Cuba is the curved Cayman (the West Indian name for crocodile) shaped island swimming just below the giant “would-be” thumb of the US state of Florida in the Caribbean Sea. Interestingly, a shared border of sorts (29km long) exists with the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, which is leased from Cuba. The country is several hundred miles (roughly 1,200 km.) long and is comprised of 14 provinces and one special municipality. Thousands of smaller islands and islets dot the perimeter of its shores. A multi-racial community of some 11 million souls shares this land. Most of the population lives in cities with the capital, Havana, harboring 2.3 million.

Havana

Havana

There exists certain majesty in the faded and peeling paint that exemplifies the glorious Havana of yesteryear. Though the city (Old Havana) is festooned in ornate Spanish colonial architecture, it is no doubt the feisty spirit of the inhabitants that brings the past back to life. Havana maintains a cultural connection to all that has made this country a revolutionary icon. The heyday of well-heeled American mob influence in the Vedado district is revived in the opulent dance halls and clubs where sultry tunes and sensual dancing greet the night

Most people won’t wish to spend much time in the gritty core of Central Havana when the enticements of Old Havana and Vedado beckon. This is not to say there is nothing of interest in the centre of town. To the contrary, there is the magnificent edifice known as the Capitolio Nacional, which houses the Cuban Academy of Sciences and the National Library of Science and Technology. Nearby is one of Havana's oldest cigar factories where it is possible view some 400 workers hand rolling cigars. A stroll along the Maleco'n, a seawall skirting Central Havana's northern boundary, is always a pleasant way to sightsee. Havana's Chinatown is not far and provides a unique and lively atmosphere.

Old Havana

Plenty of shopping experiences are in store for those looking to bring home cigars, rum or handicrafts. One of the best craft markets is located behind the Plaza de la Catedral in Old Havana where Cuban painters, sketch artists, sculptors, and other vendors are never in short supply. A great buy is to be had on handmade humidors, which come in many sizes and are superbly crafted. Bargains can be found on old books, stamps (including stamps of the former Soviet Union), original Cuban paintings or prints, CDs and tapes of Cuban music, Che Guevara T-shirts, lacework and hand-embroidered clothing. Photos of Ernest Hemingway in Cuba are also popular.

A fun pastime can include taking in the "Punto guajiro', also called "contraversia". This is basically an argument in sing-song where two people state their opinions and points of view in song. They take turns, back and forward, ad-libbing to music until one admits defeat. This form of singing originated with "guajiros" (peasants) in the countryside.

This is Cuba’s second largest city after Havana and considered to be the most picturesque. It also brims with history. Undulating hills and sea vistas are the foundation of Santiago de Cuba’s appeal. July is carnival time in Santiago de Cuba, and this is when the city really comes to life in a spectacular display of color and pageantry. Architecturally impressive, historically rich and socially vibrant are the cornerstones of this great city. Music is close to the people as a form of self-expression. Take a few salsa lessons or follow narrow streets winding their way to new surprises with every turn and twist. Sightseeing is both plentiful and interesting. Shady parks provide refuge from the hot afternoon sun in addition to being a great place to meet the locals. Santiago de Cuba is friendly, exciting and highly worthwhile for any visitor to Cuba.

Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos

Beaches are the main draw to this region located on the south central coast. But then so is the capital city itself (of the same name). Cienfuegos is truly a lovely city, with its roots going back to the French settlement founded by one Don Louis D'Clouet on April 22 of 1819. The inhabitants of Cienfuegos are proud to have the longest Paseo del Prado (promenade) of the country, which goes from the entrance of the city to the Maleco'n (waterfront). There is much to see and much to do within the environs of Cienfuegos: visit Palacio Del Valle, a luxurious mansion that exemplifies the most eloquent expression of the city’s eclectic architectural tendencies; the fortress of Nuestra Senora de los A'ngeles de Jagua (1743 - 1745) predates the original settlement; El Perche, the quaint fishing village near Castillo de Jagua; the waterfall of El Nicho, in the mountainous region of Sierra de Trinidad, to name but a few. And then there are the beaches of course.

Isla De La Juventud

The special municipality of Isla De La Juventud (or Isle of Youth in English), is the largest of the more than 600 isles forming the southern Archipelago of Los Canarreos. It has been referred to by many other names in the past and perhaps this why it is also known as the “isle of a thousand names”. Little more than 100 kilometers south of Batabano', in the province of Havana, this enormous isle was for more than three centuries the notorious haunt for all pirates and corsairs sailing in the waters of the Caribbean Sea. Ancient caves, underwater photography, old penitentiaries, citrus plantations, marble quarries, black sand beaches, and museums are but a few of the sights and activities to occupy your time on this beautiful island. Let the contagious rhythms of the Socu-Socu fill your nightlife in paradise.

Splendid beaches and incredible dive sites are main attraction of this province. Of historical note: Camaguey was among the first seven villas founded by the Spanish colonials. Whether visiting ruins of old forts or lighthouses, photographing rare birds or flamingos, the region has numerous delightful opportunities to offer. The historic center of the city of Camaguey is considered a must-see place for those who choose Santa Luci'a as their holiday destination. Camaguey abounds in narrow and tortuous streets that always spill out onto squares and plazas surrounded by buildings of outstanding historical, social and architectural value.

For the last few years, this central province has drawn tourists attracted by the exploits of the legendary Guerrilla Commander Ernesto (Che) Guevara. It was here in December of 1958, he carried out the decisive combats in the final struggle for the liberation of Cuba. Santa Clara is a neat and quiet city that has the advantage of being relatively close to all the important tourist destinations such as the city of Havana, Cienfuegos, Varadero and Trinidad. Great beaches, spectacular diving, friendly towns and nature reserves count among the attractions of the region.

Cayo Coco

Ciego de Avila

This central-eastern province is distinguished by the development of its north keys - particularly Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo. An unusual and unforgettable show is store for those who travel to the key by the causeway; a large colony of pink flamingos that lives on the south side of the key can be seen up close from La Silla lookout, (preferably very early in the morning or at sunset).

Out of the 14 provinces of the island, Matanzas is probably the one with the greatest density of tourism attractions, among which, the beach resort of Varadero is the most well known. Fine white sand and transparent waters are what best characterizes the popularity of the area for divers and beach enthusiasts.

Eastern Holguin province is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Cuba thanks to the region's natural attractions.