Tourists love Cuba for the richness and splendor of nature, luxurious beaches and an abundance of attractions: historical, colonial and revolutionary. Especially memorable is the feeling of freedom and happiness that visits everyone in this country. The climate has such an effect on vacationers, rum, salsa or the good attitude of local residents - it's hard to say, but this is a fact proven by many. Cubans are smiling, optimistic and cheerful, despite their difficult and poor life.
The flow of tourists to the island does not stop all year round. They are attracted by hotels with a good level of service, a variety of opportunities to have fun when blissful idleness gets bored - diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, yachting, interesting excursions. All-inclusive vacations in Cuba are an opportunity to get maximum pleasure from a long-awaited vacation, without wasting time and extra money on solving unforeseen problems.
The best resorts of Cuba
Cuba is an island state, and the coastal area with beach resorts is a significant part of it. In the central region of the island, there are towns and villages of greater interest in terms of local flavor and historical sights. The climate is tropical trade winds, summer heat is softened by the influence of sea winds. Resorts of Cuba, which have always been popular, have not lost it today. No one remains indifferent to the fabulous beauty of the island with its magnificent beaches, many of which are recognized as the best in the world.
The island is unique, it has a special appeal. Arriving here, you can get into the recent socialist past, and find yourself in the times of pirates and conquistadors. Until it has changed, you should hurry to visit here. Russians do not even need a visa if the duration of the trip does not exceed 30 days. A direct flight from Moscow takes 12-13 hours.
Varadero
One of the best beach resorts in the world, located on the Atlantic coast, 135 kilometers from Havana. Varadero is a city of eternal sun and endless celebration with restaurants, nightclubs and diving centers. These are 20 kilometers of beaches of fine white sand and emerald blue ocean waters. All beaches are free. There are many vacationers, but there is enough space for everyone.
The descent into the water is very gentle, which is convenient for young tourists. Thanks to a long coral reef a few kilometers from the coast, the sea here is clean and always calm. A string of hotels of different stars stretches along the coast, you can choose an option that suits everyone. There are few attractions, but, tired of a beach holiday, you can choose an interesting excursion, and Havana is not far away.
Havana
One of the most beautiful cities in the New World, an exotic and controversial capital, is located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico with the picturesque bays of Havana and San Lizaro. It is a city trapped in time, with American retro cars and buildings miraculously preserved from colonial times, a large metropolis full of noise and traffic. The culture of the city is a mixture of Latin American, African, Asian and Spanish traditions.
Havana, with its fortresses, colonial-era palaces, baroque churches and monasteries, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Of course, the capital attracts with an abundance of attractions, but you can also swim near the city. Bathing areas are located east of the city - in Playas del Este and Jibacoa. There are regular buses from Central Park.
Holguin
You can fly to the resort from Havana in an hour and a half. This second most important Cuban resort after Varadero is considered elite, hotels here are more expensive, three-star hotels cannot be found. Rest is measured and calm, suggesting merging with nature, there is not a lot of entertainment. The most beautiful Cuban beaches - Playa Esmeralda and Guardalavaca are located in this place.
Lovers of snorkeling and diving will be surprised by the beauty of the local coral reef and the underwater world. The nature of the Holguin province is diverse - there are rivers with waterfalls, natural springs, caves with beautiful grottoes. To see the city of Holguin from a bird's eye view, you can climb the Hill of the Cross. The panorama that opens from the top of the hill is impressive. The city was built in the Spanish style. It is interesting that it was in this province that Columbus first set foot on the land of Cuba and was amazed at its beauty.
Cayo Coco
A tropical island off the north coast will provide a calm and, if desired, secluded vacation. You can reach it along the road laid along an artificial dam. There is also an international airport that accepts flights from cities in Cuba, as well as from Europe and Canada. The cleanest and very beautiful beaches of the island are formed by fine coral sand of light cream color.
The coral reef in the coastal waters, the abundance of colorful fish and marine life, are of interest to snorkelers. The island has wild forests, mangroves, lagoons and coastal swamps, which are popular with pink flamingos and white ibises, popularly called "coco". The island owes its name to them.
About 200 species of animals, birds and reptiles live on Cayo Coco, hundreds of plant species grow, some of which are endemic, that is, they are characteristic only of the natural features that have developed on the island.
Cayo Santa Maria
This coral island with few hotels off the northern coast of Cuba is a tropical paradise with hummingbirds in the jungle and coconut palms at the water's edge. It gives a sense of tranquility, privacy and fusion with the vibrant beauty of the wild Caribbean nature. Amazing, not yet such a promoted place like Varadero, but already ready to compete with it.
An embankment dam connects the island with Cuba, and a road has been built along the dam. From Havana you can get here by car in 5 hours, admiring the beauty of the opening landscape. The beaches stretch along the northern coast of the island. The entrance to the water is mostly smooth everywhere, but the depth increases rather quickly.
A constant light breeze, giving a feeling of coolness even on the hottest days, does not leave the beaches of the island. The southern coast will be of interest to wildlife lovers - there is a national park there.
