Havana, the picturesque capital of Cuba. Cuba - everything a tourist needs to know about Liberty Island. Airfare low price calendar

Havana is located in the northwest of the island of Cuba, on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. caribbean. The city is located in a picturesque place near the bays of Havana and San Lizaro. Natural conditions are formed under the influence of the tropical monsoon climate. In January, the average air temperature is +25 degrees, in July it is about +29. The dry season runs from November to April, with heavy rainfall from May to October. The average annual rainfall is approximately 1500 mm.

Natural vegetation is represented by various types of palms, passionflower, citrus, poplar, sandalwood, etc.

The coastal waters of Havana are rich in fish. In total, there are over 700 species of fish and shellfish. There are many different insects in the city and its environs, including those dangerous to humans, such as the sand flea and the malarial mosquito.

To the east of Havana is the beach of Santa Maria, where there are small resort towns like Tarara.

Population, language, religion

Havana is inhabited by about 2.5 million people. The share of the capital in the total population of Cuba is 21%. About seven out of ten residents of the capital are descendants of Spanish settlers. The rest are of mixed African-Spanish or Asian ancestry. The official language is Spanish. More than half of the believing population of Havana professes Catholicism, some of the city's residents adhere to syncretic beliefs that arose on the basis of a mixture of Christianity and a number of African pagan cults.

City `s history
Havana was founded by Spanish settlers in 1515. Before the conquest of the island by the Spaniards, Indians lived in this place (in particular, Siboney and Taino), but the cruel oppression of the enslavers, disease and hunger led to the almost complete destruction of the indigenous population. The Spanish conquerors made up for the lack of labor in the city with Negro slaves, who already at the beginning of the 17th century were a significant part of the population of Havana.

At the end of the 16th century, Havana became the administrative center Spanish colony the island of Cuba, which by that time had received the status of captaincy general. Since the end of the 16th century, it has been the main outpost of Spain in Antilles and a transshipment base for sending gold stolen in America to Spain. In 1728 a university was founded in the city.

In 1762, the British army captured the city, but the war did not last long, and the invaders left Havana already in 1763. By the end of the 19th century, Havana became the center of the liberation movement against the rule of the Spanish colonialists, and in February 1895 a revolution broke out in the city, and then a "people's liberation" war that swept the whole country.

In September 1895, Cuba's independence from Spain was proclaimed in Havana. In 1898, the Spanish government recognized the independence of Cuba, but reserved the right to appoint a governor general. In the same year, the United States intervened in the conflict between Spain and the Cuban Republicans, declaring war on Spain. In 1898, at the time of hostilities between Spain and the United States, American troops invaded Havana, occupying the city and blockading coastal areas islands. The American occupation regime continued in Havana until 1902.

In 1902, when the liberated Cuba gained independence and a republican form of government was introduced on its territory, Havana was declared the capital of the newly formed Republic of Cuba.

As a result of long hostilities and coups d'état, the economy of Havana fell into decay; the situation improved with the coming to presidential power (1925) of the Cuban General Machado. The highway connected the capital with other cities of the island. In addition, its relations with foreign countries began to develop. However, Machado's policy led to a mass strike in Havana (1933), which paralyzed the economic life of the city. A series of military coups that took place from 1930 to 1959 and were the result of a tense political situation in the country, destabilized the economy in the capital, which is both commercial and industrial center Cuba.

In the 1960s, after the establishment of the communist system, the construction of residential areas began in Havana. In 1961, a new residential area of ​​Havana del Este grew up, the design work of which was headed by the architect R. Carrasana.

The rise of the city's economy has been observed since the 1970s, during the tenure of Fidel Castro. The export of local products from seaport Havana, as well as the import of various goods from other countries (the main partner of Cuba in the foreign market was the USSR). With the assistance of the USSR, industrial enterprises, residential buildings, schools were built in the capital, roads were laid. Over the past decades, the level of education of the Havanese has increased (as early as 1960, the University of Havana was reorganized and the system of education in it was improved). In 1990, about 16 thousand people received higher education here.

cultural significance

Havana is one of the most beautiful island capitals in the world. old center The city still retains its original colonial appearance. There are a number of old architectural monuments of great historical value. In 1984, the sights of the capital were included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Among them, the fortress of La Fuersa (1583), the monastery of Santa Clara (1644), the cathedral Immaculate Conception(1656), City Hall (1792), cathedral square with a cathedral built in the 18th century.

