Cuba Travel The Perfect Destination For 2012
The Republic of Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and home to over 11 million people
. Cuba has a rich and exciting history and offers a unique blend of Spanish, French, English, US and Russian influence, combined with the friendly and lively Cuban locals.Over the past few years the tourism industry has blossomed and it is now a popular destination for those looking for an incredibly beautiful and charming holiday experience. The island is varied and has around 200 coastal bays and a number of great beaches. If you want to experience more than just the coast then explore the forests and waterfalls, mountain ranges and vibrant bustling cities.
The capital city of Havana is well worth a visit on your trip, with over 500 years of roller-coaster history conspiring to create one of Latin Americas most electric and culturally unique societies. Havana is split into 4 main areas Old Havana Havana Vieja, Havana Centro, Vedado, and Havana Miramar.
Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city on the island and a hugely lively and colourful place to visit. Boasting pastel covered buildings, local markets that exist alongside revolutionary statues and mopeds whizzing around the city through the winding and steep roads. A great place to visit is the most important shrine for Cubans and most the famous church in the country, El Cobre, which is lodged in the foothills of the Sierra Maestra near the old copper mines. The evenings are also a great time to visit Santiago de Cuba, with a number of restaurants, clubs and open courtyards that come alive with music and fiestas.
The peak times for travel are from November May and the weather is perfect for those visiting during this time. You can choose from a variety of tours to Cuba, whether youre looking to sunbathe and relax or explore the island
Here are just a few things to experience when youre in Cuba
Relax on the beach
Just 20 minutes from downtown Havana are the Playas del Este, the beaches that the locals enjoy. The Playas del Este offer the soft sand and turquoise waters for which Cuba is famous and begin at Bacuranao, 18km east of central Habana, continuing east through Santa Maria del Mar, not to be confused with Cayo Santa Maria near Santa Clara, which also boasts great beaches, via Tarar, El Mgano to Guanabo.
Other beaches worth a visit include Playa Ancn near Trinidad on the Caribbean coast; Varadero, Cayo Coco north of Ciego de vila, Guardalavaca and beaches around Holguin, Playa Maguana near Baracoa (all Atlantic coast) ; Cayo Levisa and Playa las Tumbas on the Guanahacabibes Peninsula bordering the Gulf of Mexico
Diving
There are 30 dive sites at Varadero alone and one of the world's biggest reefs is offshore at Cayo Coco (Atlantic). There are more reefs around Isla de la Juventud, (Caribbean) that according to popular legend was Robert Louis Stevenson's inspiration for Treasure Island.
There is also excellent diving at Chivirico, Santiago de Cuba and at Maria la Gorda, Cuba's westernmost tip. It is also possible to book diving excursions in the Caribbean from Trinidad and Cienfuegos. The diving season falls mainly between December and May.
Torre de Manaca Iznaga
Visit the former slave watchtower by an old plantation house-turned restaurant and take in stunning views of the Valley of the Sugar Mills.
Bay of Pigs
Take an emotional journey to the museum at Playa Girn, the scene of the US-backed 'Bay of Pigs' invasion in 1961.
Horse Riding
If you love horse riding, take a trip on horseback through the sugarcane fields around Trinidad, the Valle de Ingenios, or the hills, tobacco fields and valleys of Pinar del Ro and las Terrazas.
This is just a glimpse of the many things you can enjoy on your visit. There are a number of Cuba travel tours to choose from all offering a unique experience of the island. Choose from guided trips, self-drive holidays, and rural walking experiences or simply go it alone.
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