Cuba from A to Z: holidays in Cuba, maps, visas, tours, resorts, hotels and reviews. Beach holidays in Cuba

The Socialist Republic of Cuba is located on several islands in the Caribbean Sea, where more than 11 million Hispanics live on 111 thousand km 2. Cuba's pride - tropical seaside resorts, remaining at the peak of popularity, despite the economic problems of the country.

The islands belonging to Cuba are influenced by the Caribbean climate - tropical, trade wind, humid. Average daily temperatures are 25 ° С, decreasing by 5-8 divisions towards the night.

Only 2 pores are distinguished here:

If during the dry period a third of the annual precipitation falls from time to time, then in the "wet" season, cyclones drive from the ocean twice as many biting tropical showers. But through the heavenly abyss, the sun periodically manages to break through and arrange for holidaymakers cheerful holidays of swimming, sports entertainment, sightseeing trips, picnics.

In June, July, August, when most Russians go on vacation, up to 170 mm of precipitation falls on the Cuban islands, which at first glance does not cause tourist enthusiasm. Nevertheless, hundreds of thousands of people from different parts of the world come to the Caribbean resorts during these months.

In the pauses between the rains, you can swim in the sea and ocean to your heart's content, get a chocolate tan, travel around the country, try seafood and unprecedented fruits, while while away the evening with a glass of rum. Daytime heat, especially in August, decreases by night to 23-24 ° C, which allows you to comfortably spend time in entertainment venues.

It is still hot in September-October, but evenings are cooler (21 ° C). The rains subside by mid-October.

November-December attracts tourists with velvety air and water temperatures - 25 ° С. After the stifling heat on the coast, it is easy to breathe, followed by a long series of dry, sunny days. A little annoying strong winds, catching up with a high wave, but each hotel has large outdoor pools with cozy terraces.

January is the coldest. The thermometer can show on the north side in the region of Havana, Varadero + 22 ° C. At the southern tip, for example in Trinidad, the plus 26 ° is kept, the sea is cooler by only a couple of divisions.

In February, as in the previous month, it is windy, relatively cool, not humid. In March, the weather changes to a hot season, the temperature gradually rises to 27 ° C, occasionally it rains.

Cuba's Caribbean resorts are best in April:

• there are no systematic rains yet;
• trade winds blow weaker;
• the heat does not press;
• the sea water is warm enough for swimming and sports entertainment;
• bright spectacular festivals are held in the country.

May represents the beginning of the rainy season, but precipitation is only short-lived. They usually coincide with an afternoon rest. It is pleasant to doze off to the sound of raindrops, swaying in a hammock. In the afternoon, the clouds scatter and again you can take sea ​​baths 27-28 ° C.

Cuba resorts in the Caribbean: location and description, pros and cons

The tourist article is one of the priorities in the economy of the Republic, therefore, much attention is paid to the recreation infrastructure. 3-star bungalows and luxury hotels, white sandy beaches and clear azure water, the beauty of exotic nature, entertainment for every taste create all conditions for a comfortable vacation.

Of interest are the specific sights of Cuba:

• peculiarities of living under the socialist system;
• architectural monuments of colonialism;
• a huge network of catacombs;
• rare, but excellent running cars.

Cuba's resorts on the Caribbean Sea were able to ascend to the world level of comfort thanks to the relaxation of the country's economic policy.

When the socialist principles of public property management finally led Cuba to a dead end of poverty, the government was forced to allow private activities. Proactive, enterprising businessmen have created a tropical paradise on the islands.

Varadero

Varadero is one of the best resorts in the world in terms of natural conditions.

It is located 140 km from the capital of the Republic of Havana. It is 3 hours from the airport to the northern province of Matanzas, but a long journey will be rewarded with an unforgettable meeting with the Atlantic ocean coast.

The combination of white thin sands on 20-kilometer beaches, piercing azure in the sea and the sky, bottom reefs with vibrant tropical inhabitants, and pure ecology turn your vacation into golden days of paradise bliss.

Hotels

Varadero hotels set the tone for the entire hotel infrastructure of Cuba. They are erected on an isthmus 18 km long and 700 m wide. The beaches are within easy reach from anywhere. The sandy strip is so spacious that it never gets crowded.

Luxurious hotels provide the most comfortable accommodation, a high level of service in rooms and on the beach, exquisite pastime in elite restaurants, nightclubs and discos. Less-than-star hotels make up for the modesty of overnight stays with a wide range of services and fun activities.

1. Melia Internacional (5 stars)- a huge multi-storey complex on the first line. The distance from Gomez airport is just over 24 km. Melia International has 18 restaurants, shops, hairdressers, parking for cars and wheelchairs, a sauna, a bathhouse, fitness, spa and business centers.

