Cuba

The capital of Cuba, Havana is filled with Caribbean flavor, beautiful architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. With tourism to the country recently opening up, there are plenty of attractions to see in the city – from the historic Old Havana to the modern Malecón and City Centre.

If you want a more local experience in Havana, taking a tour is a great option. Whether you want to ride in a classic car or check out some of the community art projects across the city, there are plenty of great options available – often with a complimentary cocktail for you to enjoy during the tour.

These are the best tours you can take in Havana.

1. 2-Hour Classic American Car Tour

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Havana Classic American Car Tour

Cuba is famous for its classic American cars, and this tour is a fantastic way to experience the city.

Limited to groups of four, this two-hour tour will take you through the main sights in Havana on board a 1950s American convertible. You will visit the city center, as well as Miramar and the Malecón.

Your knowledgeable tour guide will tell you about the history and culture of Cuba, as well as why old American cars are so prolific across the country. A complimentary cocktail is included at Hotel Nacional.

2. Private Tour with a Local

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Welcome To Havana – Private Tour

The best way to discover anywhere in Cuba is with a local. This tour takes you on a private excursion around Havana. You will be able to personalize your itinerary and gain real insight into how locals live.

While the tour takes you around all the major sights, it also has a practical element; you can learn where to buy groceries, food, and souvenirs at local rates.

You can also receive help to exchange your tourist convertible currency into local pesos. This is a great way to get out of the tourist zones and learn about the real Havana.

3. Cabaret Tropicana Admission Ticket

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Cabaret Tropicana

Cuba has a vibrant and unique culture which can be experienced across Havana. The Cabaret Tropicana is a combination of music, dance and bright costumes to bring you a great display of Cuban spirit.

This two-hour performance draws influence from Caribbean music, bright carnivals and even a little bit of ballet. All ticket holders are provided with a complimentary welcome drink, a ¼ bottle of Havana rum and a plate of snacks.

There are other packages which include souvenirs, higher quality rum, and seating choices. This is a floor show, meaning performers interact with the audience throughout the performance.

4. Sunny Viñales Day Tour from Havana

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Vinales Valley, Cuba

Viñales is a great place to discover some rural Cuban culture. With this tour, you will ride in a private taxi to the region, where you will be able to explore the area on horseback.

You will visit coffee and tobacco plantations, as well as learn how to roll your own Cuban cigars. The tour also includes a boat trip to Cueva del Indio and a typical lunch at Fina el Paraiso.

The horseback riding segment is four hours long, so guests should have a reasonable level of physical fitness.

5. 2-Hour Afro-Cuban Religions Walking Tour

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Afro-Cuban Religions Walking Tour

See another side of Havana with this tour that lets you learn about the Afro-Cuban religions in the city and the influences they have on local culture.

You will visit Callejón de Hammel, the center of these religions and cultural practices. Your tour guide will help you interact with locals and learn more about their way of life.

The tour also includes a walk through the colorful streets decorated by local children, and the chance to experience rumba performances. A complimentary beverage is provided at the end of the tour for you to unwind.

6. Off-the-Beaten Track

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Havana Off The Beaten Track Tour

Now that tourism to Cuba has opened up to Americans, many parts of Havana city center have started to develop a reputation as tourist traps.

This tour takes you away from these locations and into the sights and sounds of real Cuba. You will be shown how the state-run agriculture industry operates, as well as some local workshops and gardens.

A typical Creole lunch is provided, with two beverages for you to sip on and relax with after your tour. You will also be given a ticket for local transportation, allowing you to cover more ground on the trip.

7. From Havana: Trinidad and Cienfuegos Private Tour

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Trinidad And Cienfuegos Private Tour

This is another great tour for getting out of the city and into more traditional areas of Cuba. In Cienfuegos, you will discover Spanish colonial architecture and the lifestyle of Cuban government officials.

In Trinidad, you will be shown colorful streets and ceramic squares filled with beautiful churches and traditional restaurants.

The private tour includes transport in a taxi between each location. You will also visit a ceramic factory and learn about local production methods.

8. On The Trail of Ernest Hemingway Tour

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Trail Of Ernest Hemingway Tour

Cuba is the place Ernest Hemingway called home for much of his life, and there are plenty of great attractions dedicated to the writer across the country.

Including pick-up from your hotel, this tour takes you to the Hemingway Museum in Finca Vigía and to the town of Cojímar, where there is a monument to him.

You will also visit some of his favorite haunts, including the Floridita Bar. Admission costs are included, as well as lunch allowing you to replicate the life of the famous writer.

9. Private Cuban Cooking Class

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Private Cuban Cooking Experience

Dive deep into Cuban cuisine with this excellent cooking class with a local chef. You will learn how to select the best ingredients for cooking, as well as how to prepare them to make a variety of Cuban dishes.

You will begin with a tour of a local market, before continuing through old Havana to learn about the local economy and culture.

At the guesthouse, you will be taught about the most famous Cuban dishes and given the opportunity to make your own meal. Recipes are provided for you to take home with you.

10. Havana Art by Night

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Havana Art By Night

Havana has a thriving art scene thanks to the many workshops and initiatives across the city.

