Cuba Holidays

Whether its hip-swivelling salsa or hand-rolled cigars, there's no shortage of fascinating things to do in Cuba. Traces of the island’s intriguing past linger everywhere in its towns and cities, as you admire the brightly coloured buildings in Havana or navigate your way through the cobbled streets of Trinidad. The architecture in Trinidad is stunning, with neo-Baroque buildings in the Plaza Mayor and lovely little shops which sell handcraft gifts and souvenirs. Being a tropical island, Cuba also has plenty of gorgeous beaches and seaside attractions, such as Cayo Coco for the best scuba diving sites. It's connected to Cuba by a causeway, where you'll see pink flamingoes as well as a fabulous coral reef! For snorkellers, you can discover a colourful underwater world in the clear Atlantic shallows at Holguin. Alternatively, take a bus from Havana to Baracoa, famous for its chocolate and cacao. After a generous sampling of the local wares, see some amazing views of the Bay of Baracoa from the top of El Yunque.

• There's a wealth of things to do in Havana, Cuba’s exciting capital city. Its streets are scattered with architectural wonders, mingling traces of Moorish and Art Deco with grand colonial buildings. It's home to tempting restaurants, little outdoor cafes, vibrant bars and fascinating galleries in such spots as the Plaza Vieja, Havana’s hub of Cuban culture. There's even a beer museum! The Museo de la Revolución is one of the most famed attractions in Cuba, housed in a former palace exhibiting the historical story of Fidel Castro, and the island's captivating past.
• Holguin boasts some of the island's best beaches combined with the charming ambience of this 'city of parks.' Here you can soak up the sight of the vintage American cars in its colourful streets, take in some live salsa, or visit a factory to see the famous cigars being rolled!
• The much-loved resort of Varadero boasts an amazing stretch of lustrous beach. Chill out on the pearlescent sands, enjoy fabulous water sports, or take a wander up to nearby Saturno Cave, with its amazingly pristine pool of freshwater inside.

Cuba's international history is reflected in its varied cuisine, which includes lobster, black beans, tostones (smashed fried plantains), mariquitas (plaintain crisps) and ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce).

• Famous restaurants in Cuba for such tasty treats include La Guardia, one of the most well known and popular restaurants in Havana. Set in a very old building, it serves excellent food with an ambience of antique luxury, and was the location where scenes of the famous Cuban film “Strawberry and Chocolate” were filmed.
• Another famous historical restaurant is San Cristobal in central Havana, which offers delicious traditional Cuban cuisine alongside international choices.
• Try also La Fontana, near the famous 5th Avenue. This not only has some of the best Cuban food, but is decorated in authentic Cuban style, and has both indoor and outdoor seating.

Cuba family holidays are memorable for all ages, starting with your fabulous family-friendly hotel! On a Cuban all-inclusive family holiday, the food, refreshments, swimming pools and activities all cater to children, so all the hard work is done for you.

• Family beach holidays are also a great option, with fun sand and water-based activities that offer an adventure for all ages. You can explore Cuba’s underwater world on a boat tour at Cayo Coco or Varadero.
• How about visiting an aquarium in Havana or Guardalavaca?
• Kids can pretend they’re pirates on a guided hike to the Bellamar Caves, which are home to a pool and an underground stream. These caves are the largest in Cuba and feature the “Fountain of Youth”, which will certainly be popular with the adults!

By day, Cuba has an array of contemporary art scenes that outdo many cultural hubs across the world.

• The fabulous UNESCO heritage site of Old Havana is a plaza constructed in the 16th century and surrounded by interesting architecture. Originally used for military and official ceremonies, Old Havana is now home to attractions like the colourful Plaza de Armas Book Market, where you can wander the stalls, or just sit and people-watch.
• The National Theatre, built in 1838, is a treasured icon of Cuban culture, and is now the home base of the Cuban National Ballet and many interesting dance shows.
• While in Havana, you should also make time to explore Cuba's oldest fort, Castillo de la Real Fuerza, and the fascinating new shipwreck museum.
• In Trinidad, culture vultures will love the ancient town, with its quaint cobbled streets leading to Spanish colonial ruins. Trinidad is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its remaining elegant mansions are now interesting museums.

Researching Cuba beach holidays can leave you feeling spolied for choice. Here, you can find peace and quiet basking on the beautiful isolated sands of Santa Maria, or go swimming in its glittering turquoise waters. Picture-perfect Playa las Tumbas is a UNESCO biosphere on the Guanhacabibes Peninsula, or you might try the exquisite Playa Ancón near Trinidad.

Locals and tourists alike flock to Varadero Beach for its 36 kilometres of soft golden sands, and the sands are even whiter in Guardalavaca and Cayo Coco! For snorkellers, the best spot in Cuba must be Holguin... and then there's the lovely Playa Jibacoa with shallow warm waters which are perfect for young children.

The capital city of Havana is home to some of the best nightlife in Cuba, with an amazing 5 mile strip along the coast called The Malecón. Here you’ll find loads of locals and visitors, hanging out at street vendors, listening to live music and drinking rum. There are loads of live music venues in Cuba, such as the famous La Zorra y El Cuervo where you can listen to some jazz, or check out other styles like son, trova and, of course, salsa. 1830 is a local outdoor club where you can sit and watch salsa dancing in the evenings, or get up yourself and have a go!

Nightlife in Havana is vibrant and exciting, but Holguin isn't too shabby either! Holguin has plenty going on, from live gigs and salsa clubs with dancing to mellow cafés oozing old-fashioned charm, while there are also some lovely waterfront beach clubs where you can relax with a cocktail and watch the sunset.
 

When you book a romantic holiday in Cuba, you can expect to be pampered at a relaxing spa, to get spoilt at luxurious beach resorts, or to dance the night away in a lively club in Havana. There's something in Cuba to suit everyone.

• ^ The best place to go in Cuba for couples looking for relaxation and privacy is the beautiful white-sand beach resort of Cayo Santa Maria. This remote island lies just off the Cuban mainland, and is connected to it only by a causeway, so you really can get away from it all! The tiny Caribbean paradise is home to glorious beaches, pristine blue waters and a fascinating nature reserve, offering an idyllic environment for a relaxing romantic holiday.
• For fun-loving couples, the place to head to is Havana, the Cuban capital city with an outstanding live music scene. With loads of cultural sights and sounds to occupy your day, you'll have to save some energy to salsa the night away with the locals, or for exploring some of Havana's many excellent restaurants.

How long is the flight to Cuba from the UK?

Usually 9 or 10 hours, depending on your departure airport.

Are US dollars accepted in Cuba?

No. There is a two-currency system of money in Cuba, the Cuban peso (CUP) and the US collar-linked Cuban convertible peso (CUC). You can't spend dollars directly, so it's better to bring sterling or euros as these get better conversion rates.

Do you need a visa to go to Cuba?

Yes. UK and EU citizens need a 30-day visa, called a Tourist Card, and a passport that is valid for at least two months after the duration of your stay.

Do you need vaccinations to go to Cuba?

The UK government advises that travellers are up to date with all routine vaccination courses and recommended boosters. These include such things as the MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. Tetanus jabs are also recommended for most visitors, and additional protection is recommended for those who may be at increased risk. These additional vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies.