From beautiful cities jumping to the beat of tropical rhythms to lush unspoiled forests, the magic of Cuba will leave you in awe. You will uncover a truly unique country packed with eclectic architecture, white-sand beaches, prime wildlife-watching spots and charming locals.
The 1959 Revolution stopped the clocks in Cuba and visiting this country is like stepping back in time. You’ll be struck by vintage radios, refrigerators and lamps, and swinging neon signs hanging above shops. At every corner, you'll find antique pharmacies, traditional barbers, and iconic classic American cars, adding to the charm and character of the place.
Here's our guide to the 10 best places to visit in Cuba.
No. 10 - Holguin
Holguin is a beautiful city located in the eastern part of Cuba, situated between the Sierra Maestra mountains and the sea. Holguin has a rich history and culture, with several historic landmarks and museums that showcase the city's past. One of the most notable attractions in Holguin is the Hill of the Cross, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Other important landmarks in Holguin include the San Isidoro Cathedral, the Calixto Garcia Park, and the Casa de la Trova music venue.
The city is also famous for its beautiful beaches, including Guardalavaca, Esmeralda, and Pesquero. These beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters, white sand, and vibrant coral reefs, making them ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Visitors can also enjoy a range of water sports activities, such as windsurfing, kayaking, and parasailing.
Holguin is also renowned for its lush green landscapes, which offer several opportunities for outdoor adventures. Visitors can hike through the nearby national parks, such as the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, with several species of plants and animals that are unique to the region.
No. 9 - Camagüey
Camagüey is a historic city situated between the Sierra de Cubitas mountains and the Caribbean Sea, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, maze-like streets, and vibrant cultural scene.
Camagüey was founded in 1514 and is one of the oldest cities in Cuba. It has a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its many historic landmarks, museums, and art galleries. One of the most notable attractions in Camagüey is the historic centre of the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The centre is known for its winding, mazey streets, which were designed to confuse pirates and invaders.
Other important landmarks in Camagüey include the San Juan de Dios Square, the Ignacio Agramonte Park, and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Merced. The city is also home to several museums, such as the Casa Natal de Carlos J. Finlay Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Cuban scientist.
Camagüey has a vibrant cultural scene, with several festivals and events held throughout the year. One of the most famous events is the Camagüey Carnival, which takes place every year in July. The carnival is known for its colourful costumes, music, and dance performances.
No. 8 - Playa Giron
Playa Giron is a small beach town located on the southern coast of Cuba, famous for its crystal-clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, and historic landmarks.
The town is named after the French pirate Gilberto Girón, who used the area as a base for his raids in the 18th century. Today, Playa Giron is known for its stunning beaches, which are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving. The coral reefs in the area are teeming with colourful marine life, including tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.
Playa Giron is also famous for its historic landmarks, particularly the Bay of Pigs Museum. The museum is dedicated to the failed invasion of Cuba by US-backed exiles in 1961, which was centered on Playa Giron. The museum features exhibits and artefacts that tell the story of the invasion and the Cuban victory over the invaders.
Other important landmarks in Playa Giron include the crocodile farm, which is home to several species of crocodiles and alligators, and the Punta Perdiz beach, which is known for its natural swimming pool and underwater caves.
No. 7 - Baracoa
Baracoa is a charming coastal town situated in the Guantánamo province, on the northeastern coast of the island. Baracoa is known for its lush green landscapes, with towering mountains, deep valleys, and winding rivers that flow into the sea. The town is surrounded by several national parks, including the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, with several species of plants and animals that are unique to the region.
One of the most notable landmarks in Baracoa is the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which is the oldest church in Cuba. Other important landmarks include the Casa del Cacao museum, which showcases the history and production of chocolate in the region, and the El Yunque mountain, which is a sacred site for the indigenous Taíno people.
Baracoa is also renowned for its unique cuisine, which is a blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. Some of the most popular dishes in Baracoa include the "cocada," a coconut and sugar candy, and the "chocolate baracoano," a traditional chocolate made with local cocoa beans.
No. 6 - Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos is a picturesque city located on the southern coast of Cuba, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful natural surroundings. It is the capital city of the Cienfuegos province and is situated on a natural harbour on the Caribbean Sea.
Cienfuegos was founded in 1819 and is often referred to as the "Pearl of the South" for its beauty and charm. The city is known for its historic landmarks, such as the Tomás Terry Theatre, which is a neoclassical theatre built in the 19th century, and the Palacio de Valle, which is a Moorish-style palace built in the early 1900s.
Other important landmarks in Cienfuegos include the Cienfuegos Cathedral, which is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, and the Punta Gorda district, which is known for its elegant mansions and seaside promenade.
Cienfuegos is also renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, with several museums, art galleries, and music venues that showcase the city's rich heritage and traditions. One of the most famous events in Cienfuegos is the Benny Moré International Music Festival, which takes place every year in September and features performances by some of the world's best salsa and Latin jazz musicians.