This tour begins with a visit to a local art gallery, where you will be provided with a complimentary cocktail to enjoy as you learn about local artists. A typical Cuban lunch is then provided before you head out on a tour of the city in a vintage American car.

The tour finishes at Fábrica de Arte Cubano, where you will discover the art and music projects they provide for locals in the city.

11. Havana by E-bike

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Havana By E-bike

If you are looking for a fun way to take in the main sights of Havana, this e-bike tour lets you cover more ground and enjoy something a little more active.

The bikes are electric, so this is suitable for most fitness levels. You will be shown Central Havana, the Malecón and Old Havana, as well as the Miramar area.

All safety equipment is provided, as well as a bottle of water to keep you hydrated along the journey. There are plenty of photo stops along the way, as well as a final visit to a local café to recharge.

12. Havana City Tour

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Havana

This tour is a great way to get your bearings on your first day in the city. You will be taken to all of the most important tourist attractions, as well as into more local areas where you can discover another side of Havana.

Transportation is included, meaning you can cover many different areas of the city in this tour. Your local guide will tell you about the fascinating history of the city, as well as the underground economy that many of the locals rely on to get by.

You will discover the stark contrasts between old and new in the city, and learn about the best areas to visit during the rest of your trip.

13. Community Art Projects Tour

Havana Community Art Projects Tour

A lot of the best art in Havana comes from community projects across the city. With this tour, you will be able to discover the great work being done by local initiatives to help residents unleash their creativity.

You will discover local music, art, and cuisine on this tour through some of the least touristy neighborhoods in the city.

A typical Cuban lunch is provided, as well as beverages and a performance by one of the local art projects. The tour finishes with a visit to see some great examples of street art in the area.

14. Discover Old Havana: Small Group City Walking Tour

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Discover Old Havana

This is another great walking tour for your first day in Havana, focusing on the Old Havana area. This part of the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its beautiful architecture and unique culture.

You will learn about the history of the buildings and monuments in Old Havana through your local, experienced guide.

You will also visit cathedrals, discover hidden alleys and experience live Cuban music. A complimentary cocktail and lunch are included, allowing you to take in the atmosphere of the city fully.

15. City Sightseeing Bike Tour

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Havana Street

This tour is perfect if you would much rather use a regular bike, and is geared towards guests with reasonable levels of physical fitness.

This bike tour allows you to get the blood pumping while you discover the vast coastline of the Malecón, hidden streets of Old Havana and impressive sights of the modern city.

At 4.5 hours, this journey has plenty of stops for you to relax and take in the atmosphere, as well as visits to some community art projects.

Your trip ends with a visit to a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a light lunch and complimentary cocktail.

15 Best Havana Tours .

A great way to experience the various parts of Cuba is by visiting it. 

Cuban people’s underground culture – together with the famous classical cars that fill Havana’s streets – are attractive to a large audience who are looking for a completely different kind of journey from other islands in the region.

There are many natural beauty areas and beautiful beaches scattered throughout the country.

Let’s explore the best tours in Cuba.

Cuba is a communist-ruling Caribbean island nation. The beaches have white sugar and are dotted with tobacco fields that contribute to the production of legendary cigars throughout the country. The Havana capital is bordered by pastel houses, cars from the 1950s and Spanish-colonial architecture at the heart of 16th century, Ancient Havana. Salsa music is performed on the famous Tropicana at the dance clubs and cabaret shows.

The isolated nation of Cuba has fascinated many adventurous travelers for decades and tourism has recently opened to American visitors, making it now a better time than ever to explore the unique island of the Caribbean.

18. Topes de Collantes

Topes de Collantes is an Escambray Mountains nature reserve in Cuba. It also refers to the third highest peak in the reserve, where there is a small village and tourist resort, with the same name.

Anybody who likes to walk should do this tour! Sooo gorgeous! Lady and a family with small children make the walk. It’s fine for everybody!

Wonderful waterfall in lovely scenery! We recommend to all this walk and hike and try the coffee on the entrance!!! Cafe best in Cuba so far!

Good shoes are needed to paddle up the smaller mountains:) Only basic walking standards are needed.

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17. Viñales Valley

The Karestic depression in Cuba is the Viñales valley. The valley is located in the mountains of the Sierra de los Órganos, in the Province of Pinar del Río, just north of the Viñales.

Great place to walk around. In a relatively dry and dusty Valley, the goats are strange residues of rock. It can get very warm, so recommended to drink a lot.

A tour in Viñales must be made. We Can participate in a horse riding tour for a day trip. A good experience for tourists.

You can go to the lake and swim a little. It is amazing the scenes along the valley. It’s going to be incredible if you go there during the sunset.

The guide often takes you into tobacco farms and rum makers who expect you to buy something there. There’s also something. In tobacco, the price of cigars is usually above other not in the valley tobacco farms.

16. Cayo Largo del Sur beach / Key Largo

The island is a small resort off the southern coast of Cuba, Cayo Largo del Sur. It is known because of its long, sandy beaches like Los Cocos Beach, Blanca Beach and Lindarena Beach. On the Tortuga Beach Sea turtles lay their eggs. The Marina Rescue Center of Tortugas is the farm and conservation center for marine turtle. The island’s history is explored in a small museum in the main village.

