Where to relax in Cuba: description of hotels, climate, travel tips, reviews. Wonderful beaches, azure waves, dancing until you drop, revolution, all this is in Cuba

Solitude from the hustle and bustle of the city is undoubtedly possible, for this you need to go to one of the island resorts:

• Cayo Guillermo Island is a national reserve that offers European service in several hotels.
• Lagoons with the purest crystal waters, pink flamingos, full-service hotels - all this on the island of Cayo Coco.
• You can get to the island of Cayo Largo by plane, because. an international airport was built here. The unusualness and beauty characteristic of the underwater world of this island attracts many diving enthusiasts.

Leading travel site TripAdvisor recently announced the top 5 holiday destinations and top 10 hotels in Cuba. the site tells about what is first of all worth visiting on the island of freedom.

Havana Lighthouse (El Morro Lighthouse)

The Caribbean coast has long been a favorite tourist route. Cuba with luxurious beaches and nature is visited annually by about 2 million tourists. To help you plan your vacation and enjoy the best deals, TripAdvisor has come up with a guide for a complete vacation based on the advice of visitors to its site.

5 places to visit in Cuba

The capital of Cuba Havana- provides the opportunity to enjoy the architectural style of the Spanish colonial era in the historic center, walking along the Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja, as well as enjoy the beach in the suburbs of Guanabo.

Varadero first of all, it attracts with a gentle sandy beach and clear water of the Atlantic. Having reached this town on the peninsula a couple of hours from the capital, you can visit the Saturno Cave, enjoy the magnificent coastal nature, and also study the culture of Cuban Indians at the Varadero Museum or purchase a handmade souvenir at the Art Ceramics Workshop.

Island Cayo Santa Maria in the Jardines del Rey archipelago can be explored with bus tours. Enjoy sugar cane juice and learn about sugar production at the Museo de Agroindustria Azucarera in Remedios. Pay tribute to the great freedom fighter at the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara.
Located in the same archipelago, the island of Cayo Coco (Cayo Coco) indulges in a chic coastline. In the towns of Sancti Spiritus and Trinidad de Cuba, learn about Cuban history, culture and crafts in a variety of museums, as well as explore the architectural features of local houses and strolling through parks.

In the fourth largest Cuban city Holguin (Holguin), located in the east of the island, take a tour in a rented car, stroll through the picturesque squares, explore museum exhibits and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Christ Hill (Loma de la Cruz).

The 10 best hotels in Cuba

The hotel industry in Cuba is quite diverse and includes about 300 hotels from economy class to five-star options.
1. Melia Cayo Coco in Cayo Coco.

2. Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa in Holguin.

3. Royalton Hicacos Varadero Resort & Spa in Varadero.

4. Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad in Trinidad.

5. Melia Las Americas in Varadero.

6. Iberostar Parque Central in Havana.

7. Blau Varadero Hotel Cuba in Varadero.

8. Memories Holguin Beach Resort in Rafael Freire.

9. Hotel Melia Marina Varadero in Varadero.

10. Sol Rio de Luna y Mares in Guardalavaca.

When traveling around Cuba on your own or as part of a tourist group, you should take into account the opinion of those who have already been there - this will make your vacation more comfortable and get positive emotions.

• It is better to plan a visit to the island in April-May. Summer and autumn are considered the season of strong winds.
• Exchange currency only at banks or at an official government exchange office Cadeca.
• It is advisable to take Spanish lessons before the trip and remember English.
• You can rent a car to move around Cuba, remembering the precautions for night trips, and you should also be mentally prepared for the fact that in the event of a breakdown, you will have to troubleshoot yourself.
• As in any other country, do not forget about tips and allocate them about 10% of the vacation budget.