In the center is a square with a memorial complex named after Jose Marti. One of the main architectural monuments is Prado Boulevard, the houses are built in the old Spanish style. Here is the building of the National Capitol, built in the 1920s. modeled on a building in Washington, as well as the Grand Theater of Havana.
There are also several museums in Havana: the National Museum, the Colonial Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Ceramics, the exposition of which is located in the Castillo de la Real Fuerza castle, the Napoleonic Museum (contains a wonderful collection of exhibits dating back to the period 1789-1815), Museum of Decorative Arts, Ethnological Museum, Museum of the Revolution. Most famous National Museum, which stores collections of works of art of past centuries (including the period of Antiquity) and modernity. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of paintings by Cuban artists of the 18th-20th centuries. Of interest are the Museum of the Fight against Illiteracy, the Museum of the City of Havana, the Ernest Hemingway House Museum, historical Museum Guanabocoa, where exhibits of Afro-Cuban traditional rituals are collected.
IN last years work was carried out on the restoration of architectural monuments of the city. The purpose of the restorer""ditch was to restore the original appearance of ancient works of architecture and sculpture. Huge cultural significance for the capital was the restoration of buildings on the Old Square of Havana.

Leading higher educational institution The city is the University of Havana. Since 1962, the Academy of Sciences of Cuba has been operating in Havana, research work is funded by the state.

Havana is famous all over the world for its noisy and crowded holidays, festivals and fairs. In February, the city hosts a colorful carnival and the International Jazz Festival. In December, the capital hosts the annual Latin American Film Festival, and on January 1, Havana celebrates National holiday- Day of the Revolution, which is accompanied by festive events, performances of musicians and dancers.

The city has 2 airports - international Airport Jose Marti, which is the main air gate of Cuba and Playa Baracoa Airport, used only for domestic flights.

Cuba is a member of the states Caribbean. The republic is located on the island of the same name and several nearby pieces of land. There are at least 11.5 million people here. Basically, these are Creoles, mulattoes and blacks.

The island of Cuba is spread over an area of ​​111 thousand square meters. km. Coastline is almost 4 thousand km. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and three straits. You can get to Florida from here in a few hours - the distance from the extreme point of the strait to the state is only 180 km.

Cuba is not a mountainous area, it is dominated by valleys. All over the country you will see small mountains, highest point which does not exceed 2 km. Cuba Island is in the UTC-5 time zone, that is, it is 8 hours behind Moscow time.

Climate

It is especially good to spend holidays in Cuba, because thanks to the tropical and trade wind climate it is always warm here. The thermometer does not drop below 25 degrees. The water near the shore is also warm enough all year round. Its temperature is almost always environment. Therefore, it is not necessary to choose a season for planning a holiday in Cuba.

A significant amount of precipitation falls on the island annually - about 1400 mm. It occurs in the form of showers from May to October. Winter time characterized by dryness. Warm currents, in particular the Gulf Stream, have created a changeable climate near the island. It is humid here, like on any island, almost all year round.

Cuba is often hit by tropical cyclones, whose birthplace is in the Caribbean. Most of the bad weather occurs at about the same time when heavy rains fall. Often the result of such bad weather is crop failure and other difficulties in the country's infrastructure.

Customs regulations

Russians can get to the island of Cuba quite simply. You can travel freely without a visa for 30 days, while the purpose of the trip is not important. It is enough to have a passport. Extension of the period of stay in the country is possible only 2 times, for 30 days each. This is done in the Migration Service of the Republic. You will have to pay about 25 Cuban pesos, that is, about 30 US dollars.

At the border, you will be asked for a valid passport, round-trip tickets, and a migration card (2 copies). They check everyone crossing the border very carefully, they may ask about the purpose of the visit, whether you rented a hotel. If the trip is not from a travel agency, you will need to prove your financial viability - more than $ 50 in cash or checks.

