Discover the Reasons Why Cuba is the Place to Visit This Season
Kilometres of white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and by far the best cigars in the world are all found in the lovely country in the Caribbean – Cuba. From tours of world heritage sites and American classic cars to working tobacco farms, you’d get small flashbacks of the 1950s feel, as though you have travelled back in time.
However, the true treasure of Cuba are the people with their lively culture, welcoming hospitality and incredible creativity. If you’re a returning tourist, you know exactly how amazing it feels, and if you’re a first time goer, keep reading; in this article we’ll discuss the whys and wheres of this piece of heaven on earth.
The Wheres
Top of the list is Old Havana, simply because of its well-preserved Cuban history. Walking around the cobbled streets and looking up at the grand neoclassical and baroque buildings, it’s easy to create a mental image what life in Cuba was like two centuries ago. Major attractions include Catedral de San Cristóbal – the home of Cuban Baroque, Plaza de la Catedral, Bodeguita del Medio – the Hemingway hangout and legendary restaurants. These are just few of the must-see places when visiting Old Havana while on your Cuba vacations.
There are different types of tours to choose from, be it in a small group or a big one – escorted, or cruising around the coast, so you’re sure to find and choose what pleases you the most. If you’re there for leisure on the white sandy beaches, Varadero is probably one of the most famous beach destinations not only in Cuba, but worldwide. It stretches on the north coast, and about 50 hotels reside on it. The highlights include the nature reserve that lies on it, as well as the two caves Cueva de Musulmanes and Cueva de Ambrosio.
Parque Jasone is also located in Varadero – the home of a small lake, where you can paddle in rowboats, a restaurant, swimming pool and the lush flower gardens. Closeby north-east is the Cayo Piedra Underwater Park, a popular snorkelling and diving area where diving enthusiasts can find glinting shoals of flamboyantly coloured fish and shipwrecks.
If you want a piece of Cuba’s wildlife and nature, the Península de Zapata is the place to be. It’s one of the most diverse landscapes and has the largest wetlands in the entire Caribbean. It’s home to over a hundred species of birds, including rare parrots, herons and bandicoots. Crocodiles are also very common, and you can schedule a tour to see them in their natural habitat.
The Whys
Did you know that the Cuba Libre, Mojito and Daiquiri all originate in this country? Yeah that’s right, almost every popular cocktail that contains rum was first brewed by the Cubans. Combine fine alcohol with the best cigars in the world and you have the best of both worlds. Even non-smokers get the urge to find out why and how these cigars are so overwhelmingly good.
It’s said that Cubans are born to create beautiful art and play instruments. When on Cuba vacations, you’re almost guaranteed to be followed by beautiful background noises wherever you go, any time of the day, any day of the week. From jazz bars, opera houses and salsa clubs to the musicians serenading at the beach, Cubans adore their music and it won’t be long before you start dancing to their music wherever you are.
Art is another way they express their creativity, from the tiles on the houses to the colourful murals and artists selling their paintings on the street, you’d be surrounded by it. Their shops and markets are overflowed with art and music. In a sense, their creations reflect them as people – happy, hospitable, ecstatic people.
And lastly – the food. Oh my God, can you imagine blending the best of the Spanish, African, Native American Taíno and Caribbean cuisines? That’s exactly what the Cuban cuisine offers. The traditional Cuban sandwich or as they call it “mixto” is a must-try. Lightly buttered Cuban bread, thin sliced Swiss cheese, Serrano ham, roast pork, yellow mustard and dill pickles would leave your taste buds delighted. Some other dishes to try are ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, papas rellenas and lomo de puerco. You can be sure you wouldn’t stay hungry any way.