Cayo Largo
This islet, located south of the main island, can be reached by a short flight from Havana. Uninhabited until the 80s of the 20th century, now this island has become a popular resort, providing tourists with everything they need for a good rest. Here is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Playa Paraiso, a paradise with pelicans and flamingos surrounded by pine forests.
Due to some isolation, the resort pleases with pristine wilderness. Hummingbirds fly on the island, turtles are found breeding offspring on local beaches. The neighboring island is inhabited by large, but harmless iguanas, and is even called Iguana Island. There are good opportunities for diving and spear fishing.
Matanzas
The center of the province of the same name, known not only for its beaches (Varadero), but also for its developed industry. The historical part of the city is steeped in antiquity and rich in sights - the Sauto Theater, the Junko Palace Museum, the Montserrat Chapel, the San Severino Castle. You can visit the underground grottoes and caves of Bellamar and Saturn with a karst lake that is more than 400 centuries old.
Not far from the city, in Laguna de Maya, there is a nature reserve with a beautiful lake and a pebble beach. In the Bay of Pigs, which is located on the Zapata Peninsula, there are interesting beaches - Playa Giron and Playa Larga. Fans of snorkeling and diving will love the variety of marine life - corals, sponges, gorgonians.
Santiago de Cuba
The second largest Cuban city, the provincial capital, and in the past the capital of the entire country, is located on the southeast coast. It does not look like Havana, you cannot find here the masterpieces of architecture of the era of colonization. The relief of the city is hilly, winding streets that climb up the mountain, then go down, allowing tourists to admire the unique landscapes and sights.
The city fortress with the world's only Museum of the History of Piracy and the Armory is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interesting Ethnographic Museum in an old estate, the Palace of Diego Velazquez, Museum of Natural History. The city has a conservatory, a university, a beautiful City Cathedral, theaters and cinemas. In the cemetery of Santa Ifigenia, there is the Mausoleum of Jose Marti and Fidel Castro is buried.
While resting here in summer, you can see colorful music carnivals and the Fire Festival, which will give you an unforgettable experience.
Trinidad
Located on the south coast, the open-air city-museum with colonial architecture is not in vain recognized as one of the most beautiful and authentic cities in Cuba. Magnificent palaces, wealthy citizens' houses, tiled roofs and characteristic wooden beams, fantastic courtyards and cobbled streets create a unique atmosphere. In 1988, the historic part of the city was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Spaniard Diego Velazquez founded Trinidad in 1514 and the city became the third Spanish settlement in Cuba. At the Plaza Mayor, the city's central square, dance halls open at night in the houses of music. The Church of the Holy Trinity, towering over the square, carefully preserves the statue of Christ, carved out of wood. Next to the church is the Brunet Palace, which houses the Romantic Museum. All museums, art galleries, exhibition halls of the city are located in restored old buildings.
The Valley of the Sugar Mills, near Trinidad, is also a historic landmark. There are preserved colonial houses, a tower and barracks where slaves were kept. In the vicinity of Trinidad, you can find the six-kilometer Ancon Spit, cutting into the Caribbean Sea. It is home to the best beaches of the coast - Maria Aguilar and Ancon.
Cienfuegos
Founded by the French in 1819, the city became a major seaport. It is now the capital of the province of Cienfuegos. Developed trade brings income to the city, coffee and tobacco are especially popular. Cienfuegos is imbued with French charm, its center is built up with soft pastel buildings in the neoclassical style. The city is recognized as a model of urban planning and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
One of the features of this port city is its location within a large bay. At the entrance to the bay rises a fortress, built by order of the Spanish king Philip V long before the founding of Cienfuegos. The fortress protected the Caribbean Gulf from pirate raids, and now it is of interest as a tourist attraction.
The symbolic place of the city's founding is the José Martí Park in the central square of the city. A ceiba, or cotton tree, is planted in the park to commemorate this event. Not far from the city there are beautiful beaches with golden sand. Coral reefs, underwater caves and shipwrecks will be of interest to diving enthusiasts. One of the beaches has a popular dolphinarium, where shows with sea lions and dolphins are held.
Best hotels
Among the best all-inclusive hotels in Cuba, every vacationer can find an option to their liking.
Grand Memories Varadero 5 *
Located in the resort town of Varadero. Comfortable and cozy. Meals in the hotel restaurant can be chosen both according to the menu and in the "buffet" format. It offers tourists traditional dishes and delicacies of Latin American, Asian and European cuisines. Vacationers can try their hand at one of the tennis courts or at the billiard table.
You can use any equipment for practicing a variety of sports. There are centers for wellness, fitness, spa treatments. The indoor pool is open throughout the year. The hotel has a currency exchange office.
Playa Cayo Santa Maria - All-Inclusive 5 *
Located on the island of Santa Maria. A luxurious hotel in a secluded location. Resting here, you can feel like a celebrity. The road to the beach takes 1-2 minutes. Snow-white sand, crystal clear water, comfortable sun loungers - all this will make your vacation truly heavenly.
The all-inclusive restaurant serves local, Japanese and Chinese cuisines, as well as a variety of seafood delicacies. Guests can use the spa center, play tennis and play billiards. All conditions for diving and acquaintance with the underwater world are created for diving enthusiasts.
