cuba holidays

about cuba holidays

 

Cuba’s golden beaches and stunning scenery have been enticing visitors since Columbus visited in 1492. With mile upon mile of unspoilt beaches, it is perfect for a holiday in the sun. Cuba’s coral reefs offer fantastic scuba diving and its mountainous countryside is filled with lush sugarcane and colourful villages. Although tourism is growing, you can still escape from it all on a secluded beach far from the crowd. This beautiful and diverse country has a proud cultural heritage. The colonial Spanish heritage is visible in the elegant cities including the vibrant capital Havana while African and American influences are heard in the rhythmic sounds of the Cuban music. Its reputation for passion has lured writers, artists and even the occasional revolutionary. A holiday in Cuba combines a rich cultural experience with a relaxing beach escape. Enjoy the charming hospitality, explore a colonial fortress, sample a famous cigar, marvel at the colourful cars, catch a game of baseball or simply soak up Caribbean sun. With so many treasures on offer, you will be sure to return home with a little piece of Cuba in your heart.

important holiday info

Climate:	Tropical	Time Zone:	GMT(-5)
Language:	Spanish	Current Times:
Currency:	cuban pesos	cuba: 9-Sep-10 4:27 PM
Temperature:	25°C/35°C	UK: 9-Sep-10 9:27 PM

cayo coco holidays

our hotels in cayo coco

The gorgeous island of Cayo Coco lies just off the northern coast of Cuba and is linked to the mainland by a 17 km causeway. A perfect tropical paradise boasting a long golden beach and crystal clear turquoise water, this is the Caribbean's best kept secret. Stunning coral and sea life is close at hand and its secluded position makes this island a perfect wildlife shelter, home to many birds including pink flamingos.
Located just west of Cayo Coco is the much smaller coral key of Cayo Guillermo. With 5 km of golden beach protected by a sweeping coral reef, the island is blessed with great diving and probably the best fishing in Cuba. In fact, the fishing is so good, even Ernest Hemingway mentioned the spot in his book "Island in the Stream". If it is relaxation you're after, this the ideal place to unwind and forget the world for a while.

cayo guillermo holidays

our hotels in cayo guillermo

Located just west of Cayo Coco is the much smaller coral key of Cayo Guillermo. With 5 km of golden beach protected by a sweeping coral reef, the island is blessed with great diving and probably the best fishing in Cuba. In fact, the fishing is so good, even Ernest Hemingway mentioned the spot in his book "Island in the Stream". If it is relaxation you're after, this the ideal place to unwind and forget the world for a while.

cayo largo holidays

our hotels in cayo largo

Located just off the southern coast of Cuba this small, virgin island offers stunning white-sand beaches from top to bottom. Inhabited by a host of wildlife including turtles, iguanas, flamingos and pelicans it also has fantastic reefs with over 30 spectacular dive sites. A number of nearby islands are undeveloped and perfect for day trips or you can try fishing which is popular in the area. Cayo Largo has a little bit of everything, it is so enchanting you will never want to leave.

cayo levisa holidays

our hotels in cayo levisa

A little island formed by the coral reef that extends over a total surface of 4 Km² , located approximately to 2 Km off the coast of Cuba's mainland in the most oriental area of the Colorado Archipelago, the Cayo Levisa key beautifully emerges as Cuba's most precious natural gem in the northwestern region.

For its outstanding natural marvels and marine beauties the whole of Cayo Levisa has been incorporated to the Areas of Protected National Systems of Cuba as a Protected Area of Local Significance within the category of Protected Natural Landscape. For the delight of many visitors, holidaymakers and divers, besides the personnel working at the Hotel Cayo Levisa and those at the Cayo Levisa International Diving Centre the key is a completely uninhabited place that still preserve its wild environment in an almost virginal state.

The pristine natural conditions of Cayo Levisa are considered exceptional for the quality of its beach and the variety landscape of the underwater life that thrives around the key. Enthusiastic divers will be thrilled to find that the waters that skirt Cayo Levisa are home to the three most important marine ecosystems in the tropics (coralline reefs, swamps and seibadales or pastizales) providing incredible opportunities for the most amazing diving experiences imaginable.
 

cayo santa maria holidays

our hotels in cayo santa maria

Cuba's newest destination, the beautiful island of Cayo Santa Maria, lies at the western side of the Archipelago de Sabana-Camaguey, just 45 km north of the mainland. An impressive causeway links Santa Maria to Caibarien, allowing visitors easy access to this tropical paradise. The causeway winds its way across a 56 km route to Santa Maria, crossing an area dotted with small keys, home to flamingos, herons, cormorants and many other birds. Crystal clear waters, perfect for bathing and water sports, lap Cayo Santa Maria's soft white shores and offshore reefs teaming with marine life make impressive dive sites. The island's natural beauty has been recognised by UNESCO and the area was declared a Biosphere Reserve. Cayo Santa Maria is ideal for those looking for peace and tranquillity in exceptional surroundings. Why not combine a stay in Havana with a visit to Cayo Santa Maria and enjoy the best Cuba has to offer?

