Oldtimers, cigars, salsa, rum, socialism… These are the first things that come to mind when you think of a vacation in Cuba. While these stereotypes aren’t unfounded, Cuba boasts many other attractions that deserve your time and attention. Go hiking in the Sierra Maestra where Fidel won the Revolution, snorkel in the clear waters of Cayo Jutías, or bike through the breathtaking Viñales Valley.
The Picturesque District of Old Havana
Havana Vieja is the historic heart of the Cuban capital. Although it spans just two square kilometers, you can easily spend a day here. The four famous squares—Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Cathedral, and Plaza de San Francisco de Asis—are all worth visiting for their exceptional Spanish architecture and lively street scenes. You’ll encounter cheerful musicians, fruit vendors pushing carts, and Cuban grandmothers rocking on colorful porches.
What to do in Old Havana during your Cuba vacation?
On Calle Obispo, sip delicious milkshakes at La Caribeña, browse bookstores filled with revolutionary propaganda, and visit Cuba’s oldest pharmacy. Enjoy a friendly salsa dance with a cup of coffee at Café Paris, and from the rooftop terrace of Hotel Ambos Mundos, gaze over the narrow, winding streets adorned with murals and locals smoking cigars. Ride Havana’s oldest elevator to view the room where Ernest Hemingway lived while writing “The Old Man and the Sea.” Additionally, you can visit the Museum of the Revolution or the Museum of Fine Arts, or explore one of the many art galleries in Havana Vieja (almost all are free to enter).
Exploring Havana by Bicycle
A fun way to explore Havana is by bicycle. In a short time, you can see a lot and discover more of Havana, Cuba. Baja Bikes offers an enjoyable bike tour in Havana where an enthusiastic guide provides a unique perspective on the city. You can easily book the tour online and pay on-site, ensuring you don’t miss any of Havana’s attractions and even uncover extra highlights on your own if you prefer to rent a bike from Baja Bikes without a guide.
The Morro Fortress of Santiago de Cuba
The Morro Fortress, also known as Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, in Santiago de Cuba dates back to 1700 and was designed by architect Giovanni Battista Antonelli. Located six kilometers outside the city, the fortress served as a defense against aggressive pirates. Today, you can visit this impressive structure on the shores of the Caribbean Sea for 5 CUC between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Inside the fortress, a museum showcases the history of piracy through artifacts, maps, and texts. However, the main attraction is the fortress itself, offering breathtaking views of the serene beaches along the Caribbean Sea, banana tree-covered hills, and the city.
Enhance your visit to Morro Fortress!
If you visit the fortress near closing time, you can enjoy shrimp, tilapia, or chicken with a Bucanero beer at the Morro restaurant. The sunset over the bay is breathtaking, especially from the wooden terrace right above the sea.
The Idyllic Cayo Jutias
Looking to unwind during your vacation in Cuba? A beach day at Cayo Jutias is just what you need! Here, you won’t find loud bars, crowded hotels, or speedboats. This pristine white sand beach in western Cuba exudes tranquility and space. The peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean features a kilometers-long sandy beach dotted with palm trees. The sea is mostly calm, perfect for snorkeling and canoeing (equipment available for rent, along with beach loungers starting from 10:00 AM). Take a beach walk towards the tip of the peninsula, where you’re guaranteed to encounter large starfish. Craving a Piña Colada or fresh barbecue lobster? The wooden huts on the beach have you covered. During your Cuba vacation, you can reach here with a collectivo (shared taxi) from Viñales for approximately €14.
The Green Heart of Cuba: The Viñales Valley
The Viñales Valley in western Cuba is a magnificent natural destination during your Cuban vacation. This lush valley, dotted with mogotes (karst mountains) and tobacco fields, offers excellent opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking amid coffee plantations and tobacco barns. You’ll encounter friendly cowboys tending to the fertile soil under the hot sun, cigar in hand. In the evenings, enjoy a sundowner at El Balcon, a restaurant perched on a ravine with breathtaking views of the valley. Sip on a daiquiri and savor freshly made sea bass and caramel pudding.
