Cuba is one of the most unique destinations in the Caribbean.
Instead of big resort strips only, you’ll find:
- Colorful Old Havana streets
- Classic American cars
- Live music & salsa everywhere
- Tobacco farms & limestone cliffs in Viñales
- Colonial towns like Trinidad
- Long white-sand beaches in Varadero and the cayos
It’s perfect if you want culture + history + beaches instead of just an all-inclusive bubble.
How to Get to Cuba
Main international airports:
- HAV – Havana (José Martí International)
- VRA – Varadero
- SNU – Santa Clara (for Cayo Santa María)
- CCC – Jardines del Rey (for Cayo Coco / Cayo Guillermo)
Note: visa / tourist card rules vary by nationality. Always check entry rules before booking.
Where to Stay — Best Areas
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Old Havana (Habana Vieja) | Colonial streets, plazas, music | First-timers, culture |
| Vedado (Havana) | Residential + modern | Longer stays |
| Varadero | Resort strip + easy beach | Families, all-inclusive |
| Trinidad | Cobblestone colonial town | Culture + photos |
| Viñales | Countryside, tobacco farms | Nature & chill |
| Cayo Coco / Cayo Guillermo / Cayo Santa María | Remote resorts | Honeymoons, beach-only trips |
Stay types:
- Casas particulares (local guesthouses) → great for budget + real experience
- Hotels / resorts for beach zones and packages
Top Things to Do in Cuba
1) Explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja)
- Walk plazas (Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral)
- Classic cars on the Malecón
- Street music, rooftop bars, museums
2) Varadero Beach
- Long, white-sand peninsula
- Calm water, water sports, resorts
3) Viñales Valley
- Tobacco fields
- Mogote limestone hills
- Horseback countryside tours
- Cigar farm visits
4) Trinidad
- Bright pastel houses
- Plaza Mayor
- Nearby Playa Ancón (beach)
5) Classic Car Tour in Havana
- 1–2 hour ride in 1950s cars
- Great photos + city overview
6) Cayo Coco / Cayo Guillermo
- Clear turquoise water
- Sandbars & long beaches
- Resort-focused stays
7) Live Music & Salsa
- Casas de la música
- Bars & small venues in Havana, Trinidad, Santiago
Best Beaches in Cuba
| Beach | Area | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| Varadero Beach | Varadero | Classic long resort beach |
| Playa Ancón | Near Trinidad | Culture + beach combo |
| Guardalavaca | Holguín coast | Scenic & less crowded |
| Cayo Coco / Cayo Guillermo | Jardines del Rey | Turquoise & white sand |
| Cayo Santa María | North Coast | Long wild-feeling stretches |
Food & Drinks
Try:
- Ropa vieja (shredded beef)
- Moros y cristianos (rice & beans)
- Tostones / maduros
- Fresh seafood on the coast
- Cubano sandwiches (more touristy but tasty)
- Drinks: mojito, daiquiri, cuba libre, Cuban coffee
Food is simple but filling; private restaurants (paladares) usually have the best options.
Transportation
- Taxis (including classic cars)
- Collective taxis between cities
- Tourist buses (Viazul, etc.)
- Private drivers for day trips (Havana ↔ Viñales / Varadero)
Roads between major destinations are decent, but self-driving can be tricky (signage, fuel, conditions), so many visitors use buses + transfers.
3–7 Day Itineraries
3 Days (Short Trip)
Day 1: Old Havana walking tour + classic car ride
Day 2: Havana museums + sunset on the Malecón
Day 3: Day trip to Viñales (tobacco farms & viewpoints)
5 Days
Day 1–2: Havana
Day 3: Viñales day trip
Day 4–5: Varadero Beach (or Cayo for pure beach)
7 Days (Balanced Culture + Beach)
Day 1–2: Havana
Day 3: Viñales
Day 4–5: Trinidad + Playa Ancón
Day 6–7: Varadero or Cayo Santa María
Safety & Practical Notes
- Tourist areas are generally safe
- Petty theft can happen → normal precautions
- Internet/Wi-Fi slower and less reliable than most Caribbean islands
- Bring offline maps + apps
- Cash is important; card use is limited and complicated for some nationalities
Internal Links
- Jamaica Guide
- Dominican Republic Guide
- Puerto Rico Guide
- Best Beaches in the Caribbean
- Caribbean Cultural Cities
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
Cuba combina ciudades coloniales, coches clásicos, música en vivo y playas hermosas como Varadero y los cayos.
Havana, Viñales y Trinidad son la mejor combinación para un viaje que mezcla cultura, naturaleza y mar.
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