Although life in Cuba has changed a lot in recent years, the island in the Caribbean has managed to retain its charm and charm of the old days.
Cuba is an island that still reflects its rich history. From the important role during the Cold War and the famous Fidel Castro, all the way to cigars, mojitos and lively dance steps and smiling locals. Traveling to Cuba is like a trip in a time machine, into a world of vintage cars and without the stressful rhythm that can be discerned from the casual smiles of the locals. The island between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea has managed to preserve its original soul in the whirlwind of globalization and capitalism, which is why it remains at the top of many travelers' travel lists. Beautiful beaches, excellent seafood cuisine and unique architecture, Cuba is all this and more.
When to Cuba?
The best time to visit Cuba is from December until the beginning of the rainy season, which starts in April or May. From August to October, the risk of hurricanes, which also threaten coastal resorts, increases.
Photo: Unsplash/Tiago ClaroWhat should I see in Cuba?
Havana itself is a feast for the eyes. Habana Vieja, the old town, with its cobbled streets and magnificent buildings, offers a range of attractions. A good starting point is Plaza Vieja, a large 18th-century town square with a large fountain that flirts with the surrounding colonial buildings. While walking through the old city streets, you will come across a series of old-timers that the locals have adapted for modern times with a lot of ingenuity. Take a seat in one of the old-timers that offer guided tours around the city and enjoy the atmosphere of Old Havana.
No wonder that Havana itself was the favorite city of many famous names, including Ernest Hemingway, whose house is located a few kilometers outside the old city center - Finca la Vigia. It is one of the most beautiful parts of Cuba Valle de Vinales, where tobacco and coffee plantations abound. The valley is under UNESCO protection, and tourists are fascinated by freshly rolled cigars and excellent coffee. Discover the local caves and saddle one of the horses and venture into unspoilt nature. To make your visit to Cuba complete, you should not miss it Trinidad, a colorful colonial town with narrow streets, where you will feel like you are in the heart of South America. When evening comes, a crowd of people gathers on the main square and indulges in dancing and partying until the early hours of the morning. The choice is yours.
Photo: Unsplash/Spencer EverettAnyone who is fascinated by the island's rich history should not miss a visit Santa Clara, a city that played an important role during the Cuban Revolution, or visit the mausoleum of the famous Che Guevara. The calm Playa Giron is also very special, where the famous Bay of Pigs invasion took place in the 20th century. In Cuba, lovers of beaches and water sports also come into their own. The waters there are inhabited by a variety of sea creatures, from sharks, dolphins, colorful fish and turtles.
The island offers a range of diving and snorkelling opportunities, as well as two sunken ships in fairly shallow water. When you get tired of water sports and exploring the sights, lie down in one of the deckchairs on the beautiful beaches that flirt with the Caribbean Sea. Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Guillermo are just some of the long sandy beauties, near which there is no shortage of excellent resorts.
Photo: Unsplash/Stephan ValentinHow to explore Cuba?
The most convenient way to explore the island is the bus network, which, however, is not always the most punctual, and therefore much more wallet-friendly. The distances between the places are long, which should be taken into account when planning the trip. You can book tickets online or two hours before the bus departure at the local station. Sometimes you need quite a bit of nerve, especially if you are in a hurry, don't expect much understanding from the other side. A much more comfortable way to travel is to rent a car, but the roads are in poor condition, there are few signs and the rules of the road are very lax. You will pay approximately 70 euros per day for a car, and a valid European driver's license is sufficient to drive.
How much is a plane ticket to Cuba?
You can find the most favorable tickets from Milan, from where you will pay from 340 euros for a trip to Cuba in September. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.
Photo: Unsplash/Juan RojasCovid-19 restrictions in Cuba
To visit Cuba, you need a certificate of full vaccination and a negative result of the PCR test, which must not be older than 72 hours. Children under 12 do not need certificates and negative test results. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.
Accommodation in Havana
It gets a little complicated here, because the largest provider Booking.com does not allow accommodation in Cuba due to its American owners. According to most tourists, for their stay in Cuba, these Casas are used, residences with locals who take care of the income of the local population, and allow you to enjoy real cuisine and get to know the local customs better.
Casa Colonial
In an old colonial house, in the heart of the city center, you will find a wonderful accommodation whose roof terrace offers beautiful views of the whole of Havana. Four adults can stay in the apartment, and fans keep you cool in the summer heat.
B&B Havana
The Cuban House offers its guests a very special environment where taste and tradition come together in the magical appearance of whiteness. The accommodation is located in the oldest part of the Malecon Habanero, by the sea and near Old Havana.