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 make a long journey to your destination, because Havana has an international airport, José Marti, ready to receive you. Holidays in the capital of Cuba are more suitable for those who like to admire the cities preserved in their original appearance. From Havana, a stone's throw to the largest factory in Cuba, where the famous rum "Havana Club" 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 fire festival? Do you know where they are held? In Santiago de Cuba! Relax in this beautiful city will be a pleasure for lovers of beaches and diving. 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 deservedly recognized as a resort with the cleanest beaches in Cuba. It is here that the world-famous Dupont or Al Capone house-museum is located. Those who dream of seeing the Indians from childhood need to relax here. Not far from the resort of Varadero is a village where real Indians live. The inhabitants of Cuba 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 - Holguin. A 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 lack of tourists. Holguin has the most beautiful beach - one of the best beaches in Cuba, whose name means "Emerald Coast".

Island resorts in Cuba

Well, it's all about resorts - cities. This information is for those who want to combine a beach holiday with a huge variety of excursions offered in Cuba.

And where to go to relax 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 among the islands of 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

  Cayo Coco is considered the most secluded vacation spot in Cuba. An island where nothing will stop you from relaxing, side by side with pink flamingos, and swimming in crystal clear blue lagoons;



• Cayo Largo

  A rather large island is Cayo Largo, on the territory of which an international airport has been built, hospitably welcoming 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 privacy with your thoughts. The Cuban resort of 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 are places to relax in Cuba. The place you prefer depends only on your requirements and desires. Decide on a holiday resort in Cuba and go to an island where the atmosphere of freedom and fun reigns.

Have a nice holiday! It will definitely be unforgettable!

The famous Liberty Island is invariably associated with elite rum, Havana cigars and groovy Latin melodies. However, Cuba is also famous for its resorts. For many travelers, this is a desirable place, alluring with exotic nature and ocean waters. The island has all the conditions for beach tourism, so a huge number of tourists come here every year. In our article, we want to talk about which months and where to relax in Cuba is better.

Attractiveness of Liberty Island

Thinking about where to relax in Cuba, many tourists imagine a picture of heavenly beaches with white sand and exotic palm trees. The country is really very attractive for sea lovers. The best conditions are created for tourists here. Experts say that Cuban beaches can compete with famous world resorts not only in cleanliness, but also in beauty. By the way, UNESCO recognized the island of Varadero as the cleanest in the world. And that says a lot. Holidays on the Cuban coast are appreciated not only by residents of the post-Soviet space, but also by representatives of other states.

It doesn’t matter where to relax in Cuba: in all the resorts of the country you will find the most beautiful beaches, most of which belong to the municipality and only a few to hotels. Rest on the coast is free everywhere, you don’t even need to pay for the use of sun loungers. Where else can you find this? But for some reason, the most popular resort areas are inaccessible for local residents.

The coastal waters of the Island of Freedom are transparent and clean. The visibility zone in normal conditions reaches 60 meters, which creates amazing conditions for diving. Planning to go to Cuba? Where to relax is best, experienced travelers will tell you. The most popular is the northern coast of the Island of Freedom, washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The most popular resorts of the country are gathered on the narrow edge of the sandy coast. What is the luxurious Varadero worth, on the territory of which there are dozens of luxury hotels. The resort area of ​​Guanabo is a bit simpler. There are no hotels here, and beach houses are offered as housing for tourists. The wildest part of the coast is Cayo Leviza. There is no infrastructure and civilization here at all. And you can only get to the beach by boat. But this is the main charm of this place, because only here you can see the virgin nature. Therefore, when choosing a place where to relax in Cuba, you should be guided by your preferences: do you want peace and tranquility or feel all the delights of a luxury resort.

On the opposite side of the island, the equally attractive beaches of Maria Aguilar and Ancon are washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. On the coast there is the entire standard set of infrastructure facilities, including a dozen diving centers. There is only one island in Cuba - Caia Largo, which has no municipal beaches at all. The entire coast is divided between hotels. True, there is no total control over them, so you can relax anywhere.

Climate Island of Freedom

When choosing a place in Cuba where it is better to relax at one time or another of the year, it is necessary to study the country's climate. The country, as you know, is located on the lands of the archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. The largest island has the same name as the state. In the immediate vicinity are numerous coral reefs and small islands, of which there are more than a thousand. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream have a huge impact on the climate of the region. The islands are dominated by trade winds that blow from the ocean all year round. The tropical climate of the resort is determined by the northeast trade winds.

