If only the buildings could talk.  The place is filled with history.  Such as the city’s first building which overlooks the entrance to a protected bay has been there since 1519.  The city became a depository for treasures that Spanish fleets brought to the New World.  It was originally known as La Villa de San Cristóbal de la Habana.  Today, it is known as Havana, and it is the center of the nation’s life – political, scientific, and cultural.  It houses the National Ballet of Cuba, House of the Américas, Foundation of New Latin American Film, and the National Folkloric Dance Group which have won international acclaim.  Havana is a splendid place to visit which remains interesting in both day time and night time.

The places to hit while in Havana would include:

El Templete

An 1828 neoclassical building where the first mass and first town council of San Cristobal de la Habana was, and every November 16 a celebration is held in this place where lots of Habaneros come and join.

Parade Square

This is where major events are held.  Here you can also find the Captain-General’s Palace (City Museum) and El Segundo Cabo.  Atop the building’s tower is the La Giraldilla – a wind vane that has become the symbol of the city.  In 1577, Castillo de la Real Fuerza had an exhibit of the most important pottery art collection in the island.

Cathedral Square

This square is surrounded by mansions!  And this square is the recently restored Plaza Vieja and Francis of Assisi square.  The church and convent that can be found in this area of the same name – one of the convent’s cloisters even houses the Museum of Sacred Art.

Morro-Cabaña Historic Military Park

This military park is marked by two ruins of historical importance: El Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro, and the fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña.  Both fortresses now house military museums where cannons are still shot daily to announce that it’s already 9 o’clock in the evening.

Vedado

This is the place that allows easy access to other places of interest such as the University of Havana, Revolution Square and the José Martí Monument, and the Colon Cemetery – one of the largest necropolises.  Malecon, the famous 12-kilometer oceanside road links old Havana to the busy neighborhood of Vedado.

Cojimar

This is about six kilometers east of the city, and this is where Ernest Hemingway kept his boat, the Pilar.  This is the same colorful fishing village where he found material and inspiration for many of his stories.

Aside from these places, there are still wonderful places to visit such as the beaches and coastline where activities such as the seafari and deep-sea fishing take place.  Enjoy Cuba!

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Cayo Largo del Sur is an idyllic little island in the heart of the Caribbean where divers can absolutely have a go, and enjoy the dive.  It houses beaches that total to 23 kilometers.  With crystal clear blue waters, beautiful seascape, and preserved reefs, it’s no wonder divers can’t wait to get into the blue!

The Isle of Youth is a larger island – actually it is second in size only to the main island.  You may see that this island is abundant in grapefruit fields, pine trees, parrots, and even marshes.  You can also find schools for young Cuban and foreign students.  This is just a few kilometers to the southwest of Cayo Largo del Sur.

Other places to have fun in the sun are:

Punta Francés

This underwater paradise will leave you breathless!  It is on the Isle of Youth where the typical Caribbean landscape and the abundant marine flora and fauna are something to boast about.

Finca El Abra

This is a museum near the marble quarries that sheltered José Martí.  José Martí, if you may have known, is a national hero that was sentenced in the 19^th century to hard labour as punishment for his ideas about independence.

Presidio Modelo

This is a large museum that can be found near Nueva Gerona city.  It was built in 1926 with a purpose of imprisoning thousand of political prisoners, as well as common criminals.  Yes, it was the chief of prisons.  However, the large barracks stand empty today, and are just there as a historical feature of the building.

The “Aboriginal Sistine Chapel”

This is actually a cave.  A cave which can be located at Punta del Este, on the wild southern coast of Pine Island.  This is home to a vast number of native paintings that date back to the oldest of olden times – a historical feature.

This doesn’t sound anything like you would associate with Cuba, or is it?  Cigars, rum, and Ché Guevara souvenirs are the basic associations a person would have with Cuba.  However, it would be a splendid surprise for most to have this other activities and sight to see in Cuba.   The country of Cuba has lots to offer – shopping items may be limited to their specialty, which are again, cigars, rum, and authentic souvenirs, but the sights to see, the view, the historical landmarks are simply fabulous.  They fill your memories with pictures of beauty and they enrich the soul with culture.

Indeed, there is nothing like Cuba! A holiday spent in Cuba is one of a kind; it’s memorable, it’s beautiful, and it’s simply wonderful.  A trip you must have, indeed.

