When thinking about a vacation in the Caribbean, it’s not that often people think of planning a trip to Cuba. Yet, as the largest country in the Caribbean islands, there’s plenty for vacationers to see and do to satisfy all tastes. Whether you’d rather lie on the beach enjoying a mojito or don your walking shoes to spend a week sightseeing, Cuba really does offer something for everyone. Find out more about visiting this unique sun-soaked destination, and let me know in the comments where you’d most like to explore. One thing I love to do when I travel is to eat local food. I was extremely excited when I got the itinerary for my Cuba press trip that we’re going to be dining with a few local spots. On our first night in Cuba, we had dinner at Papa Zouk.
Cuba airport
Ciénaga de Zapata
If you’re more likely to think straight to Che Guevara and the revolution as being all Cuba has to offer, the Ciénaga de Zapata will prove you wrong as a truly untamed pocket of the island. The swamp is the largest of the Caribbean’s wetlands, with lush greenery and clear water everywhere. Because of the huge amount of endangered or rare wildlife and birds, the site even enjoys protection from its UNESCO World Heritage status. There are plenty of tours and hiking routes into the swamp, allowing visitors to experience something a little different. An afternoon spent here allows you to see bee hummingbirds flying above, various rare frogs, and you can even watch the endangered leaping(!) Cuban crocodiles from afar.
Cuba City
Trinidad, Central Cuba
One of the most unique experiences you can have on a Caribbean holiday is stepping back in time and even compared to the Old Town in Havana, Trinidad really is something else. The city seems to have remained dormant since 1850, prior to which it was a Spanish colonial town and the headquarters for Cuba’s thriving sugar industry. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Trinidad’s stunning architecture and relatively spacious streets make a wonderfully odd day out just for wandering around. If you’re not sure where to begin, visit the Museo Histórico Municipal to get some context – and be sure to get the best view from the top of the panorama tower.
Cuba beach (1 of 1)
Playa Larga
History buffs will recognize the Playa Larga as the site of the revolutionary Bay of Pigs battle, during which the US tried and failed to invade Cuba in 1961. Located on the Southern coast of the island, its present claim to fame is its status as one of many stunning Caribbean beaches, a picture-perfect stretch of white sand and clear turquoise water. It’s a great spot to grab a sun lounger and enjoy a lie-down, or you can take advantage of the stunning clear sea and partake in some swimming, snorkeling, or even go scuba diving amongst the beautiful corals and fish.