On the archipelago, two seasons can be conditionally distinguished: dry and rainy. The first begins in November and continues until April. The rainy season coincides with our summer. From May to October, the annual rainfall falls. Sometimes rains turn into long downpours with strong winds. Typhoons usually hit in October or September. Therefore, the best time for a vacation in Cuba is from December to April, when there is no more rain, and the heat is very easy to bear.

The high season is in January. The air temperature at this time fluctuates between +21 - +22 degrees, and the temperature of sea water reaches +22 - +24 degrees. In summer, higher temperatures are observed. In August, the heat reaches +28 degrees, and the water warms up to +28 - +30 degrees. An integral part of the local climate is high humidity all year round. In the heat, it is difficult for an unprepared person to endure it. But on the coast, the humidity is not so noticeable, because the sea winds save. Sometimes it can even get chilly in the evenings. On the islands you can see trees that grow obliquely. This is due to the influence of constantly blowing winds.

Dominican Republic or Cuba?

When planning a future vacation, many tourists are wondering if it is better to relax in Cuba or in the Dominican Republic? Both countries can offer approximately the same range of services for tourists. But rest in them has fundamental differences. It’s worth starting with what to remember about the indigenous population. The people of the two countries are very different from each other. In Cuba, Russians are very much loved and treated well. Cubans are very welcoming and friendly people. In the Dominican Republic, you should not expect a friendly attitude. Local residents are set to enrich themselves as much as possible at the expense of tourists. Very often, Russians complain about extortion of money by hotel staff. Our compatriots are often placed in the worst rooms in the hope that for a bonus, the guests themselves will ask to be moved to another place. Most often this is what happens. In addition, theft occurs in Dominican hotels.

Cuban hotels are very clean, and the level of service offered is at its best. Going on excursions, you will notice how clean the streets of the Island of Freedom are. Sightseeing trips here are much cheaper than in the Dominican Republic. And the whole holiday in Cuba will cost you much cheaper. Cubans treat tourists with care, each hotel has a doctor and a nurse. But from the Dominicans you can't wait for medical help at the hotel. And no one will take you to the hospital. They can only offer you to get to the hospital by taxi on your own.

The Dominican Republic is not clean. Local streets are full of rubbish. It is scary to go outside the hotel because of the high crime rate. Quite another matter - Cuba. There is a very low crime rate here. Locals do not steal or deceive gullible tourists. In cities, you will not see bars on windows and barbed wire on fences, which is the norm for Dominicans. And it speaks of the morals of the people.

In Cuba, you can have a pleasantly inexpensive vacation surrounded by the local population, having experienced all the delights of the all-inclusive concept. The only slight drawback of the Island of Freedom is the climatic conditions. In the Dominican Republic, for example, you can relax almost all year round. In Cuba, the high season lasts from December to March. At this time, there is no strong heat, and the water warms up to +24. But in the rainy season, the air temperature rises to +32 degrees. Many people think that at this time you should not fly on vacation. But it is not so. Tropical showers do not happen so often, but discounts on tours reach maximum values. Incredibly warm sea water will be a pleasant bonus of relaxation. Therefore, when deciding whether it is better to relax in Cuba or the Dominican Republic, consider all factors.

Cuba or Vietnam?

Cuba and Vietnam are the two most popular destinations among Russians. Therefore, the question often arises which country to choose. It is very difficult to say where to rest is better. Cuba or Vietnam - the choice is very difficult to make. These are two completely different countries, which are pointless to compare.

If we talk about weather conditions, then the tropical climate reigns on Liberty Island, and in Vietnam it is subtropical. This suggests that more rain falls in Cuba.

The fauna and flora of these countries are very different. There are a lot of picturesque bays on the Island of Freedom, protected from the waves, where you can go diving. Both countries offer wonderful food and a good level of service. In Vietnam, you can have a wonderful rest with children, for whom all conditions are created here. Cuban resorts are more focused on young people, but you can also have a good time here with kids. The main difference between countries is the cost of tours. Experts note that a trip to Vietnam is three times cheaper than to Cuba. This is due not only to distances, but also to the peculiarities of the pricing policy.

