Havana

Habana Vieja, Old Havana, enchanting and captivating, brimming with cool cafes, Bohemian bars and a flourishing art scene.  Despite years of neglect and economic hardship, an undeniable energy infused with jazz and salsa permeates the atmospheric colonial streets.

Viñales

When you see the morning mist lift off the rust-colored tobacco fields, when you see a monolithic mogote (limestone cliff) tower above a farmer driving his oxen and plow, when you see the simple tiled-roof houses with sunburnt paintwork and front doors left open, you know you have arrived in Viñales, a relaxed traditional village in Western Cuba.  Stay a while to admire the beauty of the land and enjoy some hiking, horse-riding or cycling.

Las Terrazas

Cuba's main ecotourism site promotes self-sufficiency and education in rural areas as well as preservation and care of the environment. There is a lively art community with studios and workshops but the main reason to visit is to hike, relax and watch the countless birds.

Playa Girón (Bay of Pigs)
Scene of the ill-fated CIA sponsored invasion by Cuban exiles, the museum tells the story of the Cuban victory.  But the main reason to visit are the crystal clear Caribbean waters, home to an incredibly variety of coral and fish which makes for a lovely place to swim.

Cienfuegos

Founded by French settlers (many from Louisiana), this easy-going town with its elegant classical architecture has been called Cuba's Paris.  With a heady mix of elegance and Caribbean spirit, the nickname 'Pearl of the South' is well-deserved.

Topes de Collantes

In the midst of one of Cuba's largest mountain ranges lies the resort of Topes de Collantes.  Hike along some of Cuba's best trails and discover a rich flora,  isolated waterfalls, jungle-clad forests and remote farmsteads.

Trinidad

Cuba's best preserved colonial town has a distinct village feel.  It is a great place to wander around cobble-stoned, traffic-free streets, lined with pastel-coloured houses and mansions whose interiors display Italian frescoes, fine china and beautiful chandeliers.  Climb up for a view over red-tiled rooftops or stay a while to enjoy the live-music scene, its sprinkling of museums and the arts and crafts markets.

Santa Clara

One of the largest and liveliest cities in Cuba, and certainly its most revolutionary, Santa Clara hosts two monuments to the revolution - the Che Guevara mausoleum and memorial and a derailed train which marks a decisive event in the war against Batista.

Camagüey

With its colonial squares and confusingly winding streets of its well-preserved historical center, Camagüey exudes an atmosphere of intrigue.  Hidden plazas and crumbling baroque churches, Rococo balconies and pleasant bars and restaurants all add to the appeal of Camagüey, a town rich in cultural tradition and arts.

Comandancia de la Plata

A group of simple wooden buildings mark the hidden headquarters of Castro's revolutionary army, high up in the Sierra Maestra.  It is a great place to contemplate all the revolution has brought to Cuba.

Santiago de Cuba

Cuba's cultural capital, with its dusty and sensuous streets, the city where Castro first launched his revolution, is one frenetic and noisy yet magical city.  Home to a large Afro-Cuban population the locals are known for both their laid-back lifestyle and their determination to have a good time, resulting in a lively music scene, which gave birth to both salsa and son.

Baracoa

Surrounded by beautiful green mountains covered in palm and cacao trees, Cuba's oldest and most isolated town has an energy all of its own.  Wander around the time-worn streets lined with pastel-coloured colonial houses, or explore the gorgeous countryside, nearby fishing villages and beautiful beaches.