Cuba Destination Guides
Introduction
Cuba is one of the world's greatest paradoxes. Decried by the United States as a pariah state, due to the Communist regime of its leader Fidel Castro, it has become one of the hottest travel destinations for the more enlightened tourist.
Its capital Havana is a crumbling time capsule of Spanish colonial architecture – yet its grid is dotted with a handful of new hotels that give a glimpse of what the lucrative future may hold. The north coast resort of Varadero is as loud and lively a holiday hotspot as you would expect to find in the Caribbean, while the rural farming communities elsewhere still suggest a degree of poverty.
Cuba has been in a state of suspended animation since Castro seized power in the revolution of 1959. As many a films have portrayed images of grand old Fifties Cadillacs, held together by glue and rust, cruise past dilapidated, colourful bars, while street hawkers try to sell you a box of the island's famous cigars on the thriving black market.
This romantic experience cannot last forever and while it would be shameful to wish for a country to remain in a coma of deprivation for the sake of the tourist industry, it is certainly true to say that the world will lose something precious when the Castro era finally comes to an end.
Varadero, which sits on a peninsula just off the north coast, is Cuba's main resort. This modern resort feels astonishingly different from the capital Havana. However, there is no faulting its beaches and nightlife, and if you are visiting Cuba in search of fun and relaxation, this is the place to be.
Climate
The Cuba climate is mild subtropical,the average temperature throughout the year runs between 20 and 35ºC. The drier season ruuns from November to May and from May to October is when it is more likely to experience a tropical rain shower. Those that enjoy the beach will be glad to know that the average water temperature is in excess of 25°C.
Getting Around
Direct flights to Havana are available through Virgin Atlantic for holidaymakers travelling to Varadero this is just a short transfer from Havana or charter services operate in and out of Varadero airport. Iberia offers indirect services via Madrid.
There is a regular bus service that crosses the country, and you can also hire cars or take a taxi which are cheap and plentiful within the cities.
Restaurants
Cuba is not generally reknowned for its cuisine, however meals in the All Incluisve hotels in Varadero are good. The larger restaurants outside of the hotels tend to be government owned but a top tip is to visit the ‘paladares’ which you can discover in the cities. These are small eateries contained within private homes, but if you can get a table, such places offer a genuine insight into Cuban life.
Entertainment
In contrast to the restaurant scene, you will find much to do in Cuba after dark. Havana has a good quota of bars playing live music into the early hours (bring your salsa shoes), particularly in the Old Town. The national drink is rum, and the national cocktails are the cuba libre (rum and coke) and the mojito (rum, lime, mint, sugar). The rooftop bar at Havana's Ambos Mundos hotel is a fine location for sipping the latter as the sun sets.
Shopping
Cuba does sell three items in abundance rum, coffee and cigars. Make sure you purchase these at a government-owned store. Black marketeers are common, but their goods are often of poor quality.
Sightseeing and place of interest to see in Havava
Castillo de la Real Fuerza:
Built between 1558 and 1578, this is the most ancient fortress in Havana City. It was once the house of the Spanish governors and is located near the Plaza de Armas and the Avenida del Puerto. The Ceramic Museum is also located nearby.
Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta:
Built between 1590 and 1600, it has the job of protecting the entrance of the harbour from the attacks of corsairs and pirates. It is located to the west of the entrance to the bay.
Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro:
Located at the entrance of the bay, it was built between 1589 and 1610. It was considered undefeatable until the British took it in 1762. In the 19th century it was added to the lighthouse at the entrance of the harbour. Today it is part of the Great Historic and Military Park of Morro Cabana.
San Carlos de la Cabana Fortress:
Considering its size and characteristics this is one of the major fortifications of the colonial period in Latin America. Built between 1763 and 1774, and located behind the Morro Castle, it was built to reinforce the defence system of the city after being taken by the British in 1762. This huge fortress is located on a hill from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
Bacauranao’s Fortified Tower:
Declared a National Monument, this was one of the fortifications built in 1650 to defend the north of Havana.
Palacio de los Capitanes:
It is one of the finest examples of Cuban baroque. Built between 1776 and 1791 as the official house of the Spanish Governor Generals. It was also home of Havana’s council and jail.
Palace of Counts of Casa Bayona:
Built in 1720 and it is the most ancient house of the Plaza de la Catedral. Home of the Museum of Colonial Arts.
Museum of the Revolution and Granma Memorial:
This museum shows the detailed struggle of the Cuban people for independence. On the outside is the Granma yacht, the boat used by Fidel Castro and 80 comrades to return from exile and begin the guerrilla war in the Sierra Maestra. The museum is located in the former Presidential Palace.
Napoleonic Museum:
The most complete collection of objects, arms, works of art and personal belongings related to Napoleon outside of France.
Ernest Hemingway Museum:
His typing machine, books and personal objects in the only stable house that he owned.
Museum of the Command Office:
This museum exhibits the facts and strength of Che Guevara, especially at the moment of Cuba’s national struggle.
Plaza de Armas (Arms Square):
Arms Square was the centre of social, military and political activity in times gone by. Surrounded by the Palace of the Captains General, the Palace of the Second in command and the Royal Force Castle, the template and the Hotel Santa Isabel. It features a monument of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, Father of the Homeland.
Plaza de la Catedral (Cathedral Square):
This enticing square is usually amassed with visitors. It has one of the most beautiful baroque facades in Latin America. Built by the Jesuits in 1748, it was completed in 1777, although the religious order was expelled in 1767.
Plaza del Cristo (Christ Square):
It was built in 1640 and across the former Havana’s Episcopal Palace. It was called New Square as the counterpart of Old Square. It was named after the church of St Christ of Buanviaje, which is nearby, and it holds the monument to the poet Gabriel de la Concepcion Valdes, who was executed in 1844.
Jose Marti Revolution Square:
Site of huge popular mass meetings and parades to support the Revolution. The monument to Jose Marti, National Cuban hero has a statue as well as being a memorial. The square is surrounded by the National Library, the National Theatre and Ministry of the Armed Forces.
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Top Destinations in Cuba |
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