Terraces of prestigious rooms overlook the sea, beach and pool. The balconies on the other side of the buildings overlook the wide courtyard-park.

The rooms, necessarily with bathrooms, are provided with:

• satellite TV;
• air conditioning;
• comfortable beds, desk, wardrobe;
• telephone, paid internet;
• mini bar;
• safe;
• coffee maker or kettle;
• toiletries and bath accessories, hairdryer.

Rooms are cleaned and serviced daily. In the morning, buffet or continental meals are served. The rest of the food is in restaurants with Japanese, Mediterranean, children's, dietary cuisine.

The bars serve a variety of drinks, including the famous Cuban rum and ice mojito. Currency is exchanged directly at the hotel. Luggage is stored in a special room. There is a rental office for sports equipment and bicycles.

In addition to sea bathing, clients are engaged in windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, cycling, table and tennis, golf, billiards, and go on excursions. You can stretch your tired body with a manual massage in a special room or lie down in a bubbling Jacuzzi.

The day ends with cheerful evening programs and live music. The nightclub is open until the morning. Children have an interesting time with animators and nannies. A large play area has been arranged for them.

2 . Be Live Experience Las Morlas (3.5 stars) removed from the center of Varadero by 4.7 km.

The hotel offers:

• air-conditioned rooms;
• free breakfasts according to the Swedish system;
• mouth-watering menu in 3 restaurants and 4 bars;
• a large swimming pool for adults and a smaller one for children;
• terrace;
• kids club, play area;
• babysitter for babies, just supervision and activities in children's circles;
• free parking;
• Internet for a separate surcharge;
• tennis court;
• bus excursions.

3. Hostal 5ta avenida despite 2.5 stars, took care of the air conditioners. The building has 2 bathrooms, toilets with free accessories. Breakfast is served daily. There is a kitchen and dining area for self-preparation of lunch and dinner.

In the courtyard there is a terrace for relaxing in sun loungers. At the check-in desk, they will accept luggage and valuables for storage, and book tickets. Not far from the hostel there is a clean beach, a large tropical park, shopping center"8000 lockers".

Entertainment

In Varadero, tourists ride on the Varasub glass-bottomed boat or submarines, admiring the beauty of corals and fish. Diving divers discover the richness of flora and fauna, communicate with friendly dolphins, descend into the underwater cave of the Cadiz Bay, inspect the sunken missile boat, an airplane, an old frigate. Learn how to dive at 23 diving centers.

Parents and children attend fun shows at the Dolphinarium. Smart sea animals not only perform intricate stunts, but also ride the audience, allow themselves to be stroked and photographed. For vacationers, training in Latin American dances, horse riding, tennis is organized. In the evenings, numerous cabarets beckon with incendiary shows.

sights

The tourist routes include interesting objects:

Cayo Coco

Cuba's resorts in the Caribbean also occupy small islands, which the Cubans call cayo - sandbanks. Cayo Coco (coconut bar) became a resort after being built in the 1980s. XX century. dams and roads connecting the main island. Cuba with other land areas.

The instantly grown tourist complexes did not destroy the pristine nature, they retained the atmosphere of remoteness from the hustle and bustle. It is not uncommon to find wild secluded beaches with the same clean white sand as near hotels.

Hotels

There are no multi-storey buildings on Cayo Coco. 5-star Melia, 4-star Colonial or 3-star Sol are equally like cozy oases, in the center of which artificial lakes turn blue, and nearby the Caribbean Sea shimmers with all shades of blue.

Entertainment

In the first place are diving in reef thickets with a mask or with balloons. Transparent water, permeated by the sun, creates the effect of an aquarium inhabited by bright fish - parrots, yellow-tails, grumblers, angels. Coral anemones in the form of outlandish flowers move as if blown by the wind.

Lobsters with menacing spiny pincers walk along the bottom. Those who are not ready to dive are invited to pleasure boats with glass bottom. Exotic fishing in the sea, ocean and lakes is very popular. Here E. Hemingway himself, a famous writer, loved to fish. The abundance of fish and various underwater animals will bring both hunting and gastronomic pleasure.

In the large Baia de Naranjo park, performances of trained dolphins, fur seals, with which you can swim, captivate. You will remember a difficult trip to the tropical jungle under the supervision of an experienced guide, horseback riding and in a carriage, a disco in a rock cave. The active nightlife is focused on the neighboring island. Cayo Guillermo.

sights

At the top of the high hill are the Coppo de Maita museum excavations. Tourists will learn the history of ancient Indian settlements.

Cayo Guillermo

The small sandbank of Guillermo was home to pink flamingos, small animals. Untouched ecology, clean, smooth shores, calm sea have become a decisive factor for the construction of the dam road and tourist development.

