Cuba or, as it is also called the Island of Freedom, is located in the Caribbean. For a long time the country was completely closed to foreigners, so not much is known about its resorts. But today the situation has changed dramatically and anyone can see the white Cuban beaches with their own eyes, the unique nature and appreciate the hospitality of the local population.
How to get there
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Cuba is by air. A direct flight from Moscow takes about 12 hours. You can also get with transfers in Paris, Frankfurt or Madrid. In this case, the road will take 16-20 hours. International airports are located in Varadero and Havana. The cost of the ticket starts from $ 600.
Holidays in Cuba in 2018: prices with the flight, "all inclusive
The cost of vacation depends on the season and the selected resort. A week-long tour to Varadero in April-May will cost about 70 thousand rubles.This includes flights, accommodation in a 3-star hotel, meals and some entertainment. When choosing a hotel of 4 or 5 stars, the cost of the tour will be 120-130 thousand rubles.
Cheaper will be the rest in Havana. Here you can find a tour for 85 thousand rubles.
Rest during the New Year holidays will cost more, about 120-150 thousand rubles.
Many hotels in Cuba are working on the system "all inclusive", so additional spending money on food is not required. But, if your chosen hotel does not offer such a service, there will be no problems with meals. In the resort towns open a large number of cafes and restaurants where you can always eat. The cost of breakfast in a cafe is usually no more than $ 10, lunch - $ 30.
Resorts of Cuba
Almost every town in Cuba will be a great place to stay. Here tourists are waited by the warm sea, the picturesque nature and snow-white beaches. Most vacationers choose these resorts:
- Varadero It is located on the Gulf Coast near the capital and is among the most popular tourist destinations. It is in Varadero where the best hotels in the country are located, where guests are offered interesting entertainment programs: from excursions to the best sights to a sea trip on a boat with a transparent bottom. For young people there are night clubs and discos.
- Havana. Despite the fact that it is the capital of the state and the largest metropolis, here you can relax well. Many beaches open diving centers. Metropolitan shops are considered the best place for shopping in Cuba. On the streets of tourists entertain street performers and musicians. Here are the most popular historical landmarks in the country of the Middle Ages.
- Holgin. Here is one of the most popular Cuban beaches "Emerald Coast". Beach vacation can be combined with visits to museums, the study of the underwater world and natural attractions.
- Cayo Coco Island will appeal to lovers of scenic wildlife. Here live whole colonies of pink flamingos, which are absolutely not afraid of people.
- Cayo Largo Island - a tiny resort, offering tourists a secluded vacation. Vacationers can go on a tour of the islands, where there are rare species of animals. In addition, you can go diving or ride a yacht.
- Matanzas. Another name for this resort is “City of Bridges”. In addition to a quiet beach holiday, guests here offer an interesting entertainment program, visiting nature reserves and national parks and other attractions.
- Trinidad - a city in which there are the most interesting architectural monuments. Near the resort is the highest waterfall in the country.
Beach holidays in Cuba
Cuban beaches are rightly called among the best in the world. All of them are clean, free, covered with white, fine sand and have a convenient entrance to the sea. Almost all the hotels located on the coast have their own protected beaches, where they are always crowded, and umbrellas and sun beds are provided free of charge.
The longest beach in Cuba is Varadero. It is almost 22 km of sand with all that you may need for a comfortable rest (umbrellas, sun beds, cafes and other infrastructure). In the evenings there are discos everywhere.
Tourists with children should pay attention to the beach of Santa Lucia, located 110 km from Camaguey. There are practically no high waves here, and the entrance to the sea is shallow, which will be convenient for the little ones. Due to the fact that regular scheduled buses do not go here, there are always few people on the beach. Extreme fans in Santa Lucia will be offered to swim with sharks.
Some of the best beaches in Cuba are located on the island of Cayo Guillermo. Among them it is worth mentioning Pilar, who is known for white sand, and is surrounded by picturesque nature.
No less romantic can be called Ancon Beach, which is located 6 km from the city of Trinidad.
For a secluded holiday, Cayo Macho de Afuera and Cayo Blanco di Casilda islands are suitable.
Diving in cuba
The country offers luxury conditions for diving enthusiasts.The best places for this are the northern islands, Juventud, Cayo-Coco, Maria la Gorda, etc. In addition to perfectly clean water divers are waiting for the wreckage of military equipment and a unique underwater world.
For one dive you will have to pay 30 dollars in the daytime and 40 dollars at night. For beginners work courses. There are Russian-speaking instructors in Varadero and the Royal Gardens.
Sightseeing and entertainment in Cuba
As for cultural attractions, there is not much of them preserved. Basically it was destroyed in the XVI century by the Spanish colonizers. The main asset of Cuba has become its picturesque nature. To visit the numerous national parks, see the unique landscapes and the rich underwater world every year thousands of tourists come here.
In the major cities of Cuba you can find interesting historical sights. Visiting Havana it is worth exploring Old Havana, the Capitol, the Armory Square and the Revolution Square.
The surroundings of Havana will interest fans of adventure and eco-tourism. There is a large number of beautiful, secluded beaches. In the vicinity of Escaleras de Haruco located cliffs and caves. The Museum of Humor operates in San Antonio de los Banos.
In Pinar del Rio, you definitely need to visit the Palace of Guash, the Museum of Natural History, the Theater of Milan and the factory of Francisco Donatien, which produces the famous Cuban cigars.
On the island of Juventud is the natural park of Los Indios-San Felipe, which contains unique collections of rare flora and fauna. Here are the underwater marine park Punta Frances and Presidio Modelo prison.
During a tour of the province of Matanzas, tourists will see a cave in which ancient cave paintings, Freedom Square, San Severino Castle, Montserrat Chapel and Triumvirato ruins, where the largest slave uprising in Cuba took place in the 19th century, are perfectly preserved.
Season for holidays in Cuba
Cuba has a tropical climate. Throughout the year, it is humid and hot here, but on the coast the heat is softened by the winds that continually blow from the ocean. The dry period here lasts from October to May. June-September is the wet season.
The best period for a trip to the country is the period November-April. The rainy season from May to November is more suitable for surfing.
Pros and cons of the rest
The advantages of recreation in the country include:
- Warm sea, well-maintained beaches and gorgeous underwater world.
- Russians do not need a visa to travel here.
- Picturesque nature and interesting historical sights.
- A large number of cultural events and music festivals.
- Good attitude of locals to tourists.
Among the shortcomings are:
- Long flight.
- High air temperature in the summer.
- A special rhythm of life. During the siesta, almost all places in the country are closed.
- In Cuba, there are poisonous insects and snakes.