Royalton Hicacos Resort & Spa 5 *
Las Moralas is a favorite vacation spot for Cubans. A luxurious complex where all the amenities are provided to vacationers. There is a fitness room, and the spa center offers relaxing treatments. Experienced massage therapists are proficient in a variety of massage techniques, and sauna lovers will have plenty of steam. There is a tennis court and table tennis.
There are 4 restaurants on site, one of which specializes in Italian cuisine, and the other offers grilled dishes. There is a "buffet" system, but there is also an order of dishes according to the menu, as well as their delivery to the room. The lush garden surrounding the hotel will allow adults and children to relax here during the hot hours. There is a bar next to the outdoor pool.
An extensive entertainment program is provided in the evenings. There are animators and a DJ. Young people prefer to stay up late in a nightclub. There is a laundry, a souvenir kiosk, and a currency exchange office. You can rent a car.
Paradisus Princesa del Mar 5 *
This resort complex is located a few kilometers from the popular town of Varadero. A spacious sandy beach, several swimming pools and a well-equipped spa center offering numerous types of treatments - all this will delight vacationers.
All conditions are created for fans of various sports. In particular, surfers will be able to ride the waves to their heart's content. And those who enjoy sailing on a yacht, no doubt, will often go on boat trips. Those who want to travel around the island on their own can rent a bike or car.
The resort has 9 restaurants and 7 bars. A la carte and buffet-style service is provided. Cuisines - European, Middle Eastern, Japanese. They also bake wonderful pizza here. There is a souvenir shop and a hairdresser. Those wishing to keep fit can visit the fitness center.
Tryp Habana Libre 4 *
Will be the best choice for those looking to relax in Havana. In addition, you can rent a car here and go sightseeing. It offers vacationers a large outdoor pool overlooking the sea.
There is a restaurant, where service is provided, both à la carte and in the "buffet" format. You can order food and drinks directly to your room. People with disabilities have not been forgotten here either. Everything has been thought out to make them comfortable to rest. There is a hairdresser on site.
Memories Varadero Beach Resort 4 *
Located in the resort town of Varadero. Guests of the hotel will appreciate the design of the adjacent territory, outdoor terraces. There is a wellness center, spa treatments, and a sauna. In the outdoor pool, vacationers swim comfortably throughout the year. You can use all the necessary equipment for practicing water sports.Go to the tennis court or play squash.
One of the specializations of this complex is the organization of an interesting holiday for young guests. A children's club is open, animators are working. You can call a nanny to take care of the child, especially if the parents wish to go on an excursion. The hotel has a tour desk. A snack bar is open, in the restaurant meals are served both à la carte and in a buffet style. Those interested can rent a car and explore the local attractions on their own or go shopping in nearby towns.
Starfish Varadero 3 *
The hotel is located in the popular resort of Varadero. It offers free parking and currency exchange. Rooms are provided for those who are intolerant of tobacco smoke. The hotel has an excellent outdoor pool as well as a fitness center.
The local restaurant has a buffet system, à la carte service, delivery of food and drinks to the room is possible. Leaving tourists more than once noted the high level of service inherent in this hotel, and the attentive staff, ready to fulfill your every desire.
Best time to travel
You can have a rest all year round, but there are climatic features. It is generally accepted to consider the period from November to April as “dry”, and from May to October as “wet”. January is the coldest month with a temperature of 25 degrees, and the hottest month is August, the temperature reaches 35 degrees. The height of the beach season is from November to April, this time is most comfortable for swimming and sunbathing.
With the onset of the rainy season in May, the weather deteriorates a little, but this does not mean that it will not be possible to sunbathe, the rains sometimes pass quickly, and tanning with light clouds is even safer. Hurricanes occur in October-November, but the likelihood that they will affect the resort is very low. Fans of windsurfing will love the rainy season, because it is at this time that you can count on real waves.
Vacation with children
Holidays in Cuba with children have a number of advantages. The warm sea, gentle coastline and sandy beaches allow even the smallest children to swim and sunbathe. Exotic fruits and interaction with the friendly animals of the island will also bring a lot of joy to the little ones. Hotels usually have children's clubs, swimming pools, playgrounds, in many cases discounts are provided for small vacationers. But there are also disadvantages.
The longest flight will be difficult for the smallest tourists. The hot sun will require special attention from the parents - you need to make sure that the child does not get burned. And it is recommended to swim only on the beaches of hotels in order to avoid an unpleasant meeting with predatory and poisonous inhabitants of the sea.
Benefits of an all-inclusive holiday
Although these vouchers cost a little more, in the end it does pay off. Use of beaches, which are constantly cleaned by employees - not only from garbage, but also from unwanted inhabitants; unlimited access to the entire hotel infrastructure; an opportunity not to worry about food, and at the same time to taste the best dishes of Cuban cuisine - that's what the all-inclusive system means.
Upon returning from the resort, it will become obvious that you did not spend extra money, although you spent your vacation with maximum comfort. Those who have already visited Cuba remember this vacation as a trip to another planet - beautiful and unique. And those who are going to go here can be assured that you will not regret this decision for a minute. Liberty Island is waiting for you!