Hotels. There are 6 all-inclusive hotels of different price categories on the island. 3 beaches have been landscaped, the most visited is Playa Pilar.

Entertainment. Since about. Guillermo is located not far from the reef, tourists are invited to traditional yachting and diving trips. Training Centers at the hotels they conduct underwater orienteering classes, issue scuba diving certificates and the necessary equipment. Experienced divers come to tickle their nerves with night dives, to participate in shark shows.

Beginners have the opportunity to learn how to surf under the wing kite, strengthen muscles in fitness rooms. In the evening, the audience gathers for colorful performances, discos.

Sights. Walking around the island reveals the beauty of 15-meter white dunes, pink flocks of flamingos, evergreen mangrove clumps. Tourists are offered excursions to the cities of Cuba.

Cayo Santa Maria

St. Mary's 13 km long is included in the world biosphere reserve "Royal Gardens". On a strip only 2 km wide, there is a local village with shops, restaurants, bowling, spa.

The rest of the area is occupied by the hotel area. It is connected with the main island of Cayo Santa Maria by 50 kilometers of an embankment road that crosses several resorts along the way. For swimming, 11 km of the northern coast is used with a shallower entrance, soft white sand. The beaches are municipal, but impeccably maintained.

Hotels. 6 out of 8 hotels are the most luxurious, with well-trained staff, a long list of services, an inclusive service system.

Entertainment. In Cayo Santa Maria, shipowners and instructors are always ready to organize exciting fishing trips, sailing trips, and properly equipped diving. A full water sports program is available on the coast.

Sights. A tiny island can only interest you in the way of life and traditions of the local population. A general idea of ​​the country allows you to get excursions.

Cayo Largo

Сayo Largo is located in the center of the archipelago belonging to Cuba. On an island with a size of 28 x 3 km, the middle is occupied by hotels and restaurants. 29 km of the southern side are reserved for beaches. A small area has been left intact to preserve the native birds, the iguanas. Service staff comes from remote settlements.

All beaches are public, each hotel takes care of the amenities in its sector. There are many restaurants, bars, water entertainment points on the shore, some of which are open only during the influx of tourists. Nudists are not forbidden to sunbathe and swim in secluded wild corners.

Hotels. There are plenty of large and small hotels on the island. Capital buildings in the Mediterranean style alternate with ethnic houses on high stilts, under a thatched roof. Everywhere there are huge pools, sun loungers shaded by palm trees. The simplest room is cozy in a resort style, it is cool in it, a wide bed is decorated with a lobster rolled from towels.

Its real relatives and the freshest, skillfully prepared large shrimp and tropical fish can be tasted in hotel restaurants. It also serves mouth-watering Creole cuisine. The only drawback of island life is the low speed internet, despite the fees charged everywhere.

Entertainment. For divers, equipment rental, excursions to the marine fauna reserve, to the coral reef, as well as deep-sea fishing are provided. Less extreme, but amazing boat trips will reveal the islands of iguanas, monkeys, the unique beauty of a tropical sunset.

The catamaran ship carries tourists to the island. Pinos (Juventud) is the prototype of the treasure island from the book of the same name by R. Stevenson. Pinos has museums, a crocodile farm, Los Indios nature reserve, an old prison. It is inexpensive to fly to Havana on your own, tickets are sold right there on Сayo Largo.

Holguin Province Resorts

A little over an hour by plane from the capital and below a wide bay of Nipe appears, in which, as it is believed, Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America, once moored his ship.

Proud of this fact, the Cubans erected a monument to the great traveler by the water. The coast belongs to the agricultural province of Holguín. It has only recently begun to accept vacationers, but the infrastructure of services has managed to win ardent fans.

Hotels

Surrounded by colorful tropical nature, hotels, villas, bungalows stand along a 40-kilometer strip of velvet white sand.

Guests can taste all the delights of a good holiday:

• comfortable room furnishings;
• round and river-long freshwater pools;
• landscaped gardens planned by designers;
• excellent food;
• first-class professional service in cosmetology, medical, massage, SPA centers.

Entertainment

Tourists have the opportunity to choose swimming and all kinds of attractions at 41 beaches. Guardalavaca, Playa Pesquero - areas with an unusually beautiful bottom, natural coral installations, which divers have chosen.

Playa Esmeralda (Emerald Beach) amazes with its rich natural surroundings- mountains, caves, rivers, waterfalls, springs, bright evergreen vegetation.