Service was good, food was abundant but was generally repeated, and the bar was well stocked and popular beers were gone. Cuban spirits and great cocktails. Pool with many lounge chairs was clean. Five minutes from the resort the beach was accessible. Would recommend it. Would recommend.

Nice beaches. Great island for relaxation. If you go, it’s worth 4×4 renting. The whole island you can discover.

1. Havana 2-Hour Classic American Car Tour

Havana Classic American Car Tour

Cuba has been filled with classic American cars since the 1950s because of trade embargoes, and it has become famous with tourists. In one of these cars this tour takes you around Havana and points out all the best places in the city.

At the Hotel Nacional, you will get a free cocktail to bring you closer to the Cuban vintage experiences. On this unforgettable ride through the Cuban capital, you will receive a dedicated driver and knowledgeable guide.

2. Day-Trip to Varadero in a Classic Car

Facts, Things to do: Another great way to experience Cuba’s classic cars, this trip takes you from the Capital of Havana to the nearby seaside resort town of Varadero.

You will visit numerous viewpoints along the way to take in the spectacular sights and sounds of the country, including the Bacunayagua Bridge. The Varadero region is known for its warm water beaches and white sand covered coasts.

The tour finishes up in one of the more secluded beaches for you to relax and take a swim, before returning you to Havana.

3. Welcome to Havana: Private Tour with a Local

Welcome To Havana – Private Tour

A lot of the best secrets of Havana are kept with the residents, but the best way to get to know the town is by far to let one of them guide you around their favorite sites.

This tour is a private experience, so that you can chat with your guide and set up a personalized journey in advance.

You’ll learn about the vibrant part of the island and how locals manage to undermine the existing system in order to simplify their lives and enjoy the luxury that is prohibited elsewhere.

4. Havana: Cabaret Tropicana Admission Ticket

Cabaret Tropicana

You will get into the heart of Cuban modern culture and experience the famous nightlife in Havana.

In vibrant costumes from all around the world, this 2.30 hour show features traditionally modern Cuban music and encourages the public to take part in an immersive performance.

You can also choose your quarter bottle of cuban rum or whiskey with a welcoming drink and a few snacks.

5. Yumurí Valley Jeep Safari

Yumurí Valley Jeep Safari

Though Cuba is not as well known for its spectacular scenery as other Caribbean island nations, the country has plenty of gorgeous hidden gems worth exploring.

This tour takes you to the Yumurí valley in a jeep – leading you on adventures both on and off road. You will get the chance to snorkel at Playa Coral Beach and in the Saturno Cave. You will also have the opportunity to try your hand at horse riding.

A lunch is included during the journey and you can opt to be picked up from your hotel in Havana and taken to the Jeep depot.

6. Havana: 1-Day Tour from Varadero

Havana

With the introduction of inexpensive flights from Europe, Varadero has become an entry point for many visitors. Though the sands and seas of the area will surely keep you wanting to stay behind and relax, it is well worth taking a trip to the capital.

This tour picks you up from your hotel in Varadero and takes you to the buzzing capital of Cuba – Havana. You will check out the history, culture and unique lifestyles within the city, as well as enjoy a light lunch and traditional drink.

7. Havana: 2-Hour Afro-Cuban Religions Walking Tour

Afro-Cuban Religions Walking Tour

The deep religious beliefs held by many locals in Havana are the result of an amalgamation of Christianity and traditional African beliefs. This tour gives you a fascinating insight into these religions and the cultures they have inspired.

The expert local guide will walk you through the heart of these communities and you will be given the opportunity to attend a live Rumba performance where you can sample the culture for yourself.

You will speak to real locals and learn all about their experiences with the Afro-Cuban religions.

8. Havana: Off-the-Beaten-Track Tour

Havana Off The Beaten Track Tour

This tour focuses on all the sites you won’t find in your guidebook. You will check out a state-run farm, visit a ceramics workshop, and try out an authentic Creole meal in a Cuban finca.

There are two drinks included with your meal. A local guide is provided to give you a truly in-depth experience into real Cuban culture, and you will be avoiding all the main tourist routes.

This experience allows for a more intimate connection with Havana, and with Cuban culture as a whole.

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9. From Varadero: Guamá Full-Day Swim and Snorkel Tour

Boca de Guama, Cuba

If you are based in Varadero, this is a great tour to take you deep into the Cuban countryside.

The tour begins with a jaunt across the countryside of Matanzas Province, including some time spent at Laguna del Tesoro. At the Laguna, you will enjoy a motorboat ride across the entire lake on your journey to Guamá.

You will visit a local crocodile farm to get up close to the animals, before finishing at your destination for some snorkeling at the beach. There is an open bar for you to enjoy on the beach, and lunch is provided.

10. Havana: Community Arts Projects Tour

Community Art Projects Tour

Cubans have found a number of creative ways to deal with the deep social problems of their country. One of these ways is the community art projects which encourage locals to use their creativity.