cuba tours holidays

our hotels in cuba tours

A tour of Cuba is a fantastic way to take in all that this unique country has to offer. Cuba is famous for its revolutionary history, vibrant culture and passionate people and also offers an intriguing assortment of experiences. You can explore its colonial cities, see its stunning landscapes, relax on its beautiful beaches or salsa the night away in one of its famous dance clubs. A Cuban tour holiday is the perfect way to enjoy it all and gain a real insight into this fascinating country.

guardalavaca holidays

our hotels in guardalavaca

"The most beautiful land I have ever seen", was how Christopher Columbus described Cuba as he landed near what is now Guardalavaca in 1492. Today, visitors are still saying the same thing about this area, which is widely regarded as the prettiest part of Cuba. Large hotels offer a range of activities and water-sports or you can simply relax on long stretches of sand. You can visit nearby beaches including Playa Pesquero and the beautiful Playa Esmeralda surrounded by emerald green rolling hills set on a secluded horseshoe bay. If you want a day away from the beach, the mountains and towns of inland Cuba are worth visiting. The local capital, Holguin, is an interesting place to see a glimpse of the unhurried every-day Cuban life. The glorious Caribbean sunshine, golden sands and crystal-clear waters of Guardalavaca make it the perfect place to get away from it all.

havana holidays

our hotels in havana

Havana offers a vibrant mix of cultures, history, and experiences. Its cobbled streets are alive with cafes, bars and the rhythmic sounds of the rumba. The city’s architecture is an eclectic mix of Baroque, Neo-classical and Art Deco styles and the colonial buildings of ‘Old Havana’ have earned the city a UNESCO World Heritage Listing. Culturally Havana is a melting pot of influences from Europe, Africa and the Americas. Its unique ambiance and resilient character have lured writers, artists and even the occasional revolutionary. With a wealth of exciting attractions, there is so much to do and see. Explore the museums and galleries of the old town, enjoy a cabaret show at the Tropicana, visit the colourful markets at Palacio de la Artesanía, sip a mojito at one of the atmospheric bars or escape to the beach at Playas del Este. With tourism increasing in Cuba, now is the time to experience Havana, one of the world’s few unspoilt treasures.

holguin holidays

our hotels in holguin

Holguin Province is a beautiful mountainous region located in eastern Cuba. It was here, in the Cayos de Bariay, that Christopher Columbus landed in October 27th, 1492. He was amazed by the rich vegetation, warm climate and beautiful coastline calling it "the most beautiful land human eyes had ever seen". The capital city Holguin is the international gateway to the province. It features historic buildings, grand plazas and monuments and a popular activity in Holguin is to take a walk up the 460 steps of Loma de la Cruz for views over the whole city. Holguin Province features 22 sheltered bays and countless white-sand beaches. Guardalavaca is the most popular beach resort in the province; it offers idyllic beaches, world-class diving and popular hotels - the perfect spot for a beach holiday in Cuba. The nearby Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park houses an aquarium where seals and dolphins put on a lively show and visitors can swim with dolphins. To the east of the province you will find Bahia de Nipe, the largest bay in Cuba and the home of the Cayo Saetia Nature Reserve, a paradise of virgin beaches and exotic flora and fauna. Holguin Province offers a wide variety of activities and attraction with something for everyone.

isle of youth holidays

our hotels in isle of youth

The Isle of Youth or "Isla de la Juventud" as it is locally called, is the second largest of Cuban islands and keys that make up the Cuban archipelago and the largest of the 350 islands that make up the Archipielago de los Canarreos of Cuba's south coast. Over the years this island has been known by many different names such as El Evangelista, Parrot Island, Treasure Island and Isla de Pinos. It was once a hideout for pirates like Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan and is said to be the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. This island is the least populated region of Cuba and offers a secluded paradise for scuba diving holidays and beach escapes. Although getting to the Isle of Youth can be a bit of an adventure, the unhurried way of life and unspoilt surroundings are worth the effort. The island has countless black-sand beaches on its northern coast and pristine white-sand beaches on its southern Caribbean coast. Other attractions on the island include the indigenous cave paintings at Punta del Este, a large ecological preserve, a turtle sanctuary and the Prison Museum where several generations of Cuban revolutionaries, including Castro, were imprisoned. However, the main attractions of the Isle of Youth are its coral reefs, shipwrecks, abundant marine life and the steep drop-offs at Punta Frances - the Isle of Youth is a scuba diving paradise.