On a water safari they go to Jaguey Grande, where the Laguna del Tesoro lake is located. Fish relics of Manhuari, large turtles, crocodiles are found in the wide water area. Those who are not afraid of the proximity of reptiles visit a crocodile nursery nearby.

sights

There are several protected parks in the province of Holguín:

• named after Humboldt, where unique flora grows, many parrots, hummingbirds, various lizards;
• Bahia de Naranjo, in a large aquarium of which a collection of fish and underwater mammals is collected, shows with sea lions, seals, dolphins are held;
• La Mensura on a 600 m high mountain plateau with tropical birds and butterflies;
• Bariay, where an Indian village, a Spanish fortress are exhibited.

458 steps can be repeated thorny path brother Francisco to the hill Loma de la Cruz. At the end of the 18th century. he alone raised and erected a massive cross in the name of St. Elena. The observation deck offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the mountain range, and urban development.

Guided tours of the province include:

• Cathedral of San Isidoro;
• museums of history, archeology, natural sciences;
• the folklore village of Taino.

Holguín often hosts festivals and fairs, which are interesting for tourists from the other end of the world to plunge into.

Havana

Cuba's resorts in the Caribbean will not appear in all their glory without Havana. The capital is located in the northeast of the Big Island next to the Gulf of Mexico, the azure bays of San Lizaro and Havana. The resort area begins in the east of the capital and stretches for 20 km of the surrounding area.

As in most large cities, swimming within the Havana city limits is not the most attractive. You need to drive 15-20 minutes. along the coast to get to the best playa.

The common name for the white strip of coral sands is Eastern Beaches, but it is divided into dozens of sections:

Hotels. There are many hotels of all levels, hostels in the capital itself and beyond. In addition, private houses offer inexpensive accommodation, displaying a sign "Arrendador Inscripto". There is a free shuttle bus service from Havana hotels to Oriental Playa. You can take rental cars (models of the last century) or mopeds in the city.

Entertainment. There are over 700 species of tropical fish and shellfish in the ocean waters around Havana, so scuba divers and spearfishing fans won't be bored. There are interesting objects for divers - sunken century-old ships, picturesque rocks, grottoes.

In the metropolitan park. Lenin is taught the basics of horse riding. The stadiums often host baseball and boxing matches, and bicycle races. For the amusement of tourists, the capital organizes colorful shows in cabaret and in the open air.

A wide network of restaurants provides an opportunity for gourmets to enrich the taste experience of Cochin Criolla - national cuisine with Spanish, Colombian, African dishes.

Sights. The most impressive places in Havana:

• plaza de Armas and them. Revolution;
• blvd. Prado;
• st. Obispo;
• Malecon embankment;
• the castles of De La Real Fuersa, Tres Reyes del Morro;
• Cathedral;
• Capitol;
• The Bolshoi Theatre;
• the fortress of La Cabana;
• museums of the revolution, Hemingway, Che Guevara.
• memorial to national hero Jose Martí.

Resort vacation on the beaches Caribbean it is worth taking a short break to see beautiful architecture the Cuban capital, especially since 900 historical sites of the colonial era are rated by UNESCO as a world heritage.

The cost of tours to the resorts of Cuba

The rental price directly depends on the intensity of the flow of tourists. In the peak season, the average cost of an overnight stay is about $ 900. The rainy and tourist calm season from May to October (except for Christmas and New Years) is marked with discounts of up to 30-50%. Earlier booking and purchase of "last minute" vouchers gives a great benefit.

You can find the following prices from tour operators:

resort	hotel	*	price with flight, rub.
Varadero	Melia Internacional	5	4 nights - from 89,016
	Be Live Experience Las Morlas	3,5	7 days 1 person - 58 198
	Hostal 5ta avenida	2,5	7 days 2 persons - 16 826
	Islazul Dos Mares Pullman	2	11 nights - 60 700 (early booking)
Cayo coco	Melia	5	8 days - 71 276
	Sol	3	8 days - 14685
	Iberostar Colonial	4	11 nights - 57,000 (hot tour)
Cayo Guillermo	Islazul Villa Gregorio	2	11 nights - 52 150 (hot tour)

The golden resort time in the Caribbean flies by quickly, but the beauty and smells of the tropical islands can be taken home in the form of famous Cuban cigars, selected coffee, strong rum, guava marmalade, as well as souvenir figurines that keep the aroma for a long time exotic trees and bright color corals.

Article design: Svetlana Ovsyanikova

Video about the resorts of Cuba

The most famous resorts in Cuba:

Let's see where you can enjoy your vacation in Cuba? What resorts does the hospitable island have?