This tour allows you to visit three of these projects across the city to learn more about the unique creativity of Cubans and how these initiatives are helping locals. You will also check out some of the interesting street art across the city and meet with incredibly artistic locals.

11. Cuba: On the Trail of Ernest Hemingway Tour

Trail Of Ernest Hemingway Tour

Famed writer Ernest Hemingway spent a large part of his life in Cuba; this tour celebrates the contribution he has given to the local culture and to the world.

You will visit the museum dedicated to him at his former home in Finca Vigía, and check out a monument built in his memory.

You can also visit some of the bars that were well loved by the writer and try some local drinks. Lunch is provided, as are entry tickets to the museum.

12. Havana Art by Night

Havana Art By Night

This tour is a fantastic insight into all forms of art that manifest in the city of Havana. You will begin at a gallery dedicated to young artists from the island, where you can check out their artworks and hear their stories.

You will then be driven – in a classic car – to the Fábrica de Arte Cubano – one of the largest community creative projects in the country.

Finish up your tour by experiencing contemporary Cuban music and performances, as well as the opportunity to take your own piece of Cuban art home.

13. From Havana: Trinidad and Cienfuegos Private Tour

Trinidad And Cienfuegos Private Tour

This tour takes you to two typical Cuban towns to get a more in-depth insight into the real Cuban culture that many tourists do not see.

In Cienfuegos, you will have the chance to admire the Spanish colonial architecture and learn about the history of Cuba as a Spanish colony. In Trinidad, you can learn more about the religions of the island at local churches, as well as visit some unique museums.

You will also visit a ceramic factory and admire the breathtaking views of rural Cuba.

14. From Havana: Viñales Tour in a Classic Car

Viñales is an interesting attraction off the usual tourist routes that will embed you in the culture of rural Cubans. Visit tobacco fields and learn more about the production of the famous Cuban cigars.

In Viñales national park, your guide will help you hop onto a horse for a ride through the beautiful area. There are also visits to secluded caves, breathtaking viewpoints, and unique murals.

This tour is conducted in a classic car from Havana, however, an option from Varadero is also available.

15. From Varadero: Sea Cruise to Cayo Blanco

Sea Cruise To Cayo Blanco

The offshore island of Cayo Blanco is a beautiful setting to swim in the Caribbean, sunbathe, or try out some snorkeling. This tour takes you out to the island on a luxury catamaran.

You will be shown local marine life and given with snorkel equipment to check out the coral reef. Lunch is provided on the island, and a cocktail, beer or soft drink is offered on the ride back to Varadero.

Before start tour to Caribbean Island Cuba country first we know little about it.   (In 2017 Estimated stay-over tourists in cuba: 4,700,600) 

Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba is a country comprising the island of Cuba as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos.

Cuba is located in the northern Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean meet.

Capital City:	Havana
Largest city	Havana,   ( other major cities include Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey. )
Official language	Spanish, but all speak English
Currency	Peso (CPU) – (1 peso = 1 United States Dollar)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+53
Area Total	109,884 km2
Independence	20 May 1902 (  Independence from the United States )
population	11.2 million people. (1.12 crores=112 lakhs)

Interesting points:

• The island of Cuba is the largest island in Cuba and in the Caribbean, with an area of 105,006 square kilometres (40,543 sq mi), and the second-most populous after Hispaniola, with over 11 million inhabitants.

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1st Things to do travel plan for ?

Find a best Travel package from a company/ Agent book from their, they will handle all plans like flight, hotel, transportation, food , but its expensive and safe journey.  OR

How to Plan by your own / self

Do plan yourself – For cheap flight tickets book early 3 month before book journey and return ticket, then book hotel, then apply for visa as vacation/Tourist.

Currency exchange: After got visa you have to have visiting country currency in hand. there are currency exchange counters there in airports, but they take huge commissions. Best is get currency with in your country. If you plan for use Credit Debit Cards, first know your bank limitations and fee use in foreign countries.

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Places to visit and Things to do in Cuba :

This is a 11,252,000 (11.2 million) populous country Caribbean Islands, have  Tourists from around the world are drawn to the mystique of Cuba, an island that boasts a pristine coastline, an abundance of parks and several UNESCO natural reserves.

The city of Havana is well known for its lively entertainment featuring jazz and Latin music and dance, and copious amounts of rum-flavored drinks. 

 plenty of museums and art galleries and also plenty of vintage American cars, Cuba offer a window into the country’s rich history and culture.

Cuba offers up an eclectic blend of old world charm in its neoclassical and baroque architecture, mixed with post-modernist styles and natural landscapes. 

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 Cuba best places image Gallery

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Cuba is a Caribbean island nation under communist rule. It has sugar-white beaches and is dotted with tobacco fields, which play a part in the production of the country’s legendary cigars.

The capital, Havana, is lined with pastel houses, 1950s-era cars and Spanish-colonial architecture in the 16th-century core, Old Havana. Salsa music plays in the dance clubs and cabaret shows are performed at the famed Tropicana.

The largest of all Caribbean islands, Cuba is a magical country located south of Key West, Florida. The enchanted country is a part of almost all bucket lists and how can it not! The colonial cities of Cuba haven’t changed much with time, yet they feel as magnificent as ever with shabby facades covering an occasional gold dust.

