Holidays to Cuba

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By midas_touch


Cuba is an island for lovers and poets, adventurers and history buffs, party animals and naturalists.  This Caribbean island is simply amazing, to say the least.  What do holidays to Cuba mean in a nutshell?  The cool breeze at the beach, the hypnotic beat of the salsa drum, the scent of mangos and frangipani, historic icons, drinks on the cheap, streets lined with colonial houses and classic cars, and a bohemian atmosphere that is all its own.  These and so much more are what you can expect when you go into a holiday in Cuba. Cuba is a country that possesses its unique brand of charm – a captivating mix of history, music, culture, the arts, nature, and adventure.  There is so much to see, do, taste and experience!

Havana

The capital city of Cuba is all about dancing the night away, cigars, Spanish colonial houses and American vintage cars.  Stop by Old Havana, which has the highest concentration of colonial buildings.  This district holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is perfect for a day of just ambling around, looking for unexpected treasures.  There is the Catedral de San Cristobal, which never fails to amaze with its towering stone pillars and collection of antiquities and art.  There are also a number of museums and art galleries, such as the Centro Wilfredo Lam (which houses a collection of the acrylics and lithographs of the renowned 20th century artist) and Museo de la Ciudad (with its colonial arts and artifacts).  Parque Historico Morro Y Cabaña is a compound with forts, lighthouse and cannons.  It holds an astounding collection of antique weaponry.  When Havana was a walled city, cannons were shot from this area to let it be known to the citizens that the doors were about to be closed.  Other places of interest include the convent de Santa Clara de Asis (now home to the National Center for Restoration, Conservation and Museum Studies), El Cristo de La Habana (Cuba’s version of the famed Cristo del Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, the Plaza de Armas and the Partagas Cigar Factory.
Now, mind you, Havana is not just about history and the arts.  If you are the adventurous sort, you can also go on a pub crawl.  This is your chance to have your fill of cheap drinks.  Do not forget to get a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio, whose claim to fame is that it used to be Hemingway’s favorite haunt.  You can also spend the night dancing (or at least trying to!) as a live music band plays an intoxicating salsa beat.
Havana is a must-see when you are travelling to the country.  Your holiday to Cuba will simply not be the same without visiting this charming city.

Guardalavaca

For idyllic days at the beach, Guardalavaca is the place to visit.  It boasts of a coral reef that houses a vibrant marine life, perfect for snorkelers and scuba divers.  And if you get lucky, you can even get to swim with the dolphins.  Guardalavaca can also serve as a jumping point to Baracoa (with its chocolate factories and waterfall) and Santiago de Cuba (where you can find the citadel of San Pedro de la Roca).

Varadero

Another perfect place to enjoy Cuba’s famous beaches.  Its natural beauty has attracted tourists for years now.  This is where you will find luxury resorts and hotels, as well as a golf course for those who can’t stop the urge to improve their handicap.   From Varadero, you can take trips to the Zapata Swamp National Park and Matanzas.

Vinales Valley

This town’s claim to fame is the mogotes, or hills with amazingly round tops.  It is a sight to behold as this houses lush vegetation and a network of underground rivers.

Trinidad

This quaint and quiet city is a breath of fresh air with its colonial buildings with their trademark red-tiled roofs, churches and plazas.  As you walk along its cobbled streets, you will have time to savor glimpses of local life, as well as fascinating details such as wooden shutters, horse-drawn carts and wrought-iron grills.

Cardenas

Hop on a train that harks back to the start of the 20th century and take a tour of the valley and sugar plantations that brought life and wealth to the region during its heyday.  Do try the “Guarapo”, which is a delectable drink made from sugar cane juice.  Explore one of the haciendas or sugar estates, such as Managa-Iznaga and get a glimpse of how the rich lived their lives.

Santa Clara

This is where you can find the monuments dedicated to the Cuban historical icon.  There is a memorial you can find at the Plaza de la Revolucion and another one (this time a train monument) that marks the place where Che finally made the final blow to gain victory for the revolution.  The words “Hasta la Victoria Siempre” (hich means Forever Onwards Towards Victory) are inscribed in the Ernesto Che Guevara Monument, where you can also find the remains of the beloved Cuban hero.

These charms and so much more are calling, inviting you to book that holiday to Cuba. The good news is that there are cheap flights and alternatives so that you can save even as you have the time of your life.

You can also check out alternatives, such as a holiday to Dubai.

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