• Havana

  First of all, you need to start with the capital of the island - Havana, which is a popular resort among tourists. Upon arrival, you do not have to travel a long way to your destination, because in Havana there is international Airport Jose Marti, ready to receive you. Rest in the capital of Cuba is more suitable for those who like to admire the cities preserved in their original appearance. Havana is a stone's throw from the largest distillery in Cuba, where the famous Havana Club rum is produced;



• Santiago de Cuba

  Holidays in Cuba are also famous for their second largest city - Santiago de Cuba. The city, of course, is slightly inferior to the capital in terms of the number of museums located in it, but it has its own characteristics that attract tourists. You have probably heard many times about the noisy Cuban carnivals and the famous festival of fire? Do you know where they are arranged? In Santiago de Cuba! Relaxation in this beautiful city will be pleasant for beach and diving lovers. This is the only city in Cuba where the water warms up to + 32 ºС. This is the warmest resort place in terms of sea water temperature;

• Varadero

  The city of Varadero is considered a deservedly recognized resort with the cleanest beaches in Cuba. It is here that the world-famous house-museum of Dupont or Al Capone is located. Those who dream of seeing Indians since childhood need to relax here. Not far from the resort of Varadero there is a village where real Indians live. Cubans will gladly offer you an excursion to this mysterious place;



• Holguin

  There is on the territory of Cuba the very resort to which the famous phrase of Christopher Columbus refers. Seeing the vastness of this local town, he exclaimed: "I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life!" Holidays in Cuba will allow you to see it. It is recommended to visit this beautiful city - Holguín. The place where expensive hotels with the highest level of service are located. The resort is considered elite, but this does not prevent it from experiencing a shortage of tourists. Holguin has the most beautiful beach - one of the best beaches Cuba, whose name means "Emerald Coast".

Island resorts of Cuba

Well, this is all with regards to resorts - cities. This information is for those who want to combine a beach holiday with the huge variety of excursions on offer in Cuba.

And where to go to rest in Cuba for those who want peace and solitude? Where to spend your vacation away from the bustle of the city? Of course, in the resorts - islands:

• Cayo Guillermo

  You have the opportunity to relax on the island of Cayo Guillermo, the smallest island in Cuba. The territory of the island is a national reserve. There are only a few hotels to choose from, where you can spend an unforgettable vacation, but all of them with the highest European service;



• Kaoi coco

  The most secluded holiday destination in Cuba is the Cayo Coco resort. An island where nothing will stop you from relaxing next to pink flamingos and swimming in crystal clear blue lagoons;



• Cayo Largo

  A fairly large island is Cayo Largo, on the territory of which an international airport has been built, hospitably meeting tourists from all over the world. There are only 6 hotels on the island, but this only means that no one will interfere with your evening walks along the beaches, your solitude with your thoughts. Cuba's resort Cayo - Largo is famous for its diving. This is an island where the beauty of the underwater world is so beautiful that it attracts tourists from all over the world.

As you can see, there is a place to relax in Cuba. The place you prefer depends only on your requirements and desires. Decide on a Cuba holiday destination and head to an island where freedom and fun reigns supreme.

Enjoy your stay! It will definitely be unforgettable!

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Freedom Island Cuba is loved by tourists for its luxurious nature, excellent beaches and a lot of colonial and revolutionary sights. White-stone beauty Havana, resort Varadero and Holguin, rum, cigars and Fidel - everything about Cuba: tours, vacations, prices and maps.

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Perhaps some still remember how they deciphered the name of this country 15 years ago: "Communism off the coast of America." All jokes, but Cuba really remains one of the few strongholds of a bright socialist ideology with such familiar attributes: the legendary Commander Che and his most alive follower, the external ideological enemy in the person of the States and the unprecedented patriotism of local residents. However, there are also radical differences from the USSR - a steady influx of tourists all year round, hotels with a high level of service and rich opportunities for entertainment: diving, snorkeling, yachting, and so on. Plus, of course, let's not forget about the famous rum and cigars. The latter, by the way, secretly smoked (and smokes) the same ideologically enemy leadership, despite the embargo of the Island of Liberty.

Moscow time difference

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Climate

Visa and customs

For a tourist trip up to 30 days to citizens of Russia and Belarus visa to Cuba not required. For your own peace of mind, you should arrange a tourist health insurance for the entire duration of the trip.

To enter Cuba at the border, you need to fill out a migration card (in duplicate - the second is presented upon departure), a return ticket and confirmation of financial solvency at the rate of 50 USD per day per person (a simple statement from a credit card will do). Hotel reservation is not required, but to answer the question where you plan to stay, be prepared.

Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco is allowed; 3 bottles of alcoholic drinks; perfumes, medicines and household items - within the limits of personal needs. Also, one photo and video camera (plus 5 cassettes for each) are imported duty-free. It is prohibited to import drugs, pornography and firearms (with the exception of sport hunting rifles belonging to tourists who come to the country for this purpose and have an appropriate permit issued in Cuba upon arrival).

