Some Guidelines For Holiday & Travel In Cuba
Lying in the Caribbean islands, the Republic of Cuba is known as an interesting country with its tropical climate which is nicely mediated by the ocean breezes which tend to sweep across the island.
As a holiday destination, Cuba is vibrant, fun and has a smorgasbord of things to do. The capital Havana has a great party district in Vedado, and sometimes plays host to celebrities wanting to relax in their time off. Hit the streets here and you will be able to watch the processions of the carnival in a true Caribbean style, along the Malecon. Go to the Tropicana bar in the capital to see the place where Carmen Miranda once performed, and enjoy a tipple in the open-air bar whilst watching some cabaret. Make sure you immerse yourself fully in the Cuban lifestyle whilst you are here and also learn about the country’s past. The Museo de la Revolución tells all about the revolution that took place, so you can make sure you appreciate just what you are seeing today. Finish a day in the capital with a look around the Plaza Vieja, which has many boutiques and museums, which are a far cry from the days that bull fighting was the town’s main entertainment there. If you are staying in Havana, make sure that you escape for a day to the closest fabulous beaches at Playa del Este, which has six kilometres of the legendary Caribbean sands and sparkling waters, complete with palm trees.
To really embrace the Cuban lifestyle though, you need to make sure you soak up the culture and take advantage of the music and life that is all through the island. Santiago de Cuba is the opposite end of the island to Havana, yet is the second largest city and a real place to see. The best musicians and dancers are in this area, and put on great Afro-Cuban performances all over the city every night. In the day you can look at some UNESCO World Heritage sites around the area, such as the citadel of San Pedro de la Roca and the Baconao Park.
To see some good views you should be prepared to travel a little. Try climbing Torre de Manaca Iznaga which is a watchtower with a lovely restaurant by it- this will give you views of the Valley of the Sugar Mills, where there used to be over 50 sugar mills, a real heritage of Cuba. The Sierra Maestra which is in the Oriente, or the Zapata Peninsula should definitely be hiked too in order to see great views and lots of local wildlife such as tropical birds and reptiles.
All about enjoying life, you should enjoy the variety of Cuba and make the most of the climate. Try the Varadero resort if you want beaches and lots of partying into the night, but make sure you take excursions to take advantage of things such as the local reef diving from Cayo Coco, which is one of the world’s largest reefs and a breathtaking site.
Happy Holidays