Traveling to Cuba can often feel like you are trapped in a time warp with grandiose architecture and cobbled streets that tell tales of the times when pirates stalked the Caribbean.

‘Guagas’ or Cuban buses are a popular option of traveling inland from one point to another, while you can also hire a cab or rent a car to travel in style and comfort.

If you are a backpacker on a budget or a traveller who is in desperate need for excitement, hitchhiking is not only the most economical way to travel around the island country, it may also be the most intriguing one.

Funnily, the country has two currencies – the National Peso (26 pesos per dollar) and the Convertible Peso (1 to 1 per dollar).

When in Cuba, take time to spend the night at the Malécon, indulge in some sinfully delicious street food, groove to the tunes of live Cuban jazz music and oh! while you are at it, don’t forget to pay your homage to Ernest Hemingway by visiting his house (now a museum) at Finca Vigía.

Explore some of Cuba’s finest beaches – the country’s real treasures and its timeless beauty.

1. Playa Paraiso

Playa Paraiso

Playa Paraiso, also known as the Paradise beach is a beautiful, almost untouched beach known for its pristine white sandy coastline and sparkling turquoise water.

Voted as the third most beautiful beach in the world in 2016 by Traveller’s Choice, Playa Paraiso is famous for some of the calmest waters in the island country of Cuba.

Though most of the adventures lay in Playa Sirena, a 20 minutes’ walk from Playa Paraiso, the beach line at the Paradise beach offers a tranquil atmosphere and a perfect getaway from the otherwise hustle and bustle of a usual Cuban beach town.

Don’t expect a fancy hospitality service here but you can enjoy a glass of fresh juice or a bottle of beer at the snack bar.

The hotels are located far away from the serenity of the beach waters but taxis, scooter and jeep rentals, and shuttle services are available to travel back and forth between the hotel zone and the beach.

2. Varadero Beach

Varadero Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Cuba is the Varadero beach which is known as the complete package deal in terms of a rejuvenating Cuban beach holiday. The splendid, almost-straight 25 km stretch of white, sandy beach runs across the entire peninsula.

Combination of blue and green waters create an exquisite boundary between the mainland and the Florida Straits. And, to top it all, the narrow width of the peninsula ensures that the beach is always just a few steps away.

Though Varadero can’t be called a traditional Cuban place, all because of the extreme influx of tourists and abundance of tourism-related activities, come July and August, the island sees as many native tourists as westerners.

There are over thirty diving sites around the peninsula. If not diving, you can indulge in other water sports such as sailing, snorkelling, fishing, or taking a boat ride in a glass-bottom boat.

To take a break from beach activities, visit the numerous museums and art galleries, spend an evening at the cabaret, and make friends at the bars and cafes.

3. Playa Los Flamencos

Playa Los Flamencos

Also known as Cayo Coco beach, Playa Los Flamencos is best known for its lavish, all-inclusive resorts. The island is in central Cuba and is a part of Jardines del Rey group of islands.

Named after the coco (white ibis) birds, the island’s 22 km long white sandy beach and sapphire waters are every beach lover’s dream. To find the best beaches of the island, you need to be at the northern coastline where you can also find the best resorts.

Cayo Coco is linked to Cayo Guillermo to the west and Cayo Romano to the east.

The island also has its own international airport – the Jardines del Rey airport. The earlier Cayo Coco airport has been transformed into a natural park.

The 3 km stretch of fine sand and starfish filled clear waters provide a good option for snorkelling.

4. Playa Pilar

Playa Pilar

Cayo Guillermo or Playa Pilar, a sleepy, laid-back island west of Cayo Coco, is a quieter beach option for those wanting to relax and indulge in fishing and diving.

The island is best known for its colony of 12,000 flamingos which gather here to feed and is a bewitching sight that most visitors come here for. The waters of Playa Pilar are home to abundant marine life such as fish, notably marlin, and is great for deep-sea adventures.

Even though the cay is much smaller as compared to its counterparts, the deserted beach stretch of 4 km gives it a rather infinite feeling.

While the majority of the island’s beaches remain untouched, most of the hotels are clustered around Playa El Medio and Playa El Paso.

Get a day pass to any of the all-inclusive hotels and unwind yourself here.

5. Cayo Las Brujas

Cayo Las Brujas

Located the nearest to the mainland, Cayo Las Brujas houses the only marina in the area and is home to the least expensive hotels and beach, making it both economical and accessible.

As you arrive at the causeway, the first left turn takes you to the marina via the Villas Las Brujas hotel where only guests and day pass holders are allowed and can access the beach from here provided they are asked to show their passport. Others take the second left turn and end up at the eastern end of the same beach, though the one by the hotel is slightly better.

The island is small, only 7 square kilometres, but along with its two neighbouring cays, Cayo Ensenachos and Cayo Santa Maria, it forms a pleasant resort destination often known as Los Cayos de Villa Clara.

Cayo Las Brujas is known for its stunning beaches, the fine white sands, and clear turquoise water, which all contribute to making it a world-class fishing spot.