Lovers of Cuban cigars should not forget about the following point: although you can take as many of them as you like from the island if you have a check, in Russia, according to our customs rules, no more than 50 pieces can be imported.

You can export up to 1000 CUP and up to 5000 USD without a declaration, no more than 23 cigars per person (if the cigars are sealed in a package with a hologram, bought in a special store that issues receipts and export permits, you can export as many goods as you like) more than 1000 CUP (jewelry is exported only if there is a license issued in the store).

There is no tax free system in socialist Cuba.

The export of animals, cultural values, sea shells, antiques is prohibited, precious metals... When buying jewelry or crocodile leather goods, it is necessary to require an export license from the seller, otherwise the goods will be seized during customs control. These licenses are issued, as a rule, only in stores. In markets where crocodile leather goods cost 3-5 times less, but export licenses are not given, such goods should not be purchased.

How to get to Cuba

The simplest and quick way get on Cuba- direct direct regular flights of Aeroflot Moscow - Havana(about 12 hours of flight, departure from Sheremetyevo). Other options: Transit Paris with Air France to Havana, Amsterdam with KLM, Madrid with Iberia, Frankfurt with Condor to Havana, and Varadero and other European carriers. The road will take from 16 to 20 hours.

The flight from the CIS countries is carried out either through Moscow, or with a connection in European cities.

If tourists fly with KLM, they will have to spend the night in Amsterdam due to the inconvenient flight connection. To do this, you need to issue a transit visa, as well as book a hotel in advance. It is more convenient to stay in the center of Amsterdam: time railway crossing from the airport to the train station in the city center - only 20 minutes.

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Transport

Public transport in the country is underdeveloped; the most convenient way is to rent a car. Cubans themselves often use hitchhiking to travel within cities or across the country.

Public transport

Buses are considered the main city transport, but they can only be recommended to extreme people: the stops are not marked in any way, it is almost impossible to find them, the buses are jam-packed, and they have no clear timetable and routes. Buses - called camallos in Havana (because of their appearance with camels) - stop every 4 blocks. The fare costs 3-5 CUC, it is not recommended to check with the driver - he will suspect you are a tourist and take much more. Prices on the page are for September 2018.

For tourists there are special "tourist" taxis - they are always modern and serviceable cars. They can be ordered from any hotel or simply by phone; travel is paid only in dollars. The cost of the trip is from 0.5 to 1 USD for each km of the journey. Regular taxis that accept pesos are quite old cars, and there are not many of them. Finally, there are also “bombily” participants in Cuba. Their prices are somewhat lower than those of state taxi drivers, but there are no guarantees of quality either.

Intercity communication

Locals often hitchhike around the country. Cuba even has a law that government cars are required to take hitchhikers on board if there are empty seats in the car. The implementation of this rule is closely monitored by special people, like our traffic cops.

All major cities in Cuba have bus stations with intercity buses departing from. Unlike public transport, they run more or less on schedule. The most budgetary option is Astro Bus. The bus fleet leaves much to be desired, but the trip from Havana to Varadero will cost only 8-10 CUC. Viazul Bus is a more modern fleet and the buses even have air conditioning. The fares are higher: from Havana to Varadero, a ticket will cost 8-15 USD. The company has its own website (translated into English) where you can buy tickets online. In other cases, passes are purchased at the ticket offices at the station, and this must be done in advance.

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Cuba Accommodation

Consulate General in Havana: 5-a Avenida esq. a 66, no. 318, Miramar, La Habana ,; tel .: 204-10-74, 204-10-85.

Police: 116 and 820-116, Ambulance: 242-811, fire brigade: 811-115, airport information: 45-31-33.

• Is Cuba suitable for a girl for an individual trip?
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Cuba beaches

The beaches in Cuba are some of the best on the planet: sandy, with easy access to the sea, many are marked with the Blue Flag, in addition, they are all municipal and free.

Most of the hotels on the coast have separate protected areas of the beach, where you can hardly meet the local population. Sun loungers and umbrellas are free.

You can safely go to any resort and be satisfied. But if you choose the ideal from the best, then you should pay attention to the following beaches:

The longest beach in Cuba is Varadero: almost 22 km of white sand with sun loungers, umbrellas, beach cafes and other tourist infrastructure. Almost all the beaches here are at hotels, so it is always clean there and there are no suspicious outsiders. Varadero is perhaps the funniest and noisiest resort in Cuba, there are many discos here, so young and not so party-goers should come here. Varadero is also suitable for tourists who prefer an all-inclusive vacation - most of these hotels are concentrated here.

