast pork) and ropa vieja; a hearty stew made with shredded beef, tomato sauce, onions, and peppers that is the national dish of Cuba.
What to buy
Che Guevara t-shirts, rum and cigars are obvious and popular souvenirs.
What to pack
Take lightweight clothing, a raincoat, a swimsuit, comfortable shoes as well as sandals, plenty of sunscreen and good insect repellent.
What's on in Cuba
The Havana Carnival (July and August) is a street-party like no other, with costumes, fireworks, dancing and musical performances carrying on long into the night. The Havana Jazz Festival (December) is attended by thousands of jazz fans from all over the world. The International Festival of New Latin American Cinema (December) screens the best new independent cinema from Caribbean and Latin American film-makers.
Did you know?
-Cubans have a higher life expectancy than Americans.
-Cuba has one of the highest doctor-to-citizen ratios of any country in the world.
-When Christopher Columbus reached Cuba in 1492, he thought he was disembarking on Chinese shores.
-Cuba is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
A final word on Cuba
It is hard to beat a Cuban holiday for hedonistic pleasures and cultural stimulation. The largest Caribbean island promises a very different sort of beach paradise.
Attractions
Cuba is a country like no other, with Havana's charming colonial architecture and revolutionary artefacts infused with communist iconography. It's a vibrant, fun and unique holiday destination, with strolls around the streets or along beaches entertainment enough for most visitors. However, there are plenty of cultural and historical sites in Cuba for those who enjoy more traditional sightseeing, such as the Museo de la Revolucion, the Capitolio Nacional and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.
Then there are the fabulous beaches, largely free of the rampant resort development elsewhere in the Caribbean. And the beaches are not the only natural wonders, with the countryside boasting a wealth of natural splendour and interesting attractions, such as the sugarcane palaces of Trinidad and the colonial city of Sancti Spiritus.
Cuba is also developing its potential for ecotourism through stunning natural regions such as the Montemar Natural Park, which is made up of forests, marshes and beautifully clear lagoons. The cave systems of Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas are also pleasantly unspoilt, allowing for a more authentic caving experience than many of the glitzy tourist-orientated caves found on the international circuit.
Climate
Cuba has a semitropical, temperate climate and experiences two seasons: a rainy season from May to October, and a dry season from November to April. Generally the weather in Cuba is sunny, hot and humid. The average minimum temperature is 70°F (21°C), and the average maximum temperature is 81°F (27°C). In summer (June to August) the heat can get uncomfortably intense, with temperatures reaching 100°F (38°C) and high humidity. The sea breezes tend to make conditions more pleasant on the coast. The rainy season includes a hurricane season from July to November, with September and October being the months most likely to experience serious tropical storms. Cuba has a very good public safety record when it comes to handling these storms but travellers ought to be aware that travel itineraries can easily be thrown by such weather. December, January and February are the coolest months. December to March is also the most popular time to visit Cuba due to the cooler weather and lack of rain and storms. However, as it can get very crowded over this peak period, March, April and May are also considered good months in which to visit Cuba. Although June through August is a hot period many people do flock to Cuba to celebrate carnival during the summer months.
Havana International
The airport is situated 9 miles (15km) from Havana.
Facilities
Airport facilities include VIP lounges with business facilities, banks and currency exchange, disabled assistance, a lost and found, and a variety of shopping and dining options.
Car Parking
Airport facilities include VIP lounges with business facilities, banks and currency exchange, disabled assistance, a lost and found, and a variety of shopping and dining options.
Car Rental
Transtour, Rex and Cubanacar operate car hire facilities at the airport.
Taxis
Official taxis are available outside all terminal buildings.
Transfer terminals
A bus services the four terminals, with the fifth one being a freight terminal and not for passenger use.
Transfer City
Buses depart the airport for Havana every 30 minutes from 10am to 10pm, but require payment in local currency. Private transport is advisable.
