The Republic of Cuba is the largest island nation located in the northern Caribbean. Liberty Island attracts tourists from all over the world with sandy beaches, the azure sea, as well as first-class rum and the famous Cuban cigars. It is worth noting that the reviews about Cuba differ in the variety of opinions among tourists. Why? Let's try to understand our article.
History tour
Initially, the indigenous inhabitants of the island were Indians, whose main occupations were farming and hunting. At the end of the 15th century, Columbus visited the island as part of the expedition. The famous traveler noted in his ship's journal that he had visited the most beautiful place on earth.
At the beginning of the XVI and until the end of the XIX century, the indigenous inhabitants of the island underwent Spanish expansion. Then, as a result of the war of the United States and Spain for the independence of Cuba, the Spaniards lost, which allowed the United States to leave troops in the country and establish its own regime. Thus, Cuba became dependent on the United States.
In the second half of the 20th century, as a result of the revolution, the famous Cuban leader Fidel Castro came to power. As a result of his reign, Cuba became a socialist country. Also, agrarian reforms and social transformations were carried out.
At the end of the 20th century, Cuba became an ally of the USSR, from which it received political and economic support until the collapse of the latter.
Currently, the president of Cuba is Fidel Castro's younger brother, Raul Castro.
How to get to Cuba
The most convenient and only way to get to Cuba from Russia is by plane. Currently, the airline market is replete with various offers, the main criteria of which are price, travel time and the choice of transfer points.
One of the most advantageous offers for today is provided by the Russian company Aeroflot. She carries out a direct flight from Moscow to Havana. Almost thirteen hours will have to be spent in the sky.
Also, some tour operators in other cities of our country provide tickets for charter flights.
Various sites and applications for smartphones offer many flight options with connections in Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid and other cities. But when choosing these flight options, it is necessary to consider and think through all the nuances in advance. For example, a visa, and in the case of a multi-hour transplant - payment for the hotel.
It is worth considering that the tropical season on the island lasts from November to April. According to tourist reviews, Cuba in April and March is the best time to visit this country.
Resorts
Havana is the capital and largest city of Cuba, which is located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. It is famous for its numerous monuments of architecture built in the colonial style. More details about the sights in our article will be discussed later.
Also, Havana is widely known for its colorful and noisy jazz festivals and national holidays, which cause constant delight among tourists from all over the world. But they should keep in mind that Havana is a port city, so you should choose other places for a beach holiday.
Varadero is the most famous resort, which is located on the Ikakos Peninsula, in the northern part of the island of Cuba. Varadero, reviews of tourists about which mainly describe the magnificent long coastline of the beach with white sand, is an ideal place to relax. The coastline reaches twenty kilometers. Also in this small resort town are the best hotels with European service. In the evenings, cozy local cafes and restaurants with live music and passionate Cuban dances begin to function.
Holguin is a city for elite tourist holidays. This is the second most popular, after Varadero, resort in Cuba. Hotels in Holguin meet exclusively four or five star categories. Here is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world - Playa Esmeralda. In total there are about forty different beaches, separated by reefs and bays.
Resort Islands
Cayo Coco is a beautiful island that is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. It is located in the central part of Cuba. Reviews of tourists about this place are full of photos of wild flamingos that live here. Cayo Coco Island is a nature reserve, so the whole tourist life is concentrated on the territory of hotels. It is ideal for a relaxing family vacation.
Cayo Ensenachos is the island on which the national park is located. This place is suitable for lovers of privacy and untouched nature. There is only one hotel on the island, which is considered to be the best in Cuba. The island will delight tourists with beautiful sandy beaches, huge royal palm trees and walks among tropical vegetation.
Cayo Largo is a small secluded island with a length of about thirty kilometers. It has several hotels of different categories. It is famous for its clean beaches and beautiful coral reef.
Cayo Guillermo is a small island that has the status of a nature reserve. On its territory is the second largest coral reef in the world. Also on the island are many exotic species of plants, animals and birds.
Cayo Santa Maria is a miniature island washed by the Atlantic Ocean. It is connected to the mainland by a bulk dam, and its length is only about thirteen kilometers. The island is famous for its Royal Gardens biosphere reserve.
