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Attractions
Cuba is a country like no other: visitors here experience the thrill of the new; of being in unfamiliar territory. There is much to see and do, particularly if you enjoy Havana's majestically decaying colonial architecture and revolutionary artefacts infused with communist iconography. Then there are the fabulous beaches, mercifully free of the rampant resort development you'll find elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Few visitors get out of the capital, which is a pity as the countryside holds a wealth of natural splendour and interesting attractions such as the sugarcane palaces of Trinidad and the colonial city of Sancti Spiritus.
Cuba is a year-round destination although is busiest over the cooler winter months of December to March. The tail-end of the hurricane season is September to October when wet and windy weather is the norm.
Cigar Factories
Even non-smokers have to agree that a visit to Cuba would not be complete without investigating the island's most famous export, cigars. The art of cigar-making in Cuba is old and traditional, and three main factories in Havana offer tours for visitors to... see full details
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
The modern Bellas Artes Museum is split into two buildings housing International and Cuban art. The Colección de Arte Universal covers everything from ancient Greek artefacts and Latin American pieces to art by French, Dutch and Italian painters. The Colección de Arte Cubano is... see full details
Museo de la Revolución
Formerly the Presidential Palace and headquarters of the Cuban government, the impressive building now houses documents, photographs and artefacts pertaining to the Cuban Revolution, and provides an excellent introduction to, and understanding of, Cuba's history and its struggle for independence. Prepare to spend a... see full details
Montemar Natural Park
Cuba is developing its eco-tourism potential, and one of the prime spots for getting back to nature is at the Montemar Natural Park on the Zapata Peninsula in the province of Matanzas (about 75 miles or 120km from Havana). The peninsula is one... see full details
Capitolio Nacional
One of Havana's grandest pieces of architecture, the Capitolio is an important landmark and one of Centro Habana's major touristic sights. Resembling the US Capitol in Washington, DC, the monumental stone stairway leads to the vast domed hall, from where tours will take visitors... see full details
Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
This historic section of Cuba's capital was founded in 1519, and for centuries, was an important naval port of colonial Spain. Being in such a strategic position, the city was targeted by pirates and fought over on numerous occasions, and the ruins of... see full details
Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás
Cuba's largest cave system, with more than 29 miles (46km) of underground galleries spanning eight different levels, the Santo Tomás caves are situated about 10 miles (16km) west of Vinales. Very informative, 90-minute guided tours take visitors 138ft (42m) above the valley floor into... see full details
Museo Histórico Municipal
A former palace belonging to German sugarcane plantation owner Justo Cantero, the museum displays examples of his wealth in the cool, stylish rooms, as well as some exhibits relating to the sugar industry and history of Trinidad. A stairway leads to a tower... see full details
Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills)
This picturesque emerald valley was once the centre of the sugar trade industry, and home to the plantations that brought wealth and prosperity to Trinidad in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the ruins of estates, sugar mills and other remnants are visited... see full details
Santa Clara
Located 55 miles (88km) north of Trinidad, the city of Santa Clara is best known for its Che Memorial at the Plaza de la Revolución, and monuments relating to the Cuban Revolution. The armoured train monument (Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado) marks... see full details
Sancti Spiritus
The beautiful colonial city of Sancti Spiritus, with its gracious people, delightful architecture and maze of narrow, winding cobblestone streets remains almost completely unassuming and detached from tourism. Located in the centre of Cuba, 43 miles (70km) east of Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus lies on... see full details