Choosing a resort for families with children

For couples, the question is always relevant, where to relax with a child? Cuba is the perfect place in this respect. But you need to choose a resort with knowledge of the local features of the coast. It is worth highlighting the following tourist areas suitable for children's recreation:

1. resorts are the best on the coast. They are characterized by a gentle approach and white fine sand. By the way, the region is closest to the capital of the island, where all planes arrive. So, you can get to the hotel much faster.
2. Cayo Largo is a real paradise island in the Caribbean. Any hotel on the coast will offer you the most beautiful beach. The sand on the island is much finer and more beautiful than on Varadero. A gentle entry into the sea is very convenient even for the smallest. But there is one drawback of resting on the island - this is an internal flight with an overnight stay in But among the advantages is the opportunity to spend time among virgin nature.
3. Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Guillermo began to be built up with hotel complexes quite recently. Before booking rooms at a hotel, you need to clarify which beach it has. Some hotels have their own plots on the coast.
4. The province of Holguin offers white sandy beaches suitable for families. However, not everyone dares to go on vacation here with kids, since the distance from Havana to the resort is more than 800 km.

Hotels for families with children?

If you have already decided where to relax with your child in Cuba, then you need to choose a good hotel. It is worth knowing that there are many “adults only” hotels on Liberty Island. In such institutions, only young people are accepted at least 16-18 years old. There are usually discounts for children. Very young guests are accommodated free of charge. However, it is worth paying attention to the definition of age norms. They may differ in different chains of establishments.

If you are looking for a place where it is better to relax in Cuba with children, then give preference to family hotels. Such institutions often place children of any age free of charge in the same room with their parents. For example, in Varadero, the following hotels should be recommended: Blau Varadero 4*, Sol Sirenas Coral 4*, Arenas Doradas 4*, Occidental Allegro Varadero 4*, Mercure Playa de Oro Club Amigo Aguas Azules 4*, Brisas del Caribe 4*, Mercure Cuatro Palmas 4*.

Cuban hotels offer well-equipped beaches with free sunbeds and umbrellas. Cheerful locals never get bored themselves and will not let tourists get bored. The hotel complexes organize animation for guests of all ages. A huge advantage of the establishments are mini-clubs for children. During the whole holiday you and your child will not be bored.

Cuba in July

Liberty Island in July is not very hospitable. At this time, there is hot weather and frequent showers. And yet the rainy period attracts tourists with the lowest prices of the year. A last-minute tour for a week for one person can cost up to 40-50 thousand rubles. It is for this reason that tourists are wondering where to relax in Cuba in July.

High temperatures and high humidity are observed throughout the country. Therefore, it makes sense to go to Varadero, where showers happen once every two to three days. They are quite short-term and do not cause much inconvenience, it is much more difficult to endure high humidity. Varadero is known for excellent diving. In addition, tourists can visit national parks and see a real Cuban carnival that takes place in July. Fans of fishing and a relaxing holiday can go to Cayo Guillermo. In general, all resorts in the country will delight you with incredible warm water and hot weather.

Liberty Island in August

August is still the rainy season in Cuba. However, showers occur much less frequently, so tourists are almost always pleased with sunny weather. The only downside is the high humidity. Where is the best place to relax in August? In Cuba, heat and humidity are better tolerated on the coasts, where sea breezes blow. Therefore, experienced travelers recommend the resort of Varadero, whose wind rose makes it easy to endure the heat. In addition, the temperature of the water in the Atlantic Ocean is a couple of degrees lower than in the Caribbean. Off the coast of Havana (Gulf of Mexico), the sea warms up to +29 degrees. Swimming in it does not bring freshness, so many people prefer pools. And this means that you can have a good time on the island at any time of the year, including in August. Where to relax in Cuba at this time? Experts recommend resorts on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Cuba in October

Planning to go to Cuba in October? Where to relax is best, the most experienced tourists will tell you. The rainy season ends in October. Showers still occasionally occur, but they are rare. In addition, they are short-lived. Coolness gradually descends to Havana, in the daytime the temperature does not exceed +28 degrees, but the Atlantic Ocean warms up to the same temperature. In Varadero, the weather is no different, but the water near its coast is a little cooler (+26 degrees), so it is a little refreshing. Experienced tourists also recommend Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco, where the weather is hotter, but the heat is offset by strong winds. The resort of Holguin is no less attractive.

