Cuba

This time we’re writing to you from Cuba, where we are travelling through the land of colourful houses and 1940s cars. These are what captivate us when we first lay eyes on them. This is a journey to the memories of a country steeped in culture. And once in the capital, Havana, we’ll be Cubans. We’re talking about a happy people, whose music is contagious, where the beaches are spectacular (you’ll want to visit them all), and where the sea water..., between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, well... it’s just superb, it’s so warm. We’ll feel even more Cuban with a cigar in our hand, as this is one of the country’s attractions, and one that every tourist can try (or at least appreciate, getting to know how they’re made on a quick visit to one of the country’s oldest cigar factories - the Real Fábrica de Tabacos Partagás, located in the centre of Havana). And finally, we’ll be truly Cuban after sipping the famous mojitos, daiquiris and, of course, a Cuba libre. And not forgetting the famous rum, which is produced here.

It’s now been 64 years since the revolution, but when you visit La Habana Vieja the streets still take you back to that time. It’s a charming place, because this is where you really get to appreciate the daily life of the locals, and where you can marvel at the architecture. And what beautiful architecture it is. Despite being semi-destroyed, each building is mesmerising and you can easily imagine the magnitude of what they used to be. It just makes you wonder: how will it look once it’s been restored? It will certainly be a splendid piece of work, because the city is beautiful and there are already many restored buildings, whose new appearance creates a unique setting. 
Our trip lasted seven incredible days, spent with friends, and when you feel so welcomed and you’re with someone you love, the days are just too short for so many delights. We want to come back here. In fact, for a moment, we want to stay here.
The proximity to the United States once meant the arrival of cruise ships that docked at the pier, with hundreds of tourists ready to embark on this adventure and get to know the island. Today, this isn’t so much the case, but the tourists still come from all over the world. Just like us. Because this is an enchanting island with so much to discover. Anyone who has visited in the past would be even more surprised today, because the country has progressed. Nowadays you’ll find great restaurants, luxury hotels and many other tourist attractions, from beaches to nature and culture. Travelling to Cuba is like stepping back in time. It’s like embarking on a journey behind the wheel of a vintage car back to the years before the civil war, with beautiful buildings and streets teeming with life, the exotic, the seductive and the charming. And culture, tradition, history. Oh, and of course... the famous Cuban rhythms. The guajira, the mambo, the salsa, the conga and the bolero have all become very popular and are found around the world. Célia Cruz was the queen of salsa for years, but there are so many others like Ruben González, pianist; Bebo Valdez, composer; Gloria Estefan, singer; Leo Bouwer, guitarist... Cuban artists who have conquered the world with their talent.

It’s now been 64 years since the revolution

You should also be aware that the country’s official language is Spanish, but you can easily find people who speak English. And that the subtropical climate is wonderful: in summer, there is more rain and the temperature is around 30ºC; the months of October and September are wetter; and the best time to visit is between November and April, when the climate is drier and the temperature is between 18 and 28ºC. This is a country full of oddities, even reflected in the country’s currency, since there are two currencies: the CUC (convertible Cuban peso), which is used only by tourists; and the CUP, the most common currency for the population.
There is so much more to discover in this charming country. So, if you haven’t been convinced by now, here are some more of Cuba’s charms, with the capital topping the list of must-see places, as well as Varadero.
Havana has stood still in time. It reflects the past in every corner. Visiting the centre, taking a ride in a carriage or a classic car; entering the cathedral, the Capitol, the museums, the castles; appreciating the architecture; passing through the Morro-Cabaña Military Historical Park; stopping for a mojito at the La Bodeguita or sitting down at the El Florida, whether for lunch or just a drink, while being struck by the Cuban voices chanting inside, are all well worthwhile. Also going up to the José Martí Memorial in the Plaza de la Revolución, a square that has been the stage for demonstrations in the past.
Varadero is a turquoise beach, it’s all about diving, water activities... It’s entering the pier at Marinas Gaviota, getting on a speedboat, heading out on the sea, stopping off at Cayo Romero and enjoying the Cuban iguana sanctuary that we saw in the Isla Paraíso Natural Park. And at the end of the day, there’s nothing like staying in one of the luxury resorts. Santiago de Cuba is known for its colonial architecture and history, and has a lot of African culture. It is the country’s second most important city. It is also home to the Fiesta del Fuego.

A journey through the architecture of the past behind the wheel of a vintage car

Cienfuegos is considered to be Cuba’s French city. It is known as «the pearl in the south». This city is packed with buildings reflecting the French neoclassical style, which makes it very charming. One of its tourist attractions is the José Martin Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Santa Clara in the centre of the island was the site of the historic Battle of Santa Clara. It was here that Che Guevara won one of the most important fights against Fulgencio Batista. The city is home to many university students and historical monuments.
Trinidad is a charming city with cobbled streets and large colourful houses. Located six hours from the capital, its squares, historic centre, beaches and waterfalls are very charming. 
Cayo welcomes tourists with walks and long sunny days, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, fantastic drinks in the shade of coconut palms and a chance to spot gorgeous flamingos in the lagoons.
Isla de la Juventud is good for snorkelling in the blue sea and exploring coral reefs. You can find it in the south-west of the archipelago.
For all these reasons, and given that Cuba is a Caribbean island that attracts travellers from all over the world, you should definitely consider this destination for your next trip. Let yourself be enchanted, as we were, by the landscapes and culture and take a trip back in time. No wonder this was considered the «most beautiful land that human eyes have ever seen», by Christopher Columbus in 1492.