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Santa Lucia, a 21-kilometer long beach where you will find a stretch of sea, sand, and sun – it is the main tourist destination of Camagüey, and has a highly preserved ecosystem habitat of pink flamingos!  Looks like paradise?  There’s more.  The longest coral reef formation of the north east coast of Cuba houses this beach!

What to expect once you’re here?  Well, there are excellent beaches, diving sites, sport fishing, historic landmarks, and so much more!  Who knew that while walking among the hills of the wet flora, exploring caverns, and swimming in a paradise of virgin islands, you also get to see culture?  So if it’s your thing, go and explore the historic landmarks – if not, soak in the wonderful waters of the Sabinal or Caguama islands and get that perfect tan!  No need to fret when it comes to comfort too.  Santa Lucia features equipped hotels and complete facilities from restaurants to stores.  Hotels ranging in prices from cheap to a bit costly are available.

What else are there to check out?  Check these out:

Town Center

After centuries of it being wiped out in battles and by pirates, it was rebuilt with winding streets – as if to deliberately confuse any future invaders.  These streets now are lined with colorful – as in rainbow-colored – houses that are a great sight.

Pargue Ignacio Agramonte

It is found at the center of the town square where the stature of Ignacio Agramonte, a hero, on horseback was sculpted in 1912 by Buerni.

La Merced Church

This church is of the 18^th century with beautifully decorated ceiling and statue of Jesus.  The church’s artwork commemorates the deal of a villager in a duel.  This church’s restoration has already begun.

San Juan de Dios Square

This is a restored national monument that can be traced back to the 18^th century.  This place is surrounded by a church, which is home to a rare statue of the Holy Trinity and the Holy Ghost, as well as a convent, and a hospital.

Teatro Principal

This is a marvelous building that originates in the 1850’s and is now the home of the Camagüey Classical Ballet Company.  For artistic enthusiasts or those who just love ballet and the art of dancing, you may want to check this place out.

Casino Campestre

This is the city’s “green center” filled with lush gardens and monuments.  One of which is devoted to Barberán and Collar, Spanish pilots who both made a historic flight between Seville and Havana in 1934.  Another bonus: nearby is the Revolution Square that you can just visit and not waste time walking and looking for it.

The wonders that Cuba offers seem hard to resist.  So give in, and enjoy!

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If there’s one place where sports are popular, it must be Cuba.  Did you know that all sporting events are free for Cubans?  Yes, they really are.  Actually, baseball is the country’s national sport, while soccer and other ball games are also played.  Noting that there are many stadiums, it must be because Cubans’ pastimes include both playing and watching sports.  In fact, the country participates in many sports in the Olympic Games!  You like sports, huh?  Then, go on and take a trip to Cuba!

For tourists however, the popular activities are water sports, trekking, and horseback riding.

Water Sports

For water sports, diving is the one that is practiced at major resorts and at some lesser-known locations.  The Varadero beach is a popular dive site, as well as the Cayo Largo del Sur, and Pinar del Rio coastlines.  These are simply wonderful places to let yourself get lost in an underwater paradise.  Some water sports such as jet skis, kayaking, and snorkelling are also available.  There are even tours such as the seafari, which is like a picnic aboard a boat, and enjoying the sea life that the clear waters have to offer.  For those who love to be able to experience deep-sea fishing, then try it here in Cuba – it’s a popular activity for tourists.  There are lots of tour guides and packages available, as well as local dive operators who will gladly let you rent diving gear and equipment, and some even have diving lessons too!

Nature Tripping

The Isla de la Juventud is a large island that can be found at the south of Cuba.  This place offers an excellent reef for diving.  Not only is it great for divers, but also for those who are interested in animals.  The wildlife of the island includes turtles and iguanas.  It’s not the usual animals that you see every day.  These charming creatures can be observed on the coral keys to the east, so most tour expeditions leave from hotels on the west side of the island.

Trekking

There are remote areas of the island which can be great for trekking.  However, note that permits may be required.  You should check with authorities before you depart – you don’t want to deal with complications during your once-nice vacation, right?  You may find a few marked trails, but it is recommended that hiring the services of a local guide is definitely the best choice.

Horseback Riding

Just like trekking, you may be required to have permits, and securing the services of a local guide is a must.  There are three mountain ranges in the west, center, and east of the island where beautiful and unspoilt scenery would surely fill your cameras with pictures and your memories with precious memories of beauty.

If you want to enjoy nature at its finest, then Cuba is the right place to go.

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