Cuba
Cuba Holidays
The largest island in the Caribbean, holidays to Cuba boast luxurious white beaches along the coast, but head inland and you'll find a landscape of rugged mountains and miles of untouched countryside dotted with tobacco fields. Cuba is a magical country steeped in history and culture, promising an unforgettable holiday.
The Cuban adventure starts here
Located just south of Miami in the Antilles group of islands, there's no denying that cheap Cuba holidays will charm you from the offset. A maverick island that has defied all attempts to be pigeon-holed, you'll find a nation that, although economically isolated, is lifted above circumstances by music, dancing and laughter, living life in all its glory.
Cuba's iconic identity is showcased from the busy atmospheric streets of Havana to the dramatic countryside complete with working farms and traditional villages. Its multi–layered, diverse character is presented in everything from its colonial architecture to its cuisine and culture.
Where to stay in Cuba
Get away from it all on the idyllic island of Cayo Coco just off mainland Cuba. It's adorned with pristine shorelines, tranquil, shallow water boasting stunning reefs, and a mangrove-filled national park. From sunbathing to taking to the seas, we promise you'll never want to leave.
This paradise island was famously immortalised in American author Ernest Hemingway's book, Islands In The Stream. Stunning Cayo Guillermo beach, with its swaying palm trees is home to many All Inclusive hotels and there are opportunities to see the stunning coral reefs on a snorkelling excursion.
Cayo Santa Maria may be small in size, but it boasts a full set-up of holiday amenities. Its shores are not only treated to luxury All Inclusive resorts and eye-poppingly beautiful shores, but one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, making diving trips here a no-brainer.
Billed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba, Guardalavaca is a slice of paradise. With its sugar-fine sand beaches lined with swaying palm trees and thatched palapas, relax in a hammock or take to the sea onboard a catamaran. Choose from nearby eco trails or the city of Holguin.
Havana is the thriving capital of Cuba, which in the last few decades has established an intense art and music scene. With artisan markets and historical monuments, a trip to this quirky city is truly one to remember. It boasts bright buildings, vintage cars and some excellent nightlife.
When we say Varadero is surrounded by the sea, we mean it. It's located on a peninsula along Cuba's northern coast, which means it's treated to wraparound beaches speckled with hidden caves. There's a nature reserve and watersport adventures that'll get you snorkelling past coral reefs too.
Quick Tips
- Roman Catholic
- Peso
- Spanish
- 11 million
Lose yourself in Havana
Today, Havana is an all–consuming metropolis of two million inhabitants and one of the most fascinating cities on the planet. Old Havana is a living, breathing piece of history and all the images you previously held of brightly coloured, paint peeled buildings with locals sitting in doorways smoking cigars become a reality.
Wander around the famous Necropolis Cristobal Colon – one of the largest cemeteries in the Americas – and gaze upon elaborate marble statues amid the graves of famous revolutionaries, scientists and authors. If that's not your thing, head to the beautifully constructed cathedral and enjoy a drink at Bodeguita Del Medio, one of Hemingway and Nat King Cole's old watering holes.
Best beaches
Cuba's number one beach resort, Varadero, is located on the north coast and just a two hour drive east of Havana. A popular choice with those booking All Inclusive holidays in Cuba, Here you'll find over 20 kilometres of pristine white sand beaches, 4* and 5* star resorts boasting world–class service and elegant cocktail bars overlooking the emerald sea.
Down in the south, Playa Ancon offers even more pristine coastline but has managed to keep a natural feel with palm trees and greenery creeping down to the sand. You'll find great snorkelling and diving sites off the shoreline here, which is ideally located just outside the colonial UNESCO city of Trinidad.
A taste of Trinidad
To experience the slower pace of Cuba, be sure to head to the quaint cobbled streets of Trinidad. This UNESCO treasure is like an outdoor museum with its perfectly preserved Spanish colonial buildings. Head to the Plaza Mayor to experience the gentle hospitality of the locals or enjoy an ice-cold mojito in one of the bars lining the square.
Spend days here lazing on the long stretches of white sand or bobbing along to the obligatory salsa music. The surrounding mountainous region also makes for great hiking and horse riding. One of the most popular destinations is the Salto del Caburni waterfalls, where after an hour's hiking over wooded terrain, you're free to enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pools.
Salsa in Santiago
Home to the traditional rhythms that gave birth to salsa music, Santiago is the second biggest city in Cuba. Nestled in the southeast of the island, this city has a totally different feel to Havana with a distinct African–Caribbean influence and fast paced, narrow streets bustling with people and cars.
Jump on a bus to Castillo del Morro, located at the city's harbour, and explore this historic fort and castle complete with moats and working cannons. Once back in the centre, wander around important historical sites such as the Moncada Barracks and Revolution Plaza and dance your way into the night.
Explore breathtaking national parks
Cuba has its fair share of national parks which are dotted all over the island. Each offer their own individual canvas of forests, beaches, lagoons and caves to explore, with the added opportunity to visit working coffee and tobacco plantations.
Valle de Vinales National Park sits in the west of the island and is one of Cuba's most breathtaking settings. Having gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999 for its dramatically isolated steep-sided residual hills, the park can be explored by foot or on horseback.