Holidays in Cuba

The years have taken their toll on Cuba. They don’t have many of the luxuries you might be used to, and you won’t find a wide array of shops in Havana.

As Cubans don’t have a lot of money to spend on repairs, you might find things like lifts are out of service, or that roads and pavements aren’t well-maintained. This could cause problems for those with accessibility needs. 

There are some nice restaurants to visit. Food is generally quite basic and locally sourced – but you won’t find American-made brands such as Coca-Cola, due to trade embargos.

Here, the white sands and blue shores of the Caribbean meet the time-stood-still lifestyle of the Cubans. The laid-back local attitude makes Cuba the perfect place to relax, unwind and switch off – and the sound of the gently lapping waves doesn't hurt either.

Holidays to Cuba have the perfect mix of beach and city life. Once you’ve explored the colonial architecture, the coast seems even more enticing. These beaches are perfect for getting stuck into a good book, floating in the calming blue waves or snorkelling.

• Looking for a slice of paradise? Varadero is just that – 36km of golden sand and picturesque shores. With plenty of resorts on the beach, this is a great place for your Cuba all-inclusive holiday.
• A short 15-minute drive from the centre of Trinidad is Playa Ancón. It’s the ideal destination if you want beach by day, salsa by night and some of the best-preserved architecture the country has to offer.
• Playa Jibacoa is a snorkeler's paradise and is perfect for families. It’s an hour’s drive along the coast from Havana so why not plan a road trip in a classic car?

There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in the cities and along the peaceful coast, whether you want to get out and explore the Cuban way of life or you'd prefer to relax in an all inclusive.

• Hotel Nacional de Cuba is a breath-taking Art Deco building that’s welcomed Hemingway and Churchill through its doors. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink overlooking the stunning Malecón after a day walking around Habana Vieja. Described as a ‘living museum’, the hotel offers tours twice daily.
• Situated close to central Habana Vieja, the Ibero Star Parque Central is a romantic choice and ideal for exploring the colourful old town if you’re planning a Cuba honeymoon. There are two buildings in the hotel, the original Colonial and the Modern, connected by an underground walkway.
• For a truly luxurious beach break, head to Memories Jibacoa. Situated on the coast and nestles between mountainous scenery, this resort is perfect for enjoying tropical climes and a sea view. Choose from four different restaurants, including a grill eatery with live musicians to serenade you as you tuck in.

If there’s one thing Cuba’s not short of, its culture. With colourful, colonial architecture, classic cars in every shade and plenty of art galleries, the only problem you’ll have is fitting it all in.

• For the Che Guevara story, you'll want to take the revolution tour, and the Plaza de la Revolucion is an obligatory photo op. Or you can learn about Cuban history at the Museo de la Revolucion. It’s worth waiting to join an English tour if your Spanish isn’t up to scratch; there aren’t many English signs in this museum. Cool down with a glass of homemade lemonade in the downstairs café afterwards.
• Literary lovers (or those who enjoy a cocktail or two) will want to do a tour of Hemingway’s favourite watering holes, La Floridita and La Bodeguita. They’re close together and both serve delicious mojitos. If you just want photos, go early to avoid the crowds.
• Cuba is renowned for its ballet and a trip to the Gran Teatro de la Habana is a must for fans of dance. Go for the stunning architecture and stay for the show. All tickets are the same price so you can easily nab a front row view and be within a stone’s throw of the orchestra.
• Get a scoop of Cuban life and queue for ice cream at one of the Coppelia ice cream parlours – they’re a local favourite. You’ll find them in Havana and Varadero and they accept both CUP and CUC.
• Want to experience it all in one go? Take a tour that stops off at all the important spots on the map (and then some). This is the perfect way to take in Che Guevara’s Santa Clara one day, Havana’s architecture the next and then rest your feet by the sea at the beach.

When you’re daydreaming about this particular Caribbean island, you probably think of salsa dancing till dawn, right? You won’t be disappointed with a holiday in Cuba. Music is impossible to miss in the country of the rhumba. From rumba in the street at night to jazz clubs that run into the AM, the beats are everywhere.

• For authentic Cuban rhythms head to Trinidad. It’s a treasure trove for music lovers. Sit on the steps of La Casa de la Musica while watching a live band – the locals are always more than happy to help you salsa. Afterwards, see in the small hours at Disco Ayala – literally a disco in a cave.
• You can see a bit of modern Cuba in Havana at Fabrica de Arte Cubano. It’s an art gallery that turns into a music venue at night. A good place to spend an evening if salsa clubs aren’t your scene.
• Havana does jazz like no other place. Visit during the Havana Jazz Festival or head to one of the multitude of jazz cafes around the city for an authentic experience.