Cuba in November

You can spend a wonderful vacation on Freedom Island at any time of the year, the main thing is to know where it is better to relax. The weather is good. The number of showers is significantly reduced, they go for a short time and only at night. The weather becomes much more comfortable due to lower humidity levels. In some regions, during the day the air temperature is +26 - +27 degrees, and at night it drops to +21. In the dark time of the day, a coolness is felt.

Are you planning your vacation in Cuba in November? Where to relax in the best way, experienced tourists will tell you. In the middle of autumn, good, cool weather sets in in the region. Therefore, you can choose absolutely any resort for living. Rest at this time has a lot of advantages, since the temperature indicators allow not only to spend time on the beach, but also to see the sights, attend incendiary parties and go diving. In addition, in November, locals celebrate a holiday - the Day of St. Christopher Columbus, who is considered the patron saint of Havana.

Hotel selection

The best hotels in the country have excellent infrastructure and a high level of service. Among them, we can recommend the Nacional de Cuba 5 * hotel, which is called the hallmark of Havana. It was built back in 1930 at the expense of American gangsters. The stunning eight-story building is a reminder of the luxury of those times. Over the past decades, the interior decoration of the hotel and even the style of service have not changed at all. Here everything remains the same as at the beginning of the last century. The building is located in the very center of the capital, surrounded by a garden. And the courtyard of the complex pleases guests with a beautiful fountain. In the hotel lobby you can see photos of all the eminent guests of the institution. The hotel gained wide popularity thanks to the Parisien cabaret.

No less good is the Iberostar Varadero complex, located on the first line, by the sea. It consists of three buildings, a spa, four swimming pools and five restaurants and an equipped beach. Sports activities are widely represented on the territory of the complex: bowling, tennis courts, fitness center, golf courses.

But fans of a measured and relaxing holiday should pay attention to the Royal Hideaway Ensenachos hotel, which is located in the north of the country, on the island of Cayo Esenachos. By the way, the hotel is the only one on the island. It is divided into three parts. Two kilometers of sandy beach will give you the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and the Caribbean Sea. The hotel has numerous bars and restaurants, as well as a serious entertainment base.

We remembered only a few, the most luxurious establishments in the country. In fact, there are many more. Therefore, tourists have a wide choice.

The best islands of Cuba

Where it is better to relax on the island of freedom is a difficult question. It all depends on the time of your visit and the company with which you go on vacation. Tourists recommend paying attention to the resort capital - Havana. The resort offers gorgeous beaches and a variety of entertainment. It is also convenient for families with small children, as there is no need to spend time moving around the islands.

There are many small islands off the coast of Liberty Island, among which you can pay attention to Cayo Coco (the most picturesque), Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Largo. Cayo Coco is connected to the mainland by a system of dams. Its snow-white coast stretches for 9 km. The island has the largest diving center.

In the north of the country is the most famous resort island of Santa Maria. The dam, which passes near Cayo Coco, reaches Santa Maria. The island offers secluded relaxation surrounded by stunningly beautiful nature. Here you can admire not only the expanses of the sea and beaches, but also flamingos, pelicans and drops that have chosen the region as a habitat. Santa Maria has a rather modest size. Its coastline stretches for only thirteen kilometers. But the island has still deserted and quiet beaches.

Where is the best place to relax in Cuba: reviews

Tourists who have visited Cuba leave the most enthusiastic reviews about the rest. An exotic island simply cannot leave anyone indifferent. An amazing atmosphere of general fun is transmitted literally from the first minutes of your stay in the country. Especially, it is felt in Havana and Varadero. In these resort regions, life is in full swing. Holidays on small islands are more suitable for those people who are looking for peace and tranquility.