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6. Cayo Santa Maria

Cayo Santa Maria

A dolphinarium, two cays – Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos, and several beaches beyond lays the stunning 15 km stretch of white, shiny sand and clear waters of Cayo Santa Maria.

All part of a larger archipelago, Jardines del Rey, Cayo Santa Maria is home to one of the most untouched beaches of northern cays, Playa Perla Blanca.

Though getting to Playa Perla Blanca is a bit of a trek, but the beauty of this stunning beach is open for all to see and enjoy and soak in the magnificence around you while resting on its smooth sand.

Fidel Castro, former prime minister of Cuba, reportedly claimed Cayo Santa Maria to be better than Varadero beach.

7. Cayo Sabinal

Cayo Sabinal

A deserted white, sandy beach cay located 25 kilometres west from Santa Lucia, Cayo Sabinal is a class apart from your usual Cuban beach town. The vibe here is so serene and ethereal that it feels almost unreal and supernatural.

Tucked away at the far end of a bumpy dirt track that stretches over 7 km, Cayo Sabinal is still unknown to hybrid commercialism and hence, has its virginity and beauty intact – a characteristic that can’t be associated with too many beaches around the beach country of Cuba.

All the beaches of Cayo Sabinal are on the north of the cay and are marked by signposts visible on the main road approaching the beach area.

Playa Los Pinos is the longest beach in the cay and is manifested by its clear, turquoise waters and wild horses and deer roaming the surrounding woodlands.

8. Cayo Largo

Cayo Largo

Cayo Largo del Sur, also known simply as Cayo Largo or the ‘Long cay’, is your very own Robinson Crusoe island – deserted and paradise-like. Almost virgin and completely natural, the island of Cayo Largo is far away from commercialization and mass tourism.

One of the very few places in Cuba to have gay-friendly, naturist-friendly, and clothing optional (a section) beaches, Cayo Largo has a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that welcomes one and all with an open heart.

Diving is a popular sport among visitors here and other activities include deep-sea fishing, day boat adventures, dolphin swimming and sunset cruises.

Though the island doesn’t see many tourists as compared to other, more-commercialized islands, a recent survey claims that 75% of the tourists here are repeat visitors.

9. Playa Ancon

Playa Ancon

Often proclaimed as the best beach in Southern Cuba, Playa Ancon is the largest and the longest beach in the area and boasts clear turquoise waters arched around glistening golden sand.

The beach may be the primary source of attraction in the area, however, Playa Ancon has reserved its natural exquisiteness as best as it could. Trees and shrubs adorn the shoreline and the reefs are totally gorgeous.

Diving in the reefs is quite popular, while Cuba’s colonial jewel, Trinidad is just a stone’s throw away. Fishing excursions such as trolling for the big game, deep-sea fishing adventures, and bottom fishing are also quite prevalent in the area.

Snorkelling to Cayo Blanco is a highly popular excursion among tourists here.

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10. Playa Guardalavaca

Playa Guardalavaca

It is said that Christopher Columbus described Guardalavaca as the most beautiful place he has ever seen in his life. Though we can’t blindly trust his wisdom, Playa Guardalavaca is definitely a sight to behold.

1500 meter stretch of sparkling white sand and rolling hills and green fields full of palms, sea grapes, and tamarind decorating the beach’s backdrop makes the Playa beautiful and equally natural.

The beach is popular among the natives as it is among tourists which provides the entire area a nice and surreal Cuban feel, unlike other tourist-oriented beach towns.

Snorkelling equipment is available for rent around the beach, and hotels and beach resorts are in abundance.

11. Playa Larga

Playa Larga

Renowned for the Bay of Pigs invasion, Playa Larga is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Cuba for economical water activities such as snorkelling and diving.

The dive sites around Bay of Pigs are best suitable for amateur and budget diving enthusiasts. The sites along the shoreline from Playa Larga to Playa Giron are excellent sites for such water excursions. And, most agencies offer equipment and transportation for as low as CUC$25.

The pristine waters of Playa Larga are smooth as glass in the morning while gentle waves roll as the day takes over.

Ample amount of trees around the shoreline offers plenty of shaded area to rest or sunbathe without being sunburnt.

12. Playa Santa Lucia and Playa Los Cocos

Playa Santa Lucia

Playa Santa Lucia may not be as modernized as the other beaches in Cuba but it is definitely worth a visit because of its excellent diving and shark hand-feeding adventures.

The water here is pleasantly warm and you can walk at least 100 meters out in the sea before you swim.

Though the beach area lacks serious tourist infrastructure, staying at one of the many all-inclusive beach resorts is surely the way to enjoy this paradisiacal town.

Playa Los Cocos in La Boca, although more remote, is undoubtedly a superior beach and one of the best in the country. As compared to the 10-metre-wide coastline of Playa Santa Lucia where you may have to lay in the water if you want to sunbathe, there is actually a beach with fine sand here.

Don’t miss the flamingos on your way to Playa Los Cocos.

13. Playa Coral

Playa Coral

As the name suggests, Playa Coral is best known among tourists for its corals and hence, is a highly popular diving site for amateurs and professionals alike.

Located in the Varadero area, Playa Coral is your best bet for shore snorkelling.