For families with children, the Santa Lucia beach (about 110 km north-east of Camaguey) is suitable. There is a comfortable, gently sloping sandy bottom, there are no waves, and since you cannot get to this beach by regular buses, there are not many people even in the high season. It is very calm and Beautiful places, but there is also entertainment for extreme lovers: diving with sharks.

Cuisine and restaurants of Cuba

Creole cuisine is widespread on the island, the main ingredients of which are pork and chicken, cooked different ways... One of the most popular national dishes - "Creole ajiaco" - pork with vegetables and big amount spices. It is also worth trying lobster with lemon, crocodile or turtle meat dishes, turtle eggs. In Cuba, a lot is prepared from fruits and served with almost every dish. The coffee is brewed here very strong and sweet.

National drinks - Cuban rum and numerous cocktails based on it: mojito, cuba libre, daiquiri and many others.

There are few restaurants in the classical sense of the word in Cuba, and they are all located in tourist areas and resorts. Credit cards are usually accepted there, but failures are common, so it's best to go with cash (convertible pesos). The average bill in a good restaurant is about 30-40 CUP per person without drinks, in a more budgetary one you can keep within 10-15 CUP. There are also many pizzerias and hamburger shops in Cuba. You can have a snack there cheaply (2-5 CUP) and often around the clock, but only for cash. Cuban bars are a separate story. Most of them are very colorful and with a history, they do not feed there (maximum nuts and chips), but it is imperative to try all the daiquiris.

Guides in Cuba

Entertainment and attractions

Cultural attractions there are not so many in Cuba as in other countries, much was destroyed by the Spanish colonialists in the 16th century. The main wealth of the island is natural beauty. Picturesque landscapes, National parks and the amazing underwater world - this is what attracts thousands of tourists to Cuba every year.

Historical sights are concentrated in cities, most of them, of course, in the capital - Havana... The most interesting area in terms of tourism is Old Havana entered by UNESCO in the List of World Heritage of Humanity. Must See Cathedral of St. Christopher , havana capitol- larger than Washington. Also interesting are the city squares: Armory (Plaza de Armas), Cathedral (Plaza de la Catedral) and Old (Plaza Vieja), around which there are ancient buildings and structures, as well as the José Martí Revolution Square with memorial and an obelisk. At the top of the latter is the highest observation deck in the city.

The province of Havana will be especially interesting for fans of ecological and adventure tourism, as there are many quiet secluded beaches. In the area of ​​Escaleras de Jaruco there are many caves and sheer cliffs: it is good for caving enthusiasts. In San Antonio de los Banos, you can visit the Museum of Humor, and the coastal village of Santa Cruz del Norte is famous for producing the famous Havana Club rum.

In the town Santa clara(province of Villa Clara) is the Memorial to them. Che Guevara and his remains are kept. In the small town of Remedios, the city's Carnival Museum, the Alejandro García Caturla Music Museum and the main parish church of St. John the Baptist, considered one of the most curious in Cuba, are worth seeing.

Town Pinar del Rio in the province of the same name, it is interesting for its Museum of Natural Sciences, the Guash Palace, the Milanes theater and the Francisco Donatien cigar factory.

Island Juventud- the second largest in the Cuban archipelago. Here is the famous Los Indios San Felipe nature reserve with unique flora and fauna, the Presidio Modelo prison, a copy of the American Joliet prison in Illinois (where Fidel Castro served his prison sentence), Punta National Marine Park -Frances "and the international diving center" El Coloni ".

V province of Matanzas, in addition to caves with rock paintings, it is worth visiting the capital of the province of the same name. Must-sees: Piazza Vihia (the place where the city was founded), Liberty Square, Montserrat Chapel (built in the image of a temple in Catalonia), San Severino Castle (due to its size, it is considered one of the main Spanish fortresses in America) and the ruins of the "Triumvirato" - there, in the 19th century, the largest African slave uprising in the history of Cuba took place. The main attractions of the Zapata Peninsula are the Taino Indian village in Guam, the crocodile nursery in La Boca, the Santo Tomas and La Salina fauna reserves, and the Playa Giron Museum of History.

New Year (January 1), on the other hand, is celebrated noisily and cheerfully. On this night, beach discos are open, concerts and parties are held, with a special scale they approach business in big cities.

January 2 is the most important day in the country - the Day of Liberation and Victory of the Cuban Revolution. This is an official day off throughout the country, solemn processions are held in cities, the president makes a pretentious speech, Cubans congratulate everyone on the street, and ends with all the festivities until dawn.

