Cuba Back on the Tourists Trail at Last
11/04/2016
Full of Latin passion and culture, Cuba is a dynamic and vibrant destination, with a population of around 11 million. Due to the Cold War, it has only been fully accessible to tourists in the last fifteen years and, after a period of restricted tourism, it now entertains visitors from all over the world.
Unspoiled and undisturbed, Cuba is home to salsa dancing, rum, and excellent beaches, with stunning white sands and warm, turquoise waters.
The old cars, energetic culture, and salsa dancing just add to the charm, along with the country's breathtaking scenery. As well as offering dramatic history, culture, and architecture, the island's coast is ideal for sailing, with many beautiful anchorages, and deserted beaches and bays, which add to an unforgettable experience.
In 2014 the U.S. and Cuba began restoring diplomatic relations, which set off a tourism boom, Old Havana being at its epicenter. The cobblestone streets throng with tourists; Exploring its Spanish Colonial glory, browsing souvenir stands, visiting museums, and dining in trendy private restaurants. It is now a well-worn path for the wealthy and famous from Madonna to Mick Jagger, and world figures like Pope Francis and Obama, have all visited. Hotels are very busy all year.
In 2015, a record number of Americans visited Cuba soaring 30 percent, to 454,000.Recently the $100 purchase limit on Rum and Cigars was abolished by the U.S. government, so you can bring some nice gifts for the folks back home, or just spoil yourself !.
As the United States authorizes more cruises and flights to the island, tourism could outpace the number of hotel spaces currently available. So an early visit might be wise.
The country’s capital, Havana, remains the main attraction, but visitors are also seeking out lesser-known places, including Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.
Take time to visit classic Havana, a special city; that's rich in culture. You’ll get to try lots of time-honoured local food and drink, on your holiday to Cuba, too. Sample cocktails made from world-class Cuban rum, and enjoy a hit of aromatic Cuban coffee. You’ll be ready to indulge in a Caribbean getaway with a difference.
Even if your trip doesn't coincide with Havana’s annual ballet festival, you should see a dance show. In the National Theatre, you will find many of the island’s leading performers. However, a walk to Linea Avenue will give you a host of theatrical options. For non-Spanish speakers, Dance is a great place to begin.
From art galleries to a beer museum, Havana’s “Old Plaza” is brimming with culture. The open-air cafes are a great place to spend an afternoon (though this is one of the most touristy activities on this list) sipping from three-foot-high beer towers — or only slightly smaller mojitos.
Cuba’s fabulous beaches expand as far as the eye can see. The colors vary from place to place, thanks to the island’s rich ecological make-up. Varadero Beach is one of the coolest places to go in Cuba, where the sand is a shimmering gold. In Holguín’s Guardalavaca or Playa Pesquero, and Cayo Coco in the Jardines del Rey, the beach takes on an altogether different tone; a brighter white hue. An average of 330 days of sunshine smile down on Cuba, so find yourself a shaded spot to enjoy a refreshing Daiquiri or Mojito.
The beaches are stunning, but there’s no shortage of marine attractions in Cuba for the adventurous. Caya Coco has the finest diving activities in Cuba. Keep an eye out for the pink flamingos along the causeway, and explore the extensive coral reef, off the north coast. Take to Holguín’s clear Atlantic lagoons with your snorkel, grab your waterproof camera, and dive into its reefs to marvel at its colorful underwater world.
It’s impossible to go anywhere in Cuba without seeing historical monuments and cultural events, and the nation has an exceptional love of artistic pursuits. Start your journey early with a glug of high-powered Cuban coffee (the small cups pack some power!), and you’ll be ready to soak up the vistas of Holguín City, which offers some of the most interesting places to go in Cuba. It features a host of city squares, museums, galleries, and monuments.
Gone fishing: In May, you can take in the Hemingway Fishing Tournament. Named after author and Havana resident Ernest Hemingway, who enjoyed many fishing trips aboard his boat. Why not combine with a visit to Finca Vigia. Hemingway lived in the house — which is now a museum — from 1939 to 1960, and wrote most of 'For Whom The Bell Tolls' there.
Carnivals: No visit to the Caribbean would be complete without soaking up the sights and sounds of a carnival, and the Santiago de Cuba (July) and Havana (August) festivals never fail to blow the mind. The streets explode with color, music, food and dance well into the sultry summer evenings.
Varadero: Nestling on the Peninsula in the Province of Matanzas, is Cuba’s unique resort town, famous for its beach, caves, and cliffs.
With more than 3,000 miles of coastline, you can have your choice of the best spots; from bustling haunts near Havana to hidden gems on the island’s more remote stretches.
The beaches near Havana, are a more affordable day out, as are the beaches in all the provinces.
Trinidad: Take a break in the colonial beach town on the island’s south coast, where the sparkling waters are azure, and there’s a lively nightlife.
Cuba, so much to do, so little time to do it !.