You can import cigarettes (200 pcs.), Tobacco, perfumes, medicines and personal items here. Cameras, video cameras, audio equipment - one piece per person. It is forbidden to transport firearms, pornography, cheese, sausages, meat and fish (not canned food), fruits, plants and animals, too a large number medical preparations, some electrical appliances.

It is forbidden to export from Cuba more than 5 thousand US dollars or any other equivalent amount, cigarettes more than 23 pieces, old books, animals, some utensils and medicines. But at the entrance you will not need a vaccination certificate or other certificates.

Cuba, the capital of Havana, can be reached from Moscow through Sheremetyevo Airport. You will arrive at José Marti International Airport.

Attractions

The island of Cuba is rich in unique monuments architecture and culture that many tourists are not even aware of. A romantic spirit of freedom reigns here, inherent in this place like no other. Cuban beaches, incendiary music, real rum - just Paradise Island like nowhere else on the planet. The colorfulness of Cuba lies precisely in the mood that everything around is saturated with.

Carnivals are held here, bright and colorful, which can be compared with Brazilian ones. We advise you not to linger in the capital on the island, but to visit other interesting places, enjoy exotic landscapes and relax on different beaches. Among the latter, we especially recommend Cayo Santa Maria and Guillermo, Hemingway's favorite beach. This is very peculiar beaches, wild and beautiful.

The towns in the province of Cuba are not inferior to the capital in beauty. Eternally sun-drenched, they keep the unique sights of the Island of Freedom. For example, in the town of Cienfuegos there is an 18th-century castle that served as a fortress against Spanish attacks. Interesting architecture, which combines the styles of the colonial era and socialist times.

Little Cakguey, the town that bears the nickname "big clay jugs", has preserved historical Center Very good. There are many squares where not a single stone has been replaced since the moment of their construction. Las Tunas in Cuba, the capital of the province, is considered the birthplace of national sculpture. A fair is held here every two years.

Islands

Cayo Coco is a large Cuban island. This is important tourist resort, so the authorities built a 17-kilometer dam to the strait to make it convenient to get there. Here they try to keep everything in its original form, this is a national nature reserve, in which there are many rare sea birds. Flamingos are especially beautiful at sunset.

developed on the island ecological tourism. Here nature untouched by man, dense thickets. The beautiful white beaches of Cayo are the jewel of the entire Caribbean. Pink flamingos, pelicans and other sea birds live here. It is even forbidden to build on the island in order to preserve it in its original form.

Cayo Coco is the diving capital of Cuba. Near the island is a large coral formation, as much as 400 meters in length. Divers linger in this place for several weeks, because such bright reefs and coral fish can not be found anywhere else, except, perhaps, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Havana

There are also many attractions in the capital of Cuba. The city center is especially beautiful - Old Havana. Here you will see beautiful old streets and buildings in the colonial style.

I want to walk for hours among 900 buildings that are of value for history and architecture. The center of Havana is divided into two parts by the central park. In one, historical houses have accumulated, and in the other, modern architectural delights of neoclassicism and constructivism are located. The last area is called Vedado and it is more for recreation and youth.

All coastal Cuban cities have wonderful waterfronts. In Havana, the seven-kilometer Malecon stretches. This is the busiest street, tourists and locals constantly go for a walk on the embankment.

Cathedral Square in the center of Havana is notable for the Cathedral of St. Christopher. Here you can relax in one of the summer cafes listen to live music. The cathedral is named after St. Christopher, who is the same Columbus.

There is also the Capitol, built in 1929. The building served for official events, the Cuban parliament met here. The Capitol now houses the Cuban Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment.

At the stage of socialism, many architectural monuments were built. Revolution Square has become famous all over the world, on which the Jose Marti memorial with a tower 109 meters high is installed. You can climb it, at the top there is a platform specially equipped for tourists, from which you can see the whole city. From here, Fidel Castro broadcast his political program to the people every year.

The city is famous for being loved by Hemingway. She even lived here a significant part of her life. On the site of the Vihya estate, there is a house-museum of the writer, in which many household items of the author have been preserved.

