Cuba - authentic exotica
General information
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and lies between North and South America. To the north are Florida and the Bahamas, to the west Mexico and to the east Haiti. The country includes the main island of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud and many smaller islands. The capital, Havana, is the largest city and the main cultural, historic and tourist centre of the country.
Cuba is often presented through three images - colonial Havana, vintage cars and tropical beaches. All three are part of reality, but the island has many more faces. Here you will find Spanish colonial heritage, African and Caribbean cultural influences, music, literature, revolutionary history and nature ranging from mountains and tropical forests to coral reefs.
The country is especially well suited to a combined trip, with a few days devoted to culture and history before the route continues to the beach resorts.
Climate
Cuba has a tropical climate with warm weather all year round. There is usually a drier season from November to April and a wetter, hotter period for the rest of the year.
The winter months are among the most popular for a visit, as temperatures are pleasant, humidity is lower and long spells of rain are less likely. Summer is hot and humid, and June to November coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season.
Temperatures on the coast are suitable for a beach holiday all year round, and the sea is one of the main reasons Cuba remains such a popular Caribbean destination.
Culture and history
Havana is the best place to begin getting to know Cuba. The historic centre, Habana Vieja, has preserved much of its colonial architecture - squares, churches, palaces and narrow lanes that recall the time when the city was an important stop on the Spanish sea routes between Europe and the Americas.
Among the best-known places is the Plaza de la Catedral with the Cathedral of San Cristóbal. The old town has gradually turned from a historic quarter into a lively part of Havana, where cafés, restaurants, small galleries and music clubs sit between the restored buildings.
The city's other symbol is the seafront Malecón. Its wall runs along the sea, and in the evening it becomes one of the places where Havana's residents gather. Sunset over the water, old façades and passing classic cars are among the typical scenes of the Cuban capital.
Havana is also famous for its American cars from the 1950s. After the 1959 revolution the import of new American cars was severely restricted, and many old cars stayed in use for decades. Today they have become one of the city's recognisable symbols and are often used for tourist tours.
Music is perhaps the strongest part of Cuban culture. Son, salsa, rumba and other styles are linked to the island's development and the blending of Spanish and African traditions. Music is everywhere - in bars, restaurants, clubs and on the streets - and dance is a natural part of the local way of life.
Cuba also has a strong literary tradition. One of its most important national authors is José Martí - a 19th-century writer, poet and political figure who became a symbol of Cuban independence. In Havana, his memorial on the Plaza de la Revolución is one of the most recognisable monuments in the city.
The Plaza de la Revolución is also linked to Cuba's more recent history. Some of Fidel Castro's best-known speeches after the 1959 revolution were delivered from this huge square. The nearby buildings bear monumental portraits of revolutionary figures such as Che Guevara.
The Cuban revolution completely changed the country's political and economic life. For decades Cuba became a socialist state and held a special place in the history of the Cold War. Today traces of this period are part of the tourist interest, but its history is complex and continues to be judged in different ways.
Outside Havana, one of the most interesting towns is Trinidad. Founded in the 16th century, it has preserved its colonial appearance remarkably well - colourful houses, cobbled streets and small squares. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another highlight is the Viñales Valley - an area known for its characteristic limestone hills and tobacco plantations. The tobacco used to make the famous Cuban cigars is grown here. Visits to farms and plantations show the traditional process of growing and curing tobacco.
Cuba's nature is not limited to the land. The coast is surrounded by coral reefs and small islands, and the clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving.
Varadero is the island's best-known resort. Set on the Hicacos Peninsula, it is famous for its long white-sand beach and warm turquoise waters. The area offers a wide choice of hotels and is one of the main places for a classic Caribbean holiday.
For a calmer atmosphere you can choose the islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, known for their beaches and nature. Here the resorts are separate from the big towns and the main experience is the sea.
Cuban cuisine is a mix of Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. Rice and beans are staples, and pork, chicken, plantains and various root vegetables feature in many traditional dishes. Popular drinks include the mojito and the daiquiri, closely linked to Havana's tourist image.
Cuban coffee, rum and cigars are also part of the island's cultural image. It is worth remembering, though, that Cuba is much more than souvenirs, cocktails and old cars - it is the combination of history, music and everyday atmosphere that makes the trip different.
Why and when to visit?
Cuba is ideal for a trip that combines a city atmosphere, history and a beach holiday. Havana can be the start of the route, continuing to Trinidad and Viñales, with a few days at the end for the beach in Varadero or on one of the islands.
The most popular period to visit is November to April. The climate is then usually drier and pleasant for touring. In the winter months Cuba is especially attractive for travellers who want to escape the cold weather in Europe and spend a few days by the Caribbean Sea.
Varadero and the islands are a good choice for a pure beach holiday, but Cuba makes its strongest impression when the beach is combined with a few days in Havana. Walking the old streets, music drifting from the open doors of small bars, colonial façades and classic cars create an atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else.
Cuba is not a destination to be seen only through its tourist picture. It has a complex history and a character of its own, and that is exactly what sets it apart from many other Caribbean islands. Here a beach holiday can be combined with culture, music and a sense of place that has kept much of its individuality.
