Cuba more than just a revolution

Cuba – More than just a Revolution

Che Guevarra, cigars, white-sand beaches, rum, rolling mountains and Spanish colonial architecture, this is only some of the things that best describes the island nation of Cuba. But aside from that, Cuba has a lot to offer to its guests, who would know that this nation under communist rule can be an ideal place to travel. Find out why below:

Cuba Features Havana. Forever being refurbished, the Cuban capital is one of the world’s urban marvels. The Malecón (seawall) is mythically beautiful, the old center is an architectural fantasia a buzz with new bars and galleries, and the residential districts of Vedado and Miramar are home to cutting-edge cultural spaces.

Cienfuegos. A statue of musical legend Benny Moré in the main thoroughfare reminds visitors that the sounds of son montuno and bolero matter more to locals here than socialism. With its elegant historic quarter and adjoining peninsula, this UNESCO-listed city has a laid-back atmosphere and prerevolutionary good looks.

Trinidad. One of Cuba’s prettiest old towns, Trinidad (also UNESCO-listed) was founded in the 16th century but got rich much later on the sugarcane plantations of the nearby Valle de los Ingenios. Its sloping cobbled streets, lined with pastel-painted houses and mansions, make it ideal for walkers. A 20km taxi or bike ride south is the sweeping beach resort of Playa Ancón.

Santa Marta. Santa Marta is worth a stopover for the Che Guevara mausoleum. It is bombastic on the exterior but subdued and serene once you enter the small cave-like space where the Argentine guerrilla and his fellow combatants are interred.

Getting There Virgin Atlantic flies London Gatwick-Havana non-stop. Economy returns start from £855; flight time from 9.5hours.

Getting Around Viazul operates buses connecting Havana to the main cities. Havana-Cienfuegos takes around five hours; fares US$20 one-way. A slow, in frequent, in expensive rail service connects Havana, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara and Sancti Spíritus. Car hire is possible. Prices start from around CUC40 (£26) a day. Global firms do not operate in Cuba; visit cuba-junky.com for a list of local firms. If you want to hire a driver, too, triple the rate.

Cost of Travel Cuba is quite expensive, with the tourist currency designed to keep visitors away from local markets.

Meals in small restaurants or paladares (private houses) cost £8-15. Hotels are expensive but home stays start from £10 a night, usually including a simple breakfast. Tips are expected.

Food and Drink No one goes to Cuba for its gastronomy. Cuban staples include moros y cristianos (rice and beans), grilled fish, ropavieja (shredded beef), basic salads and fresh fruit–all tasty and nutritious. In smarter places, try the lobster and other shellfish.

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