Cienfuegos is surrounded by beautiful natural attractions, such as the Cienfuegos Botanical Garden, which is home to over 2,000 species of plants from around the world, and the El Nicho Waterfalls, which are a series of cascading waterfalls and natural pools nestled in the mountains.
No. 5 - Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is the second-largest city in Cuba, after Havana. It is a vibrant city located on the southeastern coast of Cuba, known for its rich history, Afro-Caribbean culture, and lively music scene.
Santiago de Cuba is a city with a rich and fascinating history, and it played a crucial role in the Cuban Revolution. Many of the city's most important landmarks and attractions are related to its history, such as the Moncada Barracks, which was the site of an important attack led by Fidel Castro in 1953, and the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where many of Cuba's national heroes are buried.
Santiago de Cuba is also known for its lively music scene, which is a fusion of African, Spanish, and indigenous influences. The city is famous for its traditional music genres, such as son, bolero, and salsa, and is home to many talented musicians and music venues.
Other important landmarks in Santiago de Cuba include the San Pedro de la Roca Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish-American military architecture, and the Bacardi Museum, which showcases the history of the famous rum brand and its ties to Cuba.
Santiago de Cuba is also surrounded by beautiful natural attractions, such as the Sierra Maestra mountains, which offer excellent hiking opportunities and breathtaking views, and the Baconao Park, which is a biosphere reserve and home to several endemic species of plants and animals.
No. 4 - Viñales
Viñales is a picturesque town located in the Pinar del Río province of western Cuba, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, tobacco farms, and traditional architecture. It is situated in the Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique geological formations and rich biodiversity.
Viñales is known for its tobacco plantations, which produce some of the best tobacco in the world. Visitors can take guided tours of the plantations and learn about the process of growing and harvesting tobacco. The town is also known for its traditional architecture, with many buildings featuring brightly coloured facades and red-tiled roofs.
One of the most popular attractions in Viñales is the Viñales Valley, which features unique limestone formations known as "mogotes" that rise up from the valley floor. The valley is home to several hiking trails and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Other important landmarks in Viñales include the Cueva del Indio, a natural cave system that features an underground river and prehistoric wall paintings, and the Mural de la Prehistoria, a colourful mural that depicts the evolution of life in the region.
No. 3 - Trinidad
Trinidad is a charming colonial town located in the Sancti Spíritus province of central Cuba. Founded in the early 16th century, it is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in the Caribbean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trinidad is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, with many colourful buildings featuring red-tiled roofs and ornate balconies. The town's historic centre is a pedestrian-friendly zone, making it easy to explore on foot. Some of the most important landmarks in Trinidad include the Plaza Mayor, which is the town's main square and is surrounded by several important colonial buildings, and the Convento de San Francisco, a beautiful 18th-century church and convent.
The town hosts several cultural events throughout the year, such as the Fiesta de San Juan, which celebrates the town's patron saint, and the Trinidad Carnival, which features colourful parades and traditional music.
One of the most popular attractions near Trinidad is the Valle de los Ingenios, a beautiful valley that was once home to several sugar plantations. Visitors can take guided tours of the valley and learn about the history of sugar production in the region. Another popular attraction is the nearby Playa Ancón, a beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and white sand.
No. 2 - Varadero
Varadero is a resort town located on the Hicacos Peninsula, on the northern coast of Cuba. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, primarily known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Varadero has more than 20 kilometres of beaches, which are considered among the best in the Caribbean. The beaches are characterized by their fine white sand and turquoise waters, and offer a variety of water sports and beach activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, and beach volleyball. Some of the most popular beaches in Varadero include Varadero Beach, Coral Beach, and Playa Azul.
Varadero also offers several historical attractions, such as the Josone Park, which is a beautiful park and botanical garden with several lakes and gardens, and the Bellamar Caves, which are underground caves that feature beautiful rock formations and underground lakes.
No. 1 - Havana
Havana is the capital city of Cuba and one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in the Caribbean. Founded in the 16th century, Havana has a fascinating history that is reflected in its unique architecture, cultural traditions, and way of life.
One of the most distinctive features of Havana is its colonial architecture, which ranges from elegant baroque and neoclassical buildings to colourful art deco and modernist structures. The city's historic centre, known as Old Havana, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features some of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in the Americas. Some of the most important landmarks in Old Havana include the Plaza de la Catedral, which is surrounded by several important colonial buildings, and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, a 16th-century fortress that now serves as a museum.
Havana is also known for its lively cultural scene, with several music venues, art galleries, and theatres that showcase the city's rich heritage and traditions. The city is famous for its music, particularly the sounds of the Buena Vista Social Club, and there are several music festivals and events throughout the year. Havana is also home to several important museums, such as the Museum of the Revolution and the Fine Arts Museum.
Another important aspect of life in Havana is its cuisine, which is a blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. The city is home to several excellent restaurants that serve a variety of traditional and international cuisine, as well as lively street food markets and food stalls.
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best places to visit in Cuba. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite places to visit in Cuba.
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