Varadero

The main resort of Cuba, the capital of tourism, is Varadero. In the north of the island in the province of Matanzas, washed by the waters of the Atlantic, an extensive beach and hotel area are comfortably located. The sand is absolutely white and the water is azure. 20 kilometers of recreation area is enough for thousands of tourists. It is easy to get to Havana from here.

We advise you to visit Josone Park, which was built in 1942. The place is remarkable for its vast gardens with diverse flora. Several reservoirs provide shelter for aquatic birds. Riding on this lake is pure pleasure. You can take a picture from the water against the backdrop of a huge cactus, a local attraction.

At Villa Dupont, you will immerse yourself in the reign of millionaires who built luxurious houses in their colony. Dupont de Nemours was one of these rich men. He bought north side islands, developed a tourist infrastructure there, and then sold his developments for big money. DuPont built a villa worth more than $1 million. Especially for this, a team of the best workers was hired, who made cement on goat's milk so that it would hold better. The four-story building is decorated with great chic. Already in 1959, the mansion went to the state and became first a school, then a restaurant. Now there are golf championships.

In Cuba, recreation is passive and active. Instead of lying on the beach around the clock, we suggest visiting large karst caves in Varadero - Bellamar and the domain of Saturn.

The first can be reached by bus from the resort in half an hour. In the karst caves over the centuries, a lot of precious stones, the purest crystals were formed, grottoes up to 12 meters long. Belyamar is a wide cave filled with stalagmites of various sizes, some of which are over 40,000 years old. In the cave of Saturn is deepest lake(70 m), which is visible almost to the bottom.

However, the main natural attraction of the surroundings of Varadero are unique karst caves of great archaeological value. The most famous of them are the Belyamar Cave and Saturn Cave.

Santiago de Cuba

Another major city in Cuba. Rest here is calm and quiet. The large city park of Cespedes is designed for a cozy stay. The city has many museums, including old ones. The architecture is also impressive. Just walking around the city, you can be inspired by its ancient streets and houses.

Santiago de Cuba is located in a mountainous area, so you can diversify your vacation here active sports. The landscapes are especially good, because there are numerous flower growers' farms nearby. It hosts the annual carnival and Fire Festival.

You can travel endlessly in Cuba. Except the most famous resorts, the city of Holguin is of interest with a unique ecosystem and famous beach Emerald Coast.

It is also worth noting the unusual Creole cuisine, which is common in the republic. They love meat here, they cook it in different ways, vegetables and fruits are used for side dishes. From the exotic, you can try turtle and crocodile meat. For dessert, they offer strong rich coffee or rum.

The cost of a holiday on Liberty Island for Russian tourist can cost a lot of money, but it's worth it. The visa-free country is attractive for those who do not want unnecessary red tape, and the special atmosphere of Cuban cities attracts.

the site offers interesting and useful to relax alone or together with family, friends in best cities and countries of the world.

On the site you will find advantageous tours for a different number of people, you can ask the price of air tickets and calculate approximate cost trips. IN free time check out our article directory and blogs to learn more about exotic countries and get inspired to travel.

The capital of Cuba… The majestic and unique Havana… It is she who is rightfully considered not only one of the most stunningly beautiful cities in the entire Western Hemisphere, but also a real open-air museum.

Capital of Cuba. general description object

In terms of area, founded in 1514, Havana is the largest settlement in the Caribbean.

Today it has 15 municipalities, of which the following are considered the most important and interesting for tourists: the old part, the center of the capital, and the eastern territory.

In general, the whole city is spread out in a very picturesque place not far from two bays: with the same name and San Lizaro. weather and natural conditions in this place are formed under the influence of a special tropics. And this means that in January Wednesdays. the air temperature practically does not drop below +25 °С, although exhausting heat should not be expected in summer: +29 °С in July is the norm for this region.

In general, the whole of Cuba, the capital in particular, has the glory of a fairly green area. The natural vegetation here is represented mainly by palm trees. various kinds, poplar, passionflower, sandalwood, citrus, etc.

A huge number of marine inhabitants live in coastal waters - about 700 species.

