Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Cuba sits just south of Florida and west of Haiti, making it one of the region’s largest and most culturally rich islands. Whether it’s exploring the culture of Havana or dancing the night away in Cayo Coco, you’ll love every second.
Holidays to Cuba 2026 - Highlights
Over 400 beaches across the island, from the long white-sand stretches of Varadero to the secluded coves of Cayo Coco
Havana's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of pastel colonial buildings, vintage cars, and live music on every corner
All-inclusive resorts along the Varadero strip make family holidays properly easy
Salsa, son, and rumba are everywhere, from street corners to purpose-built dance halls
Cuba is the birthplace of the Mojito and the Daiquiri, and the rum that makes them is world-class
Cigars, classic cars, and a culture unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean
🎉 Fun Facts About Cuba
🚗 Classic Cars Are a Way of Life - Those colourful vintage motors you see everywhere aren’t just for show. Thanks to import restrictions back in the day, locals kept old cars running for decades and now cruising through Havana in a 1950s convertible is basically a must-do. It’s like stepping into a time machine… but warmer.
🍹 Cuba Is the Birthplace of Iconic Cocktails - Ever heard of a Mojito or a Daiquiri? Of course you have and they both started right here in Cuba. Made with local rum, fresh lime and a bit of island magic, they just hit different when you’re sipping them in the sunshine.
🎶 Music Is Everywhere - In Cuba, silence isn’t really a thing. From salsa bands in the streets to live music spilling out of bars, the whole island moves to its own rhythm.
🗣️ Local Lingo – Talk Like a Cuban
Cuba’s got its own rhythm — and that includes the way people talk. Spanish is the main language, but it’s fast, full of slang, and packed with personality. Drop a few of these in and you’ll go from tourist to practically local (or at least get a few approving nods at the bar) 🇨🇺
Hola, oh-lah, Hello (your go-to greeting everywhere)
Gracias, grah-see-as, Thank you
Por favor, por fah-vor, Please
Una cerveza, por favor, oo-nah ser-veh-sah por fah-vor, One beer, please (arguably the most important phrase on the list)
Que bola?, keh boh-lah, What's up? (Cuban slang, not textbook Spanish, but everyone says it)
Asere, ah-seh-reh, Mate, bro (casual and friendly, used constantly)
Dale, dah-leh, Go for it, OK, let's do it (the Cuban version of "sound")
What are the best beaches in Cuba?
Talk about picture-perfect, the beaches in Cuba have got all your Insta snaps on the brain with coconut palm trees lining soft white sand, and turquoise waters - the photoshoots make themselves. There are 430 beaches around the island - you heard us right - so you're never gonna be out of places to visit on your holidays to Cuba whether you're craving a classic beach experience or you're looking to explore some more unusual spots.
Playa Varadero - A favourite location for all-inclusive holidays to Cuba, and a perfect mix of beautiful surroundings and family fun.
Playa Los Pinos - Visit this secluded beach and you’ll be rewarded with stunning white sands. The beach is surrounded by woodlands, where wild horses roam freely.
María la Gorda - One of the best-kept snorkelling secrets, teeming with unusual fish that dart amongst the caves, coral, and even shipwrecks!
Playa Larga - The local bohemian crowd’s favourite, with plenty of cocktails and live music.
Cayo Coco Island - This island’s beaches offer everything from dolphin watching to kitesurf lessons, making it ideal for a day trip.
Playa Ancon - If you want to pack everything into your holiday to Cuba, head here. The beach is beautiful, and the nearby city of Trinidad is full of history and buzzing nightlife.
Playa Paraiso - this ones more out of the way, so it's a perfect place to lay down a towel and squeeze as much tanning time out of your day as possible without worrying too much about the noise or hustle and bustle - 10/10, no notes.
Pssst! Just a heads up, we're unable to provide transfers in Cuba at this time, therefore you'll need to make your own way to and from your hotel. We advise checking this before you book, and we apologise for the inconvenience.
Cuba Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide
👨👩👧👦 What are the best things to do on a Cuba family holiday?
Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt is a proper jungle adventure: guided treks through tropical forest, hummingbirds and parrots in the canopy, and waterfall pools to cool off in. It's the kind of day out that makes the kids feel like explorers.
Jaimanitas, just outside Havana, is artist Jose Fuster's art-covered neighbourhood. What started as one man decorating his studio spiralled into entire streets of mosaic-covered buildings, walls, and benches. Brilliant for a wander and completely free.