How to choose a hotel
There are a great many hotels in Cuba, reviews of which are often so diverse that even experienced travelers are led into a dead end. The main tourist tips for choosing a hotel come down to a few rules. For example, most hotels in Cuba are located on the first coastline of the beach. Many hotels have a four-star category, five-star hotels are much smaller. As for two and three-star hotels, Cuba has a huge selection of them.
Four-star hotels provide tourists with a standard room with a bathroom, mini fridge, cable TV, air conditioning, telephone, safe and swimming pool, which is located on the territory of the hotel. It is best to choose hotels that operate on the all inclusive system, which includes meals in cafes, restaurants and bars of the hotel, because the prices for tourists in local establishments are quite high. It is worth noting that all hotels in such resorts as Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo and Holguin work on this principle.
Couples with children need to know in advance about the possibility of finding a child in the hotel, because in some hotels there are age restrictions.
For lovers of budget holidays on the island, it is possible to book rooms in the private sector. Its price usually includes a room with a double bed, which is equipped with a bathroom and air conditioning.
Island Attractions
Old Havana is a part of the capital of Cuba, which was built up in the 16th century. The development of the city began with the erection of protective structures located at the entrance to the bay. Fortresses located on the eastern and western shores - El Morro, La Fuerza and La Cabanha. Thus, this city became a safe place, and its development continued until the XIX century.
All buildings were built in the style of colonial baroque or classicism. Old Havana is rich in pretty patios with fountains and sculptures that are separated by narrow streets.
The picture shows a special place - old Havana, Cuba (photo), the reviews of travelers about which are filled with feelings of complete immersion in the history of the country.
The Havana Capitol was built in the first half of the 20th century. Its construction was carried out for three years. The capitol has been used as the building of the Cuban parliament for thirty years. The first thing a tourist sees when he enters it will be a statue of a woman who, according to the architect's idea, personifies Cuba. Particularly noteworthy are the bronze doors of the building, which depict scenes from the history of the island.
The most visited place among all the attractions of Cuba, according to tourists, is the Roma Museum. It opened in 2000 and consists of two floors. The first shows the process of making oak barrels for aging the drink, and the second shows the process of making rum. It is worth noting that every Sunday the museum hosts a creative evening with drinks, music and fiery dances.
Not far from the capital of Cuba is the house-museum of the great writer - Ernest Hemingway. There he lived and worked for almost twenty years. The house has preserved the layout, furniture and personal belongings of the writer.
Entertainment
One of the most popular activities for outdoor activities in Cuba, according to tourists, is diving. All necessary equipment and instructors for the first dive can be found in the nearest diving center. Everywhere on the island is just a magical underwater world with tropical fish and corals.
Boat trips in Cuba, according to tourists, must be combined with fishing. To do this, depending on your financial capabilities, you will be offered to rent a yacht, catamaran or boat with crew and equipment. Thus, you can catch barracuda, permite, snapera and even the famous blue marlin.
Another interesting excursion for outdoor activities in Cuba, according to travelers, is a jeep safari. Tourists gather early in the morning, put in jeeps and driven along beautiful tropical thickets. You can visit karst caves with underground lakes, a farm where you can ride bulls and horses. Further, the route runs along the picturesque bank of the river. There is the opportunity to ride a motor boat. For your comfort along the way, stops are provided where you will be invited to drink a refreshing cocktail and enjoy seafood.
Cuban cuisine
Cuban cuisine has developed under the influence of Spanish, African and Creole gastronomic principles. The main products that are widely used by Cubans are considered meat, legumes and crops, root crops, vegetables, fruits and, of course, fish and seafood. All dishes are seasoned with sauces. The most famous on the island is Creole, as well as moss and various fruit sauces.
It is worth noting a very good coffee, which the Cubans brew strong and sweet. As well as world-famous rum-based cocktails, including Daiquiri, Mojito, and Cuba Libre.
Souvenirs
The most popular souvenirs brought by tourists from Cuba are local cigars and Havana Club rum. It is also worth paying attention to jewelry made of black coral, which, according to Cubans, has magical properties. When buying, you need to be careful, in the local markets a huge percentage of the product is fake. Therefore, it is worth trusting licensed stores at the hotel or large shopping centers.
For men, you can buy the so-called guayabera - a shirt made of natural colorful fabrics. For ladies, a pleasant Cuban perfume based on exotic plants is perfect.