By the way, you need to be prepared for the fact that insects can be found in the vicinity of the city, many of which are dangerous to human health, in particular

Capital of Cuba. What to see for tourists

To be honest, Havana is so picturesque city that travelers are delighted, even just walking along its streets. Here, modern structures are harmoniously combined with ancient architecture.

Old Havana is considered the historical core of the capital.

Traveling along a rather narrow canal, one cannot help but pay attention to the ancient fortresses (Punta and Morro). They seem to guard the entrance to the harbor.

In addition, many travelers will certainly be interested in the two forts of La Cabaña and La Real Fuerza. By the way, the latter, according to historians, is one of the oldest fortifications throughout America. Now this building houses a popular museum, whose staff will be happy to introduce each visitor to a huge collection

The Havana embankment called the Malecon stretches almost under the walls

each of the forts. Walking along it, in a matter of minutes you can find yourself on the central metropolitan street of Paseo del Prado, which the locals simply call Prado for short. In general, the Malecon is considered a favorite place for recreation for both citizens and numerous guests of the Cuban capital. Traditional February carnivals are also held here.

Finding yourself on the Prado, first of all it is recommended to visit the luxurious building of the National Capitol. It is also interesting to note the fact that it was built in the image and likeness of an identical one in Washington. Now several attractions are located inside it at once: the Academy of Sciences, the National Library and the Museum of Local Lore. In fact, the capital can boast of them. Cuba in general and Havana as an integral part of it are famous for their monuments and large-scale structures. Of greatest interest in these parts is the Presidential Palace, within the walls of which this moment freely located Museum of the World Revolution and the Palace of the Governor, the current Museum of the history of the city.

The capital of Cuba is always glad to see guests. Having been here, travelers will forever leave in memory majestic buildings, amazing monuments, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises of the western hemisphere, as well as an amazing variety of local flora and fauna.

The island of Cuba became known to the whole world after sailing here on October 27, 1492. True, the great navigator was mistaken. He took the island for new mainland and was convinced of this until his death. The Spanish conquistadors who arrived after Columbus did not at first find either gold or diamonds. But they found a beautiful harbor in the north of the island, protected from the sea by a strip of cape. It had a long entrance like a canal, through which even today modern ocean ships. Thus began the construction of Havana. In those days, it was called the "city in the desert." The Spaniards did not need the country itself. They needed a well-defended harbor and built fortresses. Standing in the battle against pirates and time watchtowers and forts can still be found in Havana today.

There are three fortresses at the entrance to the canal: La Punta, El Morro and La Fuerza. The oldest, La Fuerza, is surrounded by a wide moat filled with water. A gentle staircase leads from the inner courtyard to the upper platform of the fortress. At the very top, with every gust of wind, a weather vane, made in the form of a figure of a woman, turns.

At the end of the 18th century, Havana ceased to be "a city in an empty country." Slaves brought from Africa worked on the plantations of tobacco, coffee, and sugar cane from early morning until late at night. Havana itself, its rulers grew rich in the slave trade. firmly held on to the fertile island in the ocean - her last stronghold. The governor of Cuba was then Tacon, who built himself luxury palace. He was given money for the construction on one condition: the building will house not only the chambers of the governor, but also a tribunal with a prison. Now the Tacona Palace is a museum of Havana.

Since 1868, a liberation war began in Cuba against Spanish domination. Only in 1898, Spain renounced the rights to Cuba, but since 1899 it was occupied by US troops. It was not until January 1, 1959 that the Cubans achieved independence.

In Havana, ancient monuments are carefully treated. They are preserved even if the character depicted on the monument does not remind of anything good. A marble figure of the Spanish King Ferdinand VII is exhibited in the Havana Museum, however, on a bronze plaque it is written that this was the most insidious and bad king. The palace of Centro Gallego, built in 1916, has also been preserved.

The Capitol in the capital is a smaller copy of the Washington State Capitol. It housed the Academy of Sciences, libraries, museum.