There are three options to snorkel at Playa Coral – at the Flora and Fauna Reserve, snorkelling from Playa Coral, and snorkelling before the reserve.

Though you can snorkel yourself from the Playa, the safest option is to do it at the reserve which offers access to the protected section, all equipment, a guide, and an easy entrance to the water for only $10.

Reportedly, there are around 300 species of fish and are easily visible within 10 to 20 meters of dive.

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14. Cayo Levisa

Cayo Levisa

Still under the mass tourism radar, Cayo Levisa is considered among the most beautiful beaches of Cuba.

Located approximately from the capital city of Havana, the island can be easily reached from Palma Rubia port, even though the most preferred and stylish way to make your way into the island is on a private yacht.

Cayo Levisa is in the Pinar del Rio province and is best known for its rich black coral habitation, white sandy beaches, and sapphire waters. The island is also a popular site among snorkelers and divers.

The island has one bungalow style hotel (with 20 cottages), a modest restaurant, and a diving centre. There is no causeway here which is why the island is only accessible via boats.

15. Playa del Este

Playa Del Este

If your idea of heaven is striking sandy beaches, deep blue sea waters, and a vibrant sunset by the beach, you are probably imagining Playa del Este as your heaven.

Located on the eastern side of Havana, Playa del Este is a chain of gold-studded beaches running to a total length of around 10 km.

Budget as well as luxury hotels and resorts décor the shoreline. The region is quite popular among tourists and thus, is well-equipped with all the necessities of a tourism-oriented beach town.

In spite of the influx of tourists, Playa del Este maintains a rustic and time-warped feel which is a breath of fresh air among the otherwise tourist-packed coastlines of Cuba.

Cuba has for years been very much closed off to the world, especially for travelers from the United States.

But recently, the country’s tourism industry has seen a resurgence, as the nation opens its gates to visitors and those visitors embrace the chance to explore this vibrant island.

Havana is the capital of this island nation and it’s an incredibly diverse place, where hundreds of years of Spanish colonial history merge with modern Cuban culture on the old streets of the city.

It’s a place of rum and cigars, of fortresses and historic buildings, and of culture and diversity, where the Cuban spirit is most pronounced.

Havana is also the perfect base from which to explore much of the rest of the island too.

Located on the northern shore are beaches and national parks all within easy reach of the city center, while many of Cuba’s most exciting and energetic towns can be traveled to in a day.

There are plenty of exciting day trip opportunities available from Havana – here are the very best.

1. Havana Beaches

Source: Tupungato

Playa Megano, Cuba

The historic center of Havana may be a maze of stone buildings and narrow alleyways, all built far back in the colonial days, but away from these old streets and just 30-minutes along the coast is a different world.

The beaches of Havana are absolutely spectacular and remind us why the island was such a popular tourist destination before its revolution.

Their ever-growing popularity now is also a reminder of how this island is likely to change soon, with the huge resurgence of tourism.

The best area to head is east, where the long, sandy, tropical beaches begin before the city even ends.

Travel to Playas del Este for laid-back beach days – to sip a few cocktails on the sand and enjoy the warm, clear waters.

2. Varadero

Source: Tsalvit

Varadero Beach

If you are looking for more beach time, then the most spectacular stretches of sand in Cuba can be found at Varadero, to the east of Havana.

Varadero has long been the haunt of package holiday-makers from Europe, well before the island even began opening up to tourism.

This sheltered, closed-off beach resort has a completely different vibe than the rest of the country.

The reason that holidaymakers have sunned themselves here for years is that this small peninsula is simply beautiful.

This is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and at 20-kilometers long, even with lots of tourism here, there’s always space for more people.

It’s laid back, full of sun and full of rum – perfect for those awesome lazy afternoons on the beach.

3. Matanzas

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Matanzas

Matanzas is found just over 100-kilometers away from Havana’s city center.

It’s a laid-back example of the slow-paced life many Cubans live outside of the big city.

It’s close to the resorts of Varadero, but unlike the beaches there, few people actually hang around to explore this charming place.

The small city looks out over the Bay of Matanzas and is a cultural heaven, famous across Cuba for its poets musicians and writers.

Spend the day strolling the streets of Matanzas and discovering the real Cuba.

4. Cuevas de Bellamar

Source: Konstantin Aksenov

Cuevas De Bellamar

The Bellamar Caves are found close to the city of Matanzas and are an incredible underground spectacle.

The caves are some of the most impressive in the Caribbean, and certainly the longest network of caves in Cuba.

They were discovered in 1861 and have been an important tourist attraction ever since.

It’s thought that there are at least 750-meters of tunnels and caves underground, but it’s possible that much more still remains undiscovered.

There are many day trips available from Havana that specifically take visitors here.

Walking through the cool, dark, ancient tunnels is a very humbling experience that makes for a very unique day trip.

5. Yumuri Valley

Source: Thomas Kauroff

Yumuri Valley

Also close to Matanzas, and the perfect distance away from Havana to make for an excellent day trip, the Yumuri Valley is a huge, lush area of green landscapes; it’s a wonderful place for hiking and outdoor exploration.