Our compatriots leave a lot of laudatory reviews about Cubans who love Russians very much. Simple people with a wide open soul are the locals. If you choose one of the major resorts as a place of rest, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of local holidays and festivals. Tourists certainly recommend going fishing on a yacht in the open sea and diving. Sea adventures will give you a lot of pleasure and leave an indelible impression.

Surprise, delight, nostalgia. Cuba will capture you with a hurricane of impressions and will not let you go until the last day of your vacation. And already buckled up on the plane, you seem to wake up and realize that you left a piece of yourself here, that you were happy here. It's like having a magical dream and then waking up in tears. And it's not even about luxurious beaches, pristine nature, revolutionary romance, masterpieces of colonial architecture and the never-disheartened Cubans. Cuba is a different, unusual and unusual world. Cuba is "a holiday that is always with you." So did the great Hemingway say about Paris... or is it about Cuba, where he lived so long and happily and wrote his best works? The best resorts in Cuba and the most interesting places are in our review.

How to get there?

By plane. This year, regular carriers operate direct flights from Moscow to Havana, while charter flights fly directly to Varadero. The flight time is approximately 12 hours. If you use the flights of European airlines, then in addition to Havana and Varadero, you can also get to Santiago de Cuba and Holguin. And take advantage of the opportunity to make a transfer in Europe - for some this makes a long flight easier.

Which resort to choose?

There are more than a dozen resorts in Cuba. An important point - since you still need to fly to any of them (except Varadero) with local airlines, it is better to plan the first and last night in Havana. Why - read on.

Varadero

The undisputed leader in the rating of tourist preferences of Russians. The local airport is only 40 km away, or can be reached from Havana in 2 hours by car. Varadero is somewhat reminiscent of Cancun, a narrow sandy spit 25 km long is cut into the Atlantic Ocean. Hotels of international hotel chains are located along the entire length, there is a large congress center by local standards with a supermarket for tourists, about a dozen worthy nightclubs, bars and discos, a marina with yachts and catamarans, a dolphinarium. The local population is represented only by hotel staff, taxi drivers and other service people. The entire resort is one large tourist area closed from ordinary Cubans. Most of the entertainment on site, which, like food and drinks, is already included in the price. Each hotel offers excursions to various interesting places, you can order fishing or diving. The only inconvenience is the long distances between hotels, shopping and entertainment outlets. You have to travel by taxi. In the evening, you can go to a theatrical performance or show at your hotel or look for adventure on the side at one of the local clubs. Many tourists prefer not to sit still and rent a vehicle. The best rent-a-car services (repeated personal experience) are offered by the local REX office. Prices are average European.

Cayo Coco

A few years ago, the Cuban tourism authorities made a bet on the development of this region. Today there is a modern airport (it takes about an hour to fly from Havana) and excellent roads. But everything is built very carefully, the island has the status of a state biosphere reserve with a huge number of rare birds. Only the colony of pink flamingos has more than 40 thousand individuals, which in these parts stop to rest during seasonal migrations. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see the sky pink from the birds. And if not, flamingos, like our cats, easily walk on their own on hotel lawns. It is comfortable to relax on Cayo Coco with children. Milky sandy beaches are wide and long, the entrance to the water is gentle everywhere. Even in the coldest winter (very rarely, no more than once every 10 years), the temperature of sea water does not fall below 23 ° C, and air temperature does not fall below 25 ° C. Usually these are comfortable 26-28 ° C of air and water. All club hotels, as we like, work on "All inclusive", "fours" and "fives" are very decent. The island is connected to the mainland (La Isla Grande, as the Cubans call their homeland) by a bulk dam 17 km long. Therefore, it is very easy to go on a tour of interesting places in Cuba.