In every big city there is definitely a romantic mysterious place. In Havana, it is located within the Old Town and is called Plaza de la Catedral, which means the square of the Cathedral. If you cross it diagonally and turn around the corner of the building on the right, you can see a commemorative plaque on which it is written that once on this place, from behind the corner of the house of the Marquis, who bore the name of the Marquis of Fresh Water in honor of the stream, the only one in Havana fresh water creek. Opposite, a stone palace of a wealthy hidalgo has been preserved, the coat of arms of which depicts a shell with water flowing out of it. The third house closing the square is the house of the Marquis Pure Water. It was this square that Pablo Neruda, Garcia Lorca, Ernest Hemingway described in their works.

"Cuba libre" or Liberty Island. White sand sunny beaches, endless ocean expanses, vibrant nature, unique architecture, rum and cigars - all this and a little more will tell Good THERE about Cuba.

general information about Cuba

Location

The free Republic of Cuba is located not far from the shores of the northern and South American continents, separated from them by the waters of the Strait of Florida. The state occupies the islands of Cuba, Youventud and about 1600 smaller islands. with total area 110,860 km².

The southern coast of the main island of the country faces the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and the northwestern and northeastern beaches are washed by Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Population

According to the population department of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the population of the republic for 2017 is 11.4 million people.

Currency

The national currency is the Cuban peso CUP, CUC. At the rate of 1 peso = 1 US dollar.

Useful phone numbers

Phone country code: 53
Phone code for Havana : 7
Call from Cuba: 119 - your country code - area code - phone number.
Call to Cuba: 8 - international call code - Cuba code - area code - phone number.
Embassy of the Russian Federation: (+53 7) 204-10-85
Russian Consulate: (+53 2) 268 61 46

emergency services(Havana):

• Police: 116
• Honey. help: 40-50-93
• Firemen: 78-85-41

On the territory of the country:

• National police: 82-01-16
• Firemen: 81-11-15
• Honey. help: 24-28-11

Payment and exchange in Cuba

In tourist areas, convertible pesos are in circulation. Because of the warm relations between the island communist state and the Empire of Good, which is jealous from the other end of the Florida Strait, it is better not to fly with evergreen presidents on vacation. When exchanging US dollars, you may be charged a commission of 10 to 20%. Therefore already seasoned tourists recommend to come here with Euro. Interestingly, it is almost impossible for a tourist to meet an inconvertible Cuban peso (CUP).

If it is more convenient for you to use Visa/MasterCard cards, please note that:

• Visa is accepted in more establishments than Mastercard;
• When visiting small shops or cafes, it is better to have cash with you, as there may not be a payment terminal;
• Card transactions are taxed at 11.24%.

tourist memo

A stay in Cuba should be as colorful as possible, you may need to add colors to your everyday wardrobe. You have every chance of becoming a fan of Cuban cigars after visiting their homeland, but smoking in public places is prohibited.

If you meet a cow on the way to the beach or during the excursion, be extremely careful. This animal is sacred to Cubans, and the death of a cow in your presence can lead you to unpleasant conversations with representatives of the local police.

It is also important for tourists to know what to photograph. government agencies, military equipment, soldiers, policemen prohibited. In addition, before photographing a Cuban, be sure to ask him for permission.

What is the Cuban people like?

Cuba is a multinational and multicultural country where the blood and traditions of the peoples of Africa, Spain, Italy, Britain, Germany, Cuban and American Indian tribes, immigrants from China, France, as well as Jews resettled during the First and Second World Wars, mixed.

Local, friendly people. Do not rush to refuse an offer to play dominoes or share a meal. Do not be surprised if you are asked to have a drink in a cafe at your expense. And if the hotel or hostel staff asks you to leave personal hygiene products (razors, shaving foam, etc.), remember that this is due to the high cost and inaccessibility of the latter for poor citizens.

Security on Cuban soil

The people in the communist republic are friendly, but poor. It is better not to show cash and expensive accessories. Watch your belongings so as not to become a victim of petty scammers and pickpockets. At night, walking in poor areas is not recommended due to the high probability of being attacked.

Climate in Cuba, when is the best time to go

The most favorable time for rest is the period from November to April.

Windsurfers will enjoy summer when the highest peaks rise during the rainy season. big waves. The dominance of hurricanes between October and November can overshadow the rest, but in fact you can plan a vacation in Cuba at any time of the year.

