With its beautiful landscapes, white sand beaches, lively nightlife and rich history, there’s simply never a dull moment in Cuba. No matter who you are or what interests you have, you’re sure to find something.
Here are just eight adventures to try out when you visit.
Exploring Old Havana
Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, Old Havana — or Habana Viejaas it’s known to the locals — is the historical center of Cuba, famous for its narrow streets and stunning mixture of architectural styles. Spend your time here strolling along the Malecón — Havana’s seaside boardwalk — and touring the city’s stone fortresses.
Visiting the Che Guevara Mausoleum
The life of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara played a huge role in the making of modern Cuba. To this day, he remains a huge influence upon the Cuban people. Learn more about this fascinating man by visiting his mausoleum and memorial in Santa Clara.
Learning to salsa
Salsa is Cuba’s national dance and no trip to this musical country would be complete without a few hip-shaking lessons at Havana’s La Casa de Música or El Gran Palenque. The less co-ordinated can settle for buying tickets to a professional salsa performance at one of the city’s cabaret shows.
Lighting up at the Havana Cigar Festival
You might not be a smoker, but it would be a shame to visit a country so famous for its cigars and not try one out! For the most immersive experience, get to the Havana Cigar Festival and find out more about the history of cigars, including how they’re made (and of course, how to roll one yourself).
Eating the street food
It’s normal to feel a little nervous about trying the street food in a new country but Cuba is home to some amazing specialties, including pork burgers, coconut pie, guava milkshakes and individual Hawaiian pizzas. Best of all, the street food in Cuba is incredibly cheap, meaning you can save up more money for rum!
Channeling Ernest Hemingway
Literature fans can get their fix by doing the “Ernest Hemingway trail” through Cuba, where he spent a large portion of his life. Start with a visit to the Hemingway Museum, located in his old house in San Francisco de Paula, before getting a drink in two of his favorite bars: La Bodeguita del Medio and La Floridita. Just don’t forget to bring your copy of The Old Man and the Sea.
Sunbathing on Varadero
Located on the 20 kilometer-long Hicacos peninsula, Varadero is a beach destination like no other. Spend your time here lazing on the sand, trying out the water sports, and taking a day trip to the nearby city of Matanzas.
Sampling the rum
For the ultimate rum experience take a tour of the historical Bacardí Factory in Santiago de Cuba and, when relaxing at your local bar, make sure to try Havana Club Gran Reserva and Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo — two of the finest rums the country has to offer.
When it comes to fun, cheap holidays, Cuba really is the ideal destination. So what are you waiting for? Book your dream trip and get exploring!
Images by Jörg Weingrill and kudumomo, used under Creative Commons license
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