The Photogenic Trinidad: Highlight of Your Cuba Vacation
Trinidad embodies everything you imagine about Cuba and undoubtedly ranks among its top attractions. Picturesque alleys lined with brightly colored houses and colonial squares define this UNESCO World Heritage site. At Plaza Mayor, dancing begins around four o’clock at Casa de la Musica and Casa de la Trova. Enjoy the best coffee under mango trees at Don Pepe, or watch the sun set over the Caribbean Sea from the terrace of Las Terrazas restaurant, paired with Spanish wine and lobster. Climb the bell tower of Museo Nacional for magnificent views of the town, the Ancon peninsula, and the mountains of Sierra Escambray.
The Sierra Maestra Mountains
The Sierra Maestra mountains played a pivotal role in the Cuban Revolution. In 1958 and 1959, Fidel and his comrades waged a guerrilla war against Batista from these jungles to overthrow his regime. Local farmers supported their ideals of a homeland for the people rather than the wealthy. The Sierra Maestra is a rural area where most of the population lives off rice cultivation and sugarcane. Life moves slowly here: people dance, drink, and travel by horse and cart to visit family. It feels as though time has stood still in this part of eastern Cuba.
Hike to Fidel’s Former Headquarters
Today, during a vacation in Cuba, you can hike to Fidel’s former headquarters. This excursion costs approximately 45 CUC (about 40 euros) and is led by a state guide who educates visitors about the Revolution. The hike lasts four hours in total, including a 20-minute steep jeep ride (not accessible by bus). The trail is quite challenging but mostly shaded.
Cuba’s Nightlife: Salsa, Live Music, and Rum
Cuba and “vitamin R,” or rum, are inseparable. Rum serves as the social lubricant, replacing Wi-Fi and leisure activities. Whether celebrating a birthday, election, or baptism, rum is always present. Havana Club rum is the most famous (after Bacardi relocated to Puerto Rico as a U.S. company post-Revolution), but Santiago de Cuba rum, El Cubay, El Santero, and Matusalem are also noteworthy.
Best Cocktails in Cuba
Cuba’s most famous cocktails include the mojito, daiquiri, Cuba Libre, and Piña Colada. Cocktails and rum are the only products never in short supply: every restaurant and bar proudly features these drinks at the top of their menus. La Bodequito del Medio is renowned for serving the best mojitos, while La Floridita in Havana specializes in daiquiris.
Salsa Dancing During Your Cuba Vacation
Salsa is Cuba’s lifeblood and passion. In Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba, you can take basic lessons or improve your dancing skills with professional tips. After class, the dancing continues, and even if you’re not seeking vibrant salsa, it’s hard to resist. Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to dance or invited to join a live band.
Sierra Rosario in Western Cuba
If you love hiking and want to venture off the beaten path, visit Sierra Rosario in western Cuba. From Havana, it’s about a three-hour drive to this mountain range characterized by royal palms, Cuba’s national tree. Near the town of Soroa, you can easily explore this beautiful natural area, where you may spot the Tocororo bird. In just an hour, hike to an impressive viewpoint where vultures glide over the valley and on clear days, you can even see the Caribbean Sea. Not up for a 600-meter climb? Visit the nearby orchid garden or the small waterfall where you can swim! At Casa Odalis, enjoy a delicious homemade meal and find accommodation for the night.
The Labyrinthine City of Camaguey
Camaguey, Cuba’s third-largest city with 300,000 residents, is one of the four Cuban cities on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Located east of Trinidad and further away from Havana, many travelers skip this unique city, making a visit to Camaguey all the more authentic. Here, you’ll see state-run stores and lines of people with ration books picking up their food quotas (a socialist practice). Full squares are common, where locals gather to play dominoes, their favorite game. Explore Camaguey best by bicycle taxi, navigating the city’s maze of streets where pedestrians quickly get lost. At Plaza San Juan, enjoy a delightful evening meal of pork with a matching wine.
The Nature of Guajimico
Guajimico lies along the Caribbean Sea between Cienfuegos and Trinidad. This picturesque natural spot is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Diving costs 40 CUC (about 35 euros) for a Discovery dive, while snorkeling is only 10 CUC (about 9 euros), including a boat trip and equipment. You can also hike to caves used by indigenous people, a trek lasting about 2 hours. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Additionally, horseback riding to nearby beaches and canoeing on the tranquil bay are popular activities here.
These attractions offer a glimpse into Cuba’s rich diversity beyond its iconic symbols, promising a vacation filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences. Whether exploring historical sites, indulging in outdoor adventures, or immersing yourself in vibrant nightlife, Cuba caters to every traveler’s desires.