Due to the small area, you can go around Cuba in a few weeks of rest. So that you do not miss anything important, our website has prepared for you a list of cities and resorts that you must visit.

Capital Havana is a city of opposites. Here, modern skyscrapers stand next to colonial pre-revolutionary mansions in which ordinary people live. The city is full of architectural monuments, and interesting places. Havana dazzles with white beaches, treats gourmet cuisine and enticing sounds of salsa. The El Floridita bar, one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite places, deserves special attention. If you are not interested in the bar, visit the writer's house museum and then go to the Roma Museum. For those who are not tired of daytime excursions, it is important to know that closer to the night the city turns into one big disco filled with unbridled energy. It's time to visit the Tropicana cabaret show, which has been famous all over the world since 1939.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara a place memorable for the Cuban revolution, where Comandante Che Guevara derailed the armored train of the dictator Batista. The wreckage of the same train remains at the crash site to this day, they are the pride and attraction for the inhabitants of the country. In addition, a mausoleum named after Ernesto Che Guevara was erected here, and if you are an American citizen, then you may not be allowed into it.

Santiago de Cuba

Motherland street culture – Santiago de Cuba. Music on the streets of the town sounds on every corner. By right, this place is considered the cradle of Cuban melodies and rum, because Don Facundo Bacardi was born here.

Trinidad

If it is interesting to see the island as it was in the 18th century, then the city Trinidad is the best place for it. The authentic atmosphere of this place is amazing. Cobbled roads, colonial-style houses, sugar plantations and, preserved echoes of the old days, houses for slaves.

Matanzas

Matanzas the capital of the province of the same name is known for a large number of bridges, for which it was nicknamed the "Cuban Venice". The province of Pinar del Río is interesting to visit, where you can visit the tobacco plantations and admire the views of the Viñales Valley, which received the title of "Cultural Landscape of Humanity" in 1999.

Cuban resorts

Varadero

Varadero- the oldest of the resorts, a popular and truly heavenly place with turquoise ocean waters and snow-white beaches. The resort can be called a classic Russian holiday, everything is always included here. Round-the-clock bars, a buffet table in a restaurant with cuisines from all over the world.

Holguin

Holguin- resort elite business VIP class. Hotels are mostly five-star. Visit this place for the sake of luxury, tranquility and sophistication.

guardavalaca

guardavalaca, one of the best resorts for diving, famous for its coral reef. Esmeralda is a place of emerald beaches. For lovers of original parties, it will be interesting to be at the cave disco of Cayo Coco.

juventud

juventud, known as the island of Youth (located 100 km from the island of Cuba) is interesting for its nature reserves. It is said that R. L. Stevenson described the image of Treasure Island from the landscapes of Youthud.

Cayo Largo

Speaking of pirates, it's hard not to mention La Yana - this is an ancient tree located on the island Cayo Largo. According to legend, it served as a guide for pirates of the Caribbean when they buried their stolen gold.

These are just a few of the places you can visit during your stay in this country. Even if you come to Cuba several times a year for several years, this country will always find something to surprise and entice you.

Entertainment and recreation on Liberty Island

The very thing for which thousands of tourists come to rest every year is diving. Undersea world interesting not only beautiful coral reefs, but also by many sunken ships off the coast. Windsurfers can catch the waves at sandy shores, those who do not want (or do not know how to swim) are immersed in a submarine into the arms of the ocean.

The main monuments of Cuban architecture are concentrated in several of the most famous cities among tourists. In the capital of Cuba, Havana, you can see many cathedrals, including the Cathedral of St. Christopher. And you better not brag that you have been to Cuba without visiting the Armory, Cathedral and Old Squares of the capital of the state.

Memorial to Che Guevara in Santa Clara, a cigar factory Francisco Donatien» in Pinar del Rio, caves with rock paintings Mantanas. On the Isle of Youth is a prison Presidio Modelo", which is a copy former place conclusions of F. Castro, prisons " Joliet"(Illinois). natural scenery and national parks more than make up for the small number of architectural attractions, many natural areas of Cuba are under the protection of UNESCO.