The country is very fond of the holidays inherited from the communist era. Here, May Day is still celebrated in the way it was customary in the Soviet Union - with demonstrations, flowers, cheerful patriotic songs and festivities around the city. On July 26, National Uprising Day is celebrated, also with parades and demonstrations, and on October 10, Independence Day: the main venue is a monument to Carlos Manuel Cespedes ("Father of the Motherland", one of the leaders of Cuba's Ten Years War against the Spanish colonialists) on a square in Havana, to to which flowers are laid. Nobody works that day either.

In July and August, you can visit two carnivals in Cuba at once - in Havana and Santiago de Cuba.

On weekends from July 15 to August 15, Cuba hosts perhaps the most colorful and fun event of the year: the Havana Carnival. These days, freaks from all over the country gather in the capital, dress up in costumes, dance, drink daiquiri and have fun literally around the clock in every possible way. Many perform in teams and prepare for the carnival in advance, in order to surely outshine all other participants in the dance. Another carnival takes place at the end of July in the city of Santiago de Cuba. The scenario is the same: dress up, drink and dance. It is very convenient that both holidays fall at about the same time: you can visit both carnivals in one trip.

In the first week of December, Cuba hosts one of the most important cultural events for the entire Hispanic population of the planet - the New Latin American Film Festival. In terms of prestige, this film award is equal to the Oscar - for directors, actors and other filmmakers - it is a great honor to be awarded this award.

And at the end of February, smokers from all over the world come to Havana, as it hosts the International Cuban Cigar Festival. It lasts 5 days, during this time there are excursions to factories and tobacco plantations, auctions and competitions, as well as concerts, presentations and festive receptions where you can taste a variety of cigars with a glass of wine or rum.

Cuba's resorts are undoubtedly some of the best vacation spots. Why? Because here - exotic nature, bright sun, unique "white sandy" beaches, colorful national cuisine, many hotels, entertainment, historical sights. Do you want to relax, snorkel, admire the majestic flamingos, or want a Cuban tan? Looking for a romantic honeymoon? Do you want to try those same Havana cigars? .. Do you want to relax in a country that you will never forget? Finally, want to take an amazing journey from winter to summer? Choose a vacation in the resorts of Cuba! And we will briefly tell you about them.

Varadero is the most popular resort in Cuba

Varadero is probably the most popular resort Cuba. It is famous among tourists from all over the world. Varadero is wonderful sand beach, which stretches for almost two dozen kilometers, is one of the three cleanest - not only in Cuba - in the world. The alluring waters of the Atlantic invite diving enthusiasts to plunge into a fairytale world. There are cafes, restaurants, clubs. Interestingly, two of Varadero's famous restaurants are located in the houses where Dupont and Al Capone lived.

Havana - rest in the capital

The story about the resorts of Cuba cannot be considered complete without mentioning Havana. The capital of the sunny island is an ancient city that is almost five hundred years old. There are a lot of historical sights here. There are excellent hotels, yacht clubs, amusement parks here. Here you can not only visit interesting excursions, make purchases, enjoy the real "Cuban" atmosphere, but also sunbathe on comfortable beaches, plunge into the unforgettable underwater world, in a word - just cool to relax.

Holguin province - luxury vacation

This Cuban resort is one of the elite. There is another magnificent beach here - Playa Esmeralda, "Emerald Coast". In total, the resort of Holguin has more than four dozen beaches. If you are interested in a relaxing holiday, if you need a high-class hotel - come on vacation to the "Emerald Coast".

Cayo Guillermo Island Resort

Cuba's island resort of Cayo Guillermo is suitable for lovers of beach holidays and tranquility. -
- Plunge into the serene waters of the sea, forget about problems, lying on the warm sand, enjoy the beauty of flamingos.

Cayo Coco Nature Reserve Resort

Cayo Coco Island is a special resort in Cuba. What is its difference? This is a nature reserve. The pristine nature has been preserved in the central part of the island. Exotic birds live here, graceful flamingos and magnificent pelicans can be seen here. Another feature of the resort is its beaches. More precisely, white sand, which is so white that it looks like snow at times. There is a circus and a large-scale amusement park on the island.

Cayo Largo - beach resort

The island of Cayo Largo invites fans of sunbathing and scuba diving to relax. A huge beach that occupies an entire coastline, a marine reserve, a magnificent world of corals await you.

Cayo Santa Maria - a resort for fishermen and divers

The island of Cayo Santa Maria is another wonderful Cuban resort. Rest here will delight everyone who is fond of diving, fishing, who love clean, calm beaches.

Santa Maria del Mar - near the capital

This Cuban resort is located very close to the capital (about 18 kilometers), which makes it easy to enjoy the entertainment that Havana is rich in. The resort of Santa Maria del Mar itself is a white sand beach, ten good hotels, and water sports centers.

Our travel agency will help you to find and purchase a ticket to the resorts of Cuba at a profit. We wish you a pleasant stay.