Cuba Holidays

Destination Highlights

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Beaches | Hotels | Nightlife | Food | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

What are the best beaches in Cuba?

Many of the beaches in Cuba are picture-perfect, with coconut palm trees lining the soft white sand, and turquoise waters. There are 430 beaches around the island, so you can enjoy the classic beach experience or 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.

What are the top hotels in Cuba?

The many luxury hotels of Cuba include huge beachy palaces of family fun, cool downtown spots, and peaceful adult-only retreats. Here’s a selection of the best:

• Sol Sirenas Coral - Close to Varadero beach, huge pools, plenty of activities to keep kids happy - check!
• Melia las Americas - A five-star haven for travellers seeking the Varadero lifestyle in an adult-only environment.
• Iberostar Selection Bella Vista Varadero - The best of both worlds! A luxury spa and pool for you, and a waterpark and club for the kids.
• Nacional De Cuba - Possibly the most impressive building you’ll ever stay in, and all with five-star rooms and a view of the Havana Harbour.
• Melia Cayo Coco - Another adult-only getaway. Located close to the beaches of serene Cayo Coco island.
• Nh Capri Hotel - A central location close to the capital’s best nightlife makes this the ideal hotel to kick back and relax - by the rooftop pool!

What's the food like in Cuba?

Fans of Spanish, Caribbean, and African foods will be happy here. The local cuisine draws from the best flavours of all three, making for some interesting meals to look out for on your Cuban holiday:

• Ropa Viega - The national dish, a hearty stew of shredded beef and peppers in a tomato sauce.
• Yuca con Mojo - A healthy, yet delicious starter of cassava, with a garlicky citrus sauce.
• Sandwich Cubano - The internationally renowned Cuban twist on a ham and cheese sandwich.
• Pastelitos de Guayaba - Sweet pastry treats packed with exotic guava fruit.
• Cucorucho - A palm-leaf cone packed with coconut, honey, pineapple, and nuts.

Taste buds tingling? Head to these eateries across the island:

• Doña Eutimia, Havana - A charming and intimate location serving some of the best Ropa Viega in the capital.
• Kike-Kcho, Varadero - Sample the finest catch of local seafood on the terrace of this marina restaurant.
• Chez Victor, Playa Maguana - Chilled-out beachside spot serving tasty seafood and cocktails.
• Camino al sol, Havana - The best veggie food in the city, with daily specials and a fresh pasta bar.
• Ranchón Playa Prohibida, Cayo Coco - Stay close to the ocean as you dig into this beach restaurant’s famous grilled lobster.

Where’s the best nightlife in Cuba?

Music and dancing are a key part of Cuban culture, and you’ll find many stylish bars in Havana and Trinidad where you can salsa like a local. Beachside resorts have their own evening venues if you’