A vibrant Caribbean island, famed for offering unique historic charms in a paradise-like landscape, Cuba is a wonderful destination for holidays. Recent changes to US travel restrictions mean that you can now explore it more easily for yourself. Presently, American’s need to meet one of 12 set criteria but that’s not to say you can’t make the most of it once you get there. So, what can you expect on a trip to Cuba? Let’s take a look.
Picture by Taymaz Valley on Flickr, some rights reserved
Island dress code
With highs of almost 90 degrees in peak season, you’re going to need lots of light cotton layers, a trusty sun hat or parasol, and your favorite shades. Two or three swimsuits or two-pieces are essential to a Cuba trip – more on the island’s amazing beaches later!
Be sure to bring along clothes that are suitable for walking around the inner-island towns too. Comfortable, sturdy sandals or canvas sneakers (classic Chucks, anyone?) is a must, as is a large wraparound scarf for the cool nights. The island is alive with color, so make sure your wardrobe palette reflects this. Be vibrant, be bold!
Beach life
Fringed with powdery white sands, Cuba boasts beaches that inspired explorer Christopher Columbus to describe the island as ‘the most beautiful land that human eyes have ever seen’. Playa Turquesa is a sandy treasure, hidden by a small strip of dense forest. A small coral reef is only a short swim away in the shallow bay, or you can choose to take it easy on the tranquil shore.
Picture by Nick Kenrick on Flickr, some rights reserved
For somewhere a little livelier, head to Cayo Coco, where you’ll find three activity-packed beaches alongside top hotels and bars. Cayo Guillermo is also nearby and is home to the serene Playa Pilar. This was a favorite spot for Ernest Hemingway, and the beach gets its name from his yacht, Pilar.
Old school charm
The capital city of Havana is a window into the island’s long and fascinating history. Expect to see pastel colored buildings, hear the rattle of quirky vintage cars, feel the salsa beats pouring into the streets and experience the heady scent of cigars and (of course!) rum.
Plaza Vieja is a cobble stoned square cornered off with Baroque architecture and Gaudi influenced art-nouveau, complete with restaurants, a water fountain and a micro-brewery! Cuba also has a big art scene and offers great galleries including Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and Taller-Estudio José Fuster. Necrópolis de Cristóbal Colón is an incredible cemetery, with vast marble statues and tombs belonging to some of the island’s most important figures.
The perfect blend of lively atmosphere, captivating culture, intriguing history, and postcard perfect beaches, Cuba offers vacationers a unique taste of the Caribbean life. Why not throw your best beachwear and summer specials and find out more for yourself?
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