The Yumuri River runs through the valley itself and is fringed by tall mountains on either side, producing a place of startling contrasts.

Locals will tell you that this is the most beautiful part of Cuba.

Despite the obvious bias, they may, in fact, be absolutely correct.

6. The Hershey Train

Source: STEPHEN J MASON PHOTOGRAPHY

Hershey Train

One of the more unusual day trips to make from Havana is to take a ride on the Hershey Train.

This is an ancient electric train that was originally used by the Hershey Chocolate Company.

Before the revolution, they built train lines that connected their sugar plantations with Matanzas and then onto Havana.

Although the company left when Castro came to power and the government took over the trains, they are still in use today.

It’s not for everyone, because the trains are old and in a state of disrepair, but it is an incredibly nostalgic experience.

The journey is a slow one, but it’s possible to take the Hershey Train all the way from Havana to Matanzas, or vice versa.

It will probably take all day, so many people will take the train one way and find quicker transport for the return leg.

7. Colon

Source: Mill 1 / Wikimedia

Colon

Colon is around a two-hour drive southeast of Havana, and it’s not the standard tourist attraction.

The small city isn’t usually found on travel itineraries, as there isn’t much of anything to see here, or any particular stand out attraction.

It’s made it onto this list, however, because of the fact that this is a place that is completely untouched by tourism.

This is the Cuba of your imagination – where grand colonial architecture stands proudly in the streets; where classic American cars from the 1950’s and 1960’s are still very much in everyday use; and where the charm that may be slowly fading elsewhere – especially along the busier coast of Havana – is still very, very much alive.

8. Cienfuegos

Source: Anton_Ivanov

Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos lies 200-kilometers to the southeast of Havana and it’s one of the island’s most impressive cities to explore outside of the capital.

It’s an elegant, colorful and charming place, where laid-back life continues along the coast as it always has, with little care in the world.

The local name for the city is Perla del Sur, which translates to ‘Pearl of the South’, and you’ll soon realize just why it’s achieved this claim to fame.

The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a tribute to the 19th Century buildings which still remain here.

9. Trinidad

Source: rphstock

Trinidad

Trinidad is a city that’s also found southeast of Havana, but it’s a long day trip from the capital.

It’s very much worth making the journey though, in order to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site in all its colorful glory.

The old colonial streets are some of the best preserved in the country, with many vibrantly painted houses and buildings giving the city its unique charms.

Outside of the UNESCO streets, many visitors travel here to experience the spectacular natural areas found nearby.

Make sure to visit the Topes de Collantes National Park – an area of outstanding beauty – where many towering waterfalls can be found.

10. Vinales

Source: Zaruba Ondrej

Vinales Valley, Cuba

Found in the western portion of the island, Vinales is one of Cuba’s most revered areas of natural beauty.

The town of Vinales is a small place, and the population of this wild, rugged area is sparse, meaning that the valley and the mountains here are almost untouched.

The Vinales Valley itself is now a UNESCO World Heritage area, where lush, green plains are punctuated by the distinct forms of huge, towering limestone cliffs that rise from the vegetation like giants.

It’s the perfect place for hiking and exploring rural Cuban life.

11. Cojimar

Source: Martyn Jandula

Cojimar

Cojimar is a small town on the eastern outskirts of Havana.

It’s really not far away, but it makes for a very interesting day trip, especially for literary fans of Ernest Hemingway.

The author spent a lot of time in Cuba and wrote many stories from the inspiration he gained here.

Today, he’s somewhat of a national hero for the way he portrayed Cuban life before the revolution; many of his favorite haunts are visited by locals and tourists alike.

Cojimar is one of those favorite spots, where Hemingway found inspiration on the coast for his book, The Old Man and the Sea, which helped him to win the Nobel Prize for literature.

12. Finca la Vigia Estate

Source: Roxana Gonzalez

Finca La Vigia Estate

Another favorite spot for day trippers and Hemingway fans is the Finca la Vigia Estate.

This was the former home of the famous writer, but even if you aren’t into his novels, it makes for an excellent day out.

Again found on the outskirts of Havana, it’s a lovely yet somewhat easy to reach escape from urban life.

13. Las Terrazas

Source: Maurizio De Mattei

Las Terrazas

Not far from Havana you can find Las Terrazas, an area of unique flora and fauna that acts as a bio-reserve and is a much-loved day trip from Havana.

The scenery here is beautiful and the protected vegetation is well-preserved; the area acts as a pioneering ecotourism endeavor.

14. Parque Nacional la Guira

Source: gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K / Wikimedia

Parque Nacional La Guira

This is one of the most interesting national parks in Cuba.

Found in the overgrown jungles west of Havana, this was once a wealthy landowners estate.

During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Che Guevara lived here amongst the many caves – which can be explored today – in order to survive if the Americans bombed Cuba.

15. Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata

Source: Drevs

Parque Nacional Ciénaga De Zapata

South of Matanzas is Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata, a huge protected area of wilderness, jungle, and coastline.

The area includes the historic Bay of Pigs – where the US attempted an unsuccessful invasion after the Cuban Revolution.

Today, the region is becoming well-known amongst tourists for its diverse wildlife spotting opportunities.