Cayo Guillermo

This is a paradise, in fact, a continuation of Cayo Coco. Another 20 minutes of travel along the dam, and you are there. We can say that this is Cayo Coco in miniature. There are even fewer hotels and tourists, and the sand on the beach is half a ton whiter. And a very unusual color of the sea. All shades of blue and green seem to touch in layers, but do not mix and shine in the sun. The local atmosphere of bliss and peace is guaranteed to relax even the most weary traveler. It was here that the great Hemingway wrote most of the novel "Islands in the Ocean", inspired by local beauties. And very close, literally 5 km, begins a huge reef, a diver's dream, which stretches almost to Nassau, the coast of the Hawaiian Islands. By the way, the sand on the beach does not burn bare feet at all, even at noon. The color is so white that the sun's rays are almost completely reflected from it.

Cayo Santa Maria

For about 20 years, Canadian engineers designed and Cuban workers built an almost 50-kilometer dam that connected land to the islands of Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Ensenachos. There is also a small local airport Las Brujas. The flight from Havana will take an hour and a minute on a small ATR-42 of the local airlines. The hotel base on the islands is small, but very decent, only 4 * and 5 *. Naturally, everything is on All inclusive. The hotel areas are huge, the buildings are no higher than a palm tree, and the length of the beach in some reaches 10 km. Great place for romantic couples and families with children. Rest chamber and calm. Of course, more expensive (not much) than Varadero, because everything is imported. The only inconvenience is that mosquitoes appear at sunset in the evening hours.

By the way, this is typical of most islands, because there are a lot of mangroves around. Cubans are very sensitive to their ecology and rarely use air fumigation. Therefore, repellents can be asked for free at the reception and without the need to touch the mosquito nets in the rooms. Nature here is so close to man that in a few days you will no longer be surprised at the huge colored shells thrown onto the beach by the morning wave. And if you walk until night (the rhythms of salsa at the hotel disco with mojito, daiquiri, cuba libru or piña colada make you forget about time), then on the beach it’s so easy to see a giant sea turtle the size of a piano or burning the darkness of dozens of palm crabs eyes in the thickets of blooming bougainvillea near your bungalow. How to dilute beach boredom? Take a tour of Santa Clara. You need to go back along the dam to the shore and it will take about half an hour more on the road to one of the main revolutionary sights of Cuba. This is a memorial to Che Guevara and a museum of his life and struggle. You definitely won't regret it!

Cayo Largo

Knowledgeable tourists choose this island in the Caribbean for its excellent beaches, quietness and amazing diving. There are few hotels, mostly 4 *. Here you can have a good and inexpensive rest for two or just fly (1 hour 15 minutes) from Varadero or Havana for a day trip. An important tip - sunscreen should be applied in a thick layer (especially in the first days of vacation) not after swimming, but before entering the sea. Here the sand is so white, and the water is so clean and transparent that the sun's rays in the water practically do not refract, but are completely reflected from the white bottom. There is an effect of tanning under water. Don't get burned!

Holguin Province Resorts

Cubans believe that somewhere in these places in 1792, Christopher Columbus set foot on the coast of Cuba and was delighted with the whiteness of the sand and the crystal clear sea waters. The province of Holguin is the most economically developed region of Cuba and the birthplace of Fidel. The flight from Havana takes 2 hours and 20 minutes. The elite resorts of the country are located on the beaches of Esmeralda, Pesquero and Gvardelavaka. And the best resort hotel in Cuba, Paradisus Rio de Oro, traditionally accommodates top officials of the state and wealthy tourists from France and Italy in their villas. Here is a real expanse for lovers of water sports and diving. And from here it is convenient to go on an excursion to Santiago de Cuba, the unofficial "Caribbean" capital of the country. Reckless and cheerful, the city is definitely worth at least a short visit. Take a look at the Museum of 26 July, which is located in the left wing of the former barracks of Moncada, the Museum of Piracy, and in the evening, be sure to watch a colorful costume show at the local branch of the Tropicana Havana.

Havana

Being in Cuba and not visiting Havana is an unforgivable omission. Moreover, a standard three-hour guided tour will only pique your curiosity. But a day or two is the most it. This is an amazing city, it is not at all like the world capitals familiar to tourists. About him and about which seaside resorts of the country were at one time undeservedly deprived of the attention of Russian tour operators, we will tell in our next review. If by that time you don’t drop everything and come here, inspired by this article.