Find more of what you love in Cuba
Cuba has been a longtime go-to destination for Canadians due to its sheer scale of white-sand beaches and vast archipelago of picture-perfect islands. But what if you want more from a getaway, one where your interests take you beyond the sun and sand to explore the local colours and topography of paradise? As a land that’s rich in experiences for every passion, whether that be history, nature or immersing yourself in its ever-evolving culture, you can venture out and discover the many faces of Cuba, the ideal vacation destination for you – here’s how!
For the art and architecture enthusiast
A great way to get a feel for a destination is to discover the works of its local artists. Begin your discovery in Havana at the Fabrica de Arte Cubana exhibiting the best of Cuban contemporary art of all forms while giving you a glimpse into the local creative spirit. For a more international perspective, be sure to visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which presents a strong Cuban art collection, plus extensive art collections hailing from Europe, Latin America and North America. A walk around Old Havana and you’ll come across beautifully unique buildings such as the Edificio Bacardí, a definite Art Deco highlight. Some other must-sees include Teatro Tomas Terry, Palacio de Valle, Palacio Ferrer in Cienfuegos or the “Pearl of the South,” combining elegance with feisty Caribbean spirit.
For the foodie with a hunger for travel
Since the late 2000s, a distinct foodie culture in Cuba has emerged thanks to the sharpened creativity of local chefs. Local culinary awesomeness is found in farm-to-table fincas, ranchones (open-sided beach towns) and peppered throughout historic towns. A must-try national dish is Ropa Vieja, a slow-cooked shredded beef in a tomato sauce, or you can indulge in fresh lobster found beachside in Playa Prohibida near Cayo Coco at ‘Lenny’s Lobster Shack,’ named after a beloved Canadian tourist. Once you’ve tried all the local dishes, head to the boutique island of Cayo Largo this fall where the world is your oyster…literally. With food imported from Canada to supplement locally sourced cuisine, Cuba’s sunshine coast will be a culinary haven with delectable dishes that will satisfy the most discerning of foodies.
For the Mother Nature devotee
Cuba is the biological superpower of the Caribbean. The island has the largest stretches of untouched rain forest, unspoiled reefs and is home to many unique or endemic species, including the solenodon, a chubby insectivore resembling a giant shrew, and the bee hummingbird, the world’s smallest bird, weighing less than a penny. Birdwatchers flock south of Havana to Playa Girón in the Parque Nacional Cienaga de Zapata, which has two-thirds of the island’s 350 bird species, or to the uninhabited Cayo Paredón Grande in Cayo Coco. Avid hikers can head to Trinidad, Salto del Caburmi and Topes de Collantes for some unforgettable nature-immersed experiences on foot, or take in the magnificent verdant views of Viñales by bike or from the sky while rock climbing!
For the deep blue sight-sea-er
From Varadero to Santiago de Cuba and the surrounding archipelagos, there’s a lot more to the Caribbean’s largest island than the white-sand beaches, sunny, clear-blue skies and the therapeutic sound of crashing waves that continue to be a main draw. You can explore the deep blue and the world’s best preserved eco-system and unspoiled coral reef during endless nautical activities like kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, snorkelling and diving at Jardines de la Reina or in Cayo Largo. The water sport activities will keep your heart pumping while your senses take in the extraordinary beauty of one extraordinary island, a vacation destination that unequivocally goes beyond the swim, tan, eat, drink, sleep and repeat appeal.
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