What Are the Top Activities in Cuba?
Cuba’s white sand beaches are perfect for swimming, boating, and snorkeling. The beaches at Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo have reputations as some of the most beautiful. State-owned resorts occupy the most gorgeous stretches of coast. Inland, the lush valleys make for scenic hiking, bird watching, and even rock climbing. Viñales National Park and Pico Turquino National Park have some of the most interesting hikes in the country. For snorkeling check out the beaches of María La Gorda.
Urban Cuba offers a very different type of adventure. Cuba’s cloistered history has kept Havana and Santiago de Cuba largely unchanged for many years, and this lends an authentic feeling to the colorful and culturally significant cities, birthplaces of some of the most influential Latin music and dance. Many famous musicians and poets have come from Havana and Santiago, and after exploring their streets – seemingly trapped in history – and meeting their friendly people, you may understand why.
Havana is famous for its nightclubs and dance halls. No matter what city you end up in, you’re going to hear fabulous live music, maybe in a smoky venue or during an impromptu performance on the street.
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Cayo Coco & Cayo Guillermo
Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are the two most popular islands in Cuba. Set along the north central coast, these islands boast beautiful beaches and azure-colored waters. Most of the hotels here are all-inclusive resorts.
Cayo Largo del Sur
Cayo Largo del Sur has 16 miles (26 km) of picture-perfect white sand beaches. Visitors to this island get to choose from a bounty of all-inclusive resorts. The island has never had a significant Cuban population – it was developed simply so that visitors could come and experience its incredible beaches. Visitors typically spend their days bird watching, scuba diving, or relaxing on the beach.
Central Havana Neighborhood
Central Havana’s real estate is mostly residential – streets are lined with apartment buildings. Some have fallen into disrepair, but they still reflect Havana's eclectic architecture. This neighborhood has one of the densest populations in all of Havana.
María La Gorda
María la Gorda is located at the westernmost tip of Cuba. It’s a laid-back, remote beach set within the Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park.
Santiago de Cuba
Santiago is unlike anywhere else in Cuba. It’s home to the country’s largest Afro-Cuban population and was the birthplace of the Revolution. Its isolated, eastern setting helped influence its distinct cultural character and significant historical context. It’s a lively, fast-paced city that is older than Havana. Needless to say, it’s a fascinating place to visit.
Viñales
Tucked into the hills in northwestern Cuba, this small, lovely town is the country’s most scenic spot. Viñales sits within a large valley that’s dotted with sheer-sided, rounded mountains known as mogotes. The whole scene looks like something from another planet, and is utterly breathtaking. One look and you’ll be happy that you came here.
