What to do in Cuba: 20 must-sees and must-dos

Useful links

The city of Havana

Havana, the vibrant heart of Cuba, stretches along a sparkling coastline. In fact, the Malecón, its famous seafront promenade, is the gathering place for locals and sunset lovers alike.

The cobbled streets of Old Havana are home to colorful colonial buildings and lively squares.

A stroll through its streets is like being lulled by music, marvelling at its vintage cars and savouring the taste of an authentic mojito.

Varadero beach

Varadero, stretching along the Hicacos peninsula, is Cuba’s beach sanctuary. Its fine white sands and turquoise waters make it the perfect seaside destination.

Josone Park and Cueva de Ambrosio are must-sees in the region. Water sports abound here, from snorkeling to diving and sailing.

The city of Trinidad

Trinidad, nestled between the Escambray mountains and the Caribbean Sea, is a timeless colonial nugget. Its cobbled streets and colorful buildings bear witness to a rich historical heritage.

The Plaza Mayor and the Palacio Cantero are among its architectural gems.

The atmosphere here is melodious, with musicians playing Cuban rhythms on every street corner.

the Viñales valley

Viñales, nestled in the heart of a verdant valley, is surrounded by towering limestone mountains. In fact, these distinctive “mogotes” form a breathtaking landscape.

The Museo Municipal and the Cueva del Indio are must-see stops.

A stroll here is like immersing yourself in tobacco culture, where traditional farms reveal the process by which the famous Cuban cigar is made. The Viñales Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape and traditional farming techniques.

The city of Santiago de Cuba

Perched in Cuba’s southeastern region, this historic city is surrounded by majestic mountains and bathed by the Caribbean Sea.

Parque Céspedes and Castillo del Morro are two of the city’s jewels.

Then, as you stroll through its alleyways, you can hear the frenzied rhythms of the Cuban son and take part in spontaneous dances.

The city of Cienfuegos

Known as the “Pearl of the South”, Cienfuegos lies on Cuba’s southern coast, where the bay’s turquoise-blue waters gently caress its shores.

First of all, the city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a captivating neoclassical architecture.

Next, the Palacio de Valle and Parque José Martí are among its must-see treasures. When you visit, be sure to take a stroll along the Malecón to feel the very essence of the city.

Did you know that Cienfuegos is one of the few Cuban cities founded by the French in the early 19th century?

The city of Santa Clara

In the heart of Cuba, Santa Clara is a city where history and modernity coexist.

Firstly, it is famous for the Mausoleum of Che Guevara, an emblematic site recalling his decisive role in the Cuban revolution. Next, Parc Vidal is the beating heart of the city, alive with the sounds of local music.

When the sun goes down, the La Caridad theater invites you to discover the richness of Cuban culture.

The city of Baracoa

Nestled at the easternmost tip of Cuba, Baracoa is surrounded by mountains and bathed by the Caribbean Sea.

Firstly, it’s renowned for its authentic charm, far off the beaten tourist track.

Then El Yunque, the iconic flat mountain, dominates the landscape. When exploring, winding rivers and tropical forests offer unforgettable adventures.

Cayo Coco beach

Located to the north of Cuba’s main island, Cayo Coco is a veritable jewel case of serenity.

First of all, its fine sandy beaches, so white they seem to sparkle, are caressed by crystal-clear turquoise waters. Then, the melodious sound of the waves accompanies the discovery of its coral reefs, true underwater treasures.

When you explore the interior, you’ll discover a diverse fauna, with pink flamingos proudly strutting their stuff.

La Playa Pesquero

Nestled in Holguín, in eastern Cuba, Playa Pesquero is a beach that evokes the dream of the Caribbean.

Firstly, its sugar-fine golden sand blends perfectly with the azure waters, offering a breathtaking spectacle.

Then the coconut palms bend gently, as if listening to the gentle murmur of the sea. When you dive, multicolored corals and tropical fish greet you in an aquatic ballet.

The city of Camagüey

In the heart of Cuba, Camagüey stretches like a spider’s web with its winding, mysterious streets.

Firstly, it is proud of its rich colonial past, visible in its Baroque architecture and churches.

Next, the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, with its cobblestones and colorful buildings, is a true gem of authenticity.

As you stroll around, the artists’ studios and local markets tell the story of the city’s artistic soul. Camagüey is also nicknamed the “city of churches” because of its many religious buildings.

Playa Girón

Located on Cuba’s southern coast, on the Bay of Pigs, Playa Girón is a place steeped in history.

Firstly, its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches invite you to relax.

Secondly, its rich seabed offers an unforgettable diving experience.

When you venture out, underwater caves and colorful fish create a breathtaking spectacle.

Isla de la Juventud

The Ionian Islands, nestled to the west of mainland Greece, offer a spectacle of vivid colors. First, the blue of the sea contrasts with the green mountains covered with olive trees.

Corfu, Zakynthos, Lefkada and Kefalonia are just some of the glittering stars of this archipelago.

You’ll discover magnificent beaches, crystal-clear waters and villages that have retained their charm of yesteryear.

La Ciénaga de Zapata

In southern Cuba, the Ciénaga de Zapata is one of the largest marshes in the Caribbean.

Firstly, this natural gem is a sanctuary for many species of birds, reptiles and mammals.

Then, its mangrove forests and stretches of freshwater offer a unique landscape.

When you venture there, you can discover endemic crocodiles, flamingos and other fascinating creatures.

Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra

Perched in eastern Cuba, the Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra is a mountain that whispers the legends of the revolution.

Firstly, its dizzying peaks, including the famous Pico Turquino, offer breathtaking panoramic views.

The dense forests and winding rivers are a reminder of Cuba’s rich biodiversity.

As you stroll along its trails, the remains of Fidel Castro’s camp, La Comandancia de la Plata, tell the story of a heroic past.

El Nicho Park

In the province of Cienfuegos, El Nicho is a natural wonder to behold.

Firstly, this national park, with its sparkling waterfalls, is an invitation to serenity.

Afterwards, the crystal-clear water pools offer welcome refreshment under the Cuban sun.

As you immerse yourself in the water, tropical birds sing and butterflies dance, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

The village of
Las Terrazas

Just an hour from Havana, Las Terrazas is a refreshing green setting.

Firstly, this ecological and community project is a model of sustainable development.

Secondly, its peaceful lakes and dense forests are home to a variety of endemic species.

As you stroll through the village, the warm smiles of the locals and the artists’ studios convey the creative essence of the place.

the city of Holguín

Nestled in northeastern Cuba, Holguín is a city that embodies the island’s authentic charm.

Firstly, its lively squares and colonial churches evoke its historic past.

Then, its shady parks offer moments of relaxation, where local musicians lull the air with Cuban melodies.

As you explore the surrounding area, green hills and pristine beaches come into view.

Laguna de la Leche

North of Morón, Laguna de la Leche is Cuba’s largest freshwater lake.

Firstly, its intriguing name comes from its whitish waters, due to a high concentration of minerals.

Secondly, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, as its shores are home to numerous species of birds.

When sailing its calm waters, the horizon seems to merge with the sky, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.

Bay of Pigs

Located on Cuba’s southwest coast, the Bay of Pigs is much more than just a stretch of water.

First, it’s surrounded by golden beaches and shimmering seabeds.

Divers will be delighted by the coral reefs and underwater caves.

When you bathe in its waters, Cuba’s recent history resounds, recalling the political tensions of the past!