Varadero's beaches are the easy family pick: long, sandy, shallow water, and backed by all-inclusive resorts that handle everything from meals to entertainment. The kids can play in the sea all day and you barely need to move from your sunbed.
💑 What are the best things to do for couples on a Cuba holiday?
Old Havana is a full day's wander. Five plazas surrounded by time-worn colonial buildings, cobbled streets with crumbling charm, and enough restaurants and bars tucked into courtyards to keep you stopping every twenty minutes.
Fabrica De Arte Cubano (FAC) is part bar, part art gallery, part theatre, part restaurant. Concerts, dance performances, DJ sets, exhibitions, wine, and tapas all under one roof. Properly unique and the kind of place you stay at longer than planned.
Museo del Ron Havana Club runs tours every fifteen minutes with tastings and cigar pairings, and you can mix your own cocktails at the end. Follow it up with a rum punch at a rooftop bar overlooking the Malecon.
🎉 What are the top things to do for groups on a Cuba holiday?
Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra is where Fidel Castro and Che Guevara hid out during the revolution. The museum is fascinating, the mountain scenery is stunning, and 4x4 safari tours through the park make it a proper group day out.
Cuba has over 50 dive sites around the island, including shipwrecks in shallow water that combine adventure with a bit of history. If your group is up for it, the diving off Maria la Gorda is some of the best in the Caribbean.
A food tour is a group activity that works for everyone. Tours run across the island spanning multiple days, and the best ones weave in culture, live music, and visits to local farms alongside the eating. Ropa Vieja, yuca con mojo, and Cuban sandwiches are the highlights.
🧑🤝🧑 Where to stay on your holidays in Cuba
Picking where to stay in Cuba is all about the kind of holiday you’re after, culture, beaches, nightlife… or a bit of everything.
💑 For couples: Cayo Coco – think secluded beaches, adults-friendly resorts and sunsets that go full rom-com mode. Perfect if you’re after that fly-and-flop energy with a touch of luxury.
👨👩👧👦 For families: Varadero – this is the go-to for easy, stress-free holidays. Long sandy beaches, calm waters and loads of all-inclusive resorts that keep everyone fed, entertained and happy.
👯 For groups: Havana – colourful, chaotic and full of life. You’ve got rooftop bars, live music, street food and endless exploring by day, followed by dancing ‘til late. It’s giving non-stop energy.
More Caribbean holidays:
Stunning Cuba resorts
Weather in Cuba
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In Cuba, it's always summer...well, almost! From November to April, you've got yourself a balmy 23-27°C average, which we like to call the perfect "Mojito weather". You can stroll around the colourful streets of Havana without breaking into a sweat. How about that?
But if you're a sun worshipper, Cuba weather really struts its stuff from May to October. We're talking temperatures that easily climb up to 32°C, folks. Suncream at the ready, it's gonna be a scorcher – the sun in Cuba does not play around!
Be prepared though, the weather in Cuba likes to spice things up a little with some tropical rain showers between June and November just to keep you on your toes.
View destination on a map
View destination on a map
FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Cuba?
How long does it take to fly to Cuba?
It takes over 14 hours to fly to Cuba from the UK. Over a half a day, time to catch up on that show you've been binging, or power through your first hollibobs read.
What’s the time difference between the UK and Cuba?
What’s the time difference between the UK and Cuba?
Cuba is 4 hours behind the UK & Ireland in summer and 5 hours behind in winter. That means you can make the most of your first day there with all those extra hours claimed back!
What currency do they use in Cuba?
What currency do they use in Cuba?
The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso.
What language do they speak in Cuba?
What language do they speak in Cuba?
The official language spoken in Cuba is Spanish.
Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Yes – UK & Ireland citizens need a tourist card (also called a tourist visa) to enter Cuba. You can get one through your travel agent, the Cuban Embassy, or apply for an e-visa online. You'll also need to complete the DViajeros form before you travel – it generates a QR code to show at immigration. Check the FCDO Cuba advice for the latest entry requirements.
Is Cuba safe to visit?
Is Cuba safe to visit?
Cuba is generally safe for tourists, but be aware of a few things. Petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in busy areas – keep valuables secure and don't flash expensive items. More importantly, Cuba has ongoing power outages that can last several hours, affecting transport and services. Most resort hotels have generators, but it's worth being prepared. Check the latest FCDO travel advice before you go.