jibacoa holidays

our hotels in jibacoa

Part of the province of Havana, this fantastic area gives you an opportunity to experience authentic Cuban living not seen in the big city. Jibacoa offers visitors unspoilt beaches and clear warm waters with a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. This quieter beach resort is set in a beautiful bay just 38 miles from Havana. Snorkelling and a variety of land and water sports are on offer. Offshore, there are some great dive sites with interesting shipwrecks and coral gardens. The landscape is varied and the local industry is still based around the traditional enterprises of fishing and cane or rum production. Highlights of the area included taking the Hershey Electric Railway and hiking in hills with spectacular views over lush green valleys where Cuba’s famous tobacco is grown. This place of tranquil beauty seems as though it has been lost in time.

pinar del rio holidays

our hotels in pinar del rio

The province of Pinar del Rio remains largely undeveloped despite its close proximity to Havana - it has a distinct laid-back appeal. This province is both the most important tobacco growing area and home to the island’s most remarkable landscape. The city of Pinar Del Rio is set in the heart of the province in the foothills of the Cordillera de Guaniguanicoa. While there is not much to see in the city itself, it is a good base for exploring the surrounding attractions. The Valley of Vinales features unique limestone hills that rise out of the valley floor and rivers that crisscross this beautiful landscape. The area also abounds in natural caves of archaeological significance including Cueva del Indio and Cueva de José Miguel. Las Terrazas is the best area in Cuba for hiking while Villa Maria La Gorda is becoming popular a scuba diving destination. 

santa lucia holidays

our hotels in santa lucia

Santa Lucia lies on Cuba's northern coast in the Camaguey Province. The resort boasts the world's second longest coral reef as well as a beautiful 19 km natural beach. With over 30 dive sites, Santa Lucia is ideal for both snorkelers and scuba divers. You can explore caves or swim through the labyrinth of virgin islands like Sabinal or Caguama. Other activities include horseback riding, water-sports and sports fishing or you could visit the Nuevitas Bay and marvel at the pink flamingos. Evening entertainment is centred mainly around the hotels with salsa, live entertainment and an indoor or open-air disco. Santa Lucia is an incredible area, especially when viewed with the breath-taking backdrop of the sunset.

santiago de cuba holidays

our hotels in santiago de cuba

Santiago de Cuba is guarded by the castle of San Pedro del Morro and stands in the shadow of the dramatic Sierra Maestra mountain range. It was declared a 'National Hero City' in recognition of its decisive participation in the struggle for independence and remains the cradle of the Cuban revolution. This historic city is surrounded a region of superb natural beauty and borders one of the country's most stunning nature reserves, Baconao National Park. With a combination of friendly hospitality, a laid back atmosphere and the beautiful Caribbean sun, it easy to see why this city is often referred to as Cuba's ‘most Caribbean city’. Santiago de Cuba is an ideal destination for those seeking more than just a beach holiday.

trinidad holidays

our hotels in trinidad

Trinidad, also known as the ‘Museum City’ of the Caribbean, is Cuba’s best-preserved colonial city. This central region of Cuba is often referred to as the soul of the country and attractions like the beach resort of Peninsula de Ancon, and the sugar plantations of El Valle de los Ingenios are easily accessible from Trinidad. Trinidad’s old town is UNESCO World Heritage listed and its architecture and museums attract visitors from around the globe. Wander the cobblestone streets, admire the churches and parks, marvel at the charming old houses, or enjoy a fine cup of local coffee, these are just some of the experiences you will find in this magical corner of Cuba.

varadero holidays

our hotels in varadero

With 20 km of stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, it is easy to see why Varadero is Cuba's premier beach resort. This spectacular beach is set on the narrow Hicacos Peninsula on the northern coast of the island. Varadero offers modern hotels, excellent facilities and a superb selection of bars and cafes. By day sample the resort activities, including excellent scuba diving and snorkelling, or laze on the fine white sand listening to the gentle lapping of the sea and the sounds of the Caribbean. Visit nearby Cardenas City, swim with dolphins at the aquarium or enjoy the virgin beach at the nearby nature reserve. By night, choose from hotel cabarets with their colourful costumes, restaurants offering both Cuban and international food, or nightclubs where you'll salsa into the early hours. Varadero is the heartbeat of Cuban nightlife!

vinales holidays

our hotels in vinales

The Valle de Viñales is located near the city of Pinar Del Rio in western Cuba. This stunning area is scattered with spectacular limestone mogotes that spring up from the valley floor like islands in a sea of green tobacco fields. The valley is surrounded by a small mountain range that houses a network of caves which were once used as a refuge by the Taino Indians and runaway slaves. Viñales offers a great range of adventure activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and bird watching. Other attractions in the area include Vuelta Abajo, where you can see Cuba’s finest cigars being made and the San Claudio Cascades. The Valle de Viñales was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its unique culture and its astonishing natural beauty - it truly is a highlight of a holiday in Cuba.