Coming to rest in the period from July 15 to August 15, be sure to visit the carnivals that take place in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, as these are unforgettable colorful events full of dance music and colorful dresses. And lovers of smoking will be interested to know about the festival of Cuban cigars of international level taking place at the end of February.

And where are we without shopping, because you need to buy something sort of, truly Cuban - cigars, rum and coffee. Black corals and products from them are popular among tourists. In the shopping centers of Havana or in Casa del Habano chain stores, you will not be deceived and will sell goods of good quality.

National Cuban cuisine

Creole cuisine prevails in Cuba. Main National dishes made from pork and chicken. Meat is prepared in many different ways. Among the national dishes cuisine - "Creole ajiako" - one of the main ones. It is prepared from pork and vegetables with the addition of a good portion of spices. Also you should try:

• lobsters with lemon;
• crocodile meat;
• turtle meat and eggs.

Fresh fruit slices are often served with each course. Delicious and strong coffee is brewed. The main national drink is rum, which is part of almost all local cocktails.

Mostly restaurants are concentrated in resorts and tourist areas, it is recommended to visit them with cash. Meal price per person good place is from 30 to 40 pesos, simpler establishments will cost no more than 15 pesos, and in an eatery you will leave a maximum of 5 Cuban coins. Tipping is 10% of the check amount and it is better to give it to the waiters. And if you decide to eat in a bar, you are unlikely to succeed. In colorful Cuban bars you have to drink, and from food you will get the most nuts, well, or chips.

Cuban hotels

The most common hotels in Cuba are 4-star hotels, although for those who do not really plan to stay within four walls, there are a sufficient number of 2- and 3-star hotels. But for lovers of luxury, there is not much to choose from, so there are literally a few hotels in 5 stars. Most of the hotels on the island of freedom represent well-known global chains that operate on the system " all inclusive". Check-in at a hotel in Cuba takes place at 15:00, check-out is registered at 12:00. Cunning Cubans leave themselves three hours to clean the room before the arrival of the next guests, so you can safely make a claim if you find unwanted traces of previous guests.

How to get to Cuba

For a convenient and comfortable flight to Cuba, Good THERE recommends using the services of Aeroflot, which organizes permanent, direct flights Moscow-Havana. If residents of Russia will fly non-stop, then citizens of the CIS countries are recommended to fly through Moscow, or through Europe on the appropriate flights.

A direct flight from Moscow lasts about 12 hours, a flight with transfers through Europe from 16 to 20 hours. Ticket prices start at 55,000 rubles per adult. Cheaper can be obtained through the registration of permits. So with accommodation in a three-star hotel for 7 days and nights, the cost of a tour is on average from 60,000 rubles.

Pros and cons of vacationing on a Cuban island

No matter how heavenly place Cuba seems to you, OK THERE recommends paying attention to negative sides holidays in this beautiful country:

• the sun is much more intense and brighter than the inhabitants of the CIS countries and Russia are used to, in order to avoid sunburn, stock up sunscreens;
• an evening beach holiday can be spoiled by small insects, protective sprays and creams are a must;
• do not drink raw water, and ask for alcoholic drinks chilled without ice, as Cuban water contains many bacteria that are harmful to an unaccustomed tourist;
• beware of marine life: moray eels, sea snakes and urchins and "Portuguese boats";
• be aware of the poverty of the population, which can provoke individuals to want to rob you if you openly show your valuables and cash.

All these are just warnings, because it is better to prepare in advance so that your vacation is not overshadowed by anything, and you can enjoy positive aspects trips:

• feel the atmosphere of freedom;
• enjoy the white sand beaches;
• soak up the cultural spirit of Cuba by visiting festivals and carnivals;
• admire the beauty of Cuban nature;
• try cigars and rum in their homeland;
• dive into the depths of the ocean to view its treasures;
• meet and chat with new people.

A video about Cuba will complement our article

In Cuba, everyone will find something interesting for themselves. Expand your boundaries, the world is not in our apartments and phones. Travel, feel, learn new things. Fine THERE wishes you a pleasant stay on Liberty Island.