Looking for a destination that will quench your thirst for amazing music, unique art, architecture, tropical beaches, scenic hiking trails and great mojitos? Cuba possesses a wealth of culture and natural beauty ready to be explored, and you’ll find some of the Caribbean island’s most interesting and beautiful, sun-drenched spots within the following list of places to visit in Cuba.
Disclosure: I may earn compensation from the purchase of any product or service linked on this website, at no extra cost to you. I only link to products I use and love, therefore feel comfortable recommending.
Havana
Havana (La Habana in Spanish) tends to be the destination that bookends most visits to Cuba and offers plenty to see and explore. Wander Havana’s colonial heritage in the World Heritage Listed Old Town. Cruise the sights in a classic American car and sip cocktails at Hemingway’s favoured watering holes. Take in some live music at the city’s best jazz clubs and rhumba on down to Callejón de Hamel for street art and live dance performances. Breathless yet? See here for more details on these things to do in Havana.
Viñales Valley
After a few days in Havana, take the pace down a notch with a trip to Viñales Valley (Valle de Viñnales in Spanish). The Valley is located in the province of Pinar del Rio. It’s known for its stunning landscapes with verdant tobacco farms and forests, growing in the rich red earth. The landscape is framed by sharply rising, karst hills known as mogotes.
Here you can hike, ride horses, boat through limestone caves, visit tobacco farms and eat delicious farm-to-table meals. Viñales can be visited on a day trip from Havana. However, if you have the time , spend a night here and soak in the natural beauty.
Trinidad
Another historic Spanish town and place to visit in Cuba is Trinidad (not to be confused with the Caribbean country Trinidad and Tobago). Founded in 1514, Trinidad like Havana boasts World Heritage status. Cars are banned from the cobblestone streets lined in coloured colonial architecture. Trinidad was once the hub of the sugar trade in Cuba. The nearby Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Mills) is an essential attraction of the area. By day, explore the old plantations and sandy beaches, then at night practice your salsa and drink mojitos at the Casa de la Musica.
Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos is unique in Cuba because it was settled by the French, rather than the Spanish. This shows through in its architecture and layout. Known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean” for its beautiful Bay and the elegant beauty of its historic core, the city is UNESCO World Heritage listed. Cienfuegos’ seaside promenade is the longest in the country and provides a scenic end to your walking tour through town. Drop-in for a drink or meal at Palacio de Valle. Built in 1917, it’s architecture has a strong Moorish influence that is so kitsch it’s a must-see.
Bay of Pigs
Near Cienfuegos you will find the Bay of Pigs. Though infamous for the failed US-backed invasion in 1961, the Bay of Pigs’ turquoise waters are abundant in sea life and coral. This makes it the perfect destination for snorkellers and divers. If you travel in Spring, you might also witness the migration of millions (literally millions!) of land crabs.
They make their way from the surrounding forest to the Bay to spawn en masse. Unfortunately, the volume of crabs crossing the roads are unavoidable and you will also experience the stench of those that didn’t make it across safely. Overall the migration is a fascinating phenomenon to witness.
Which of these places to visit in Cuba will you be adding your itinerary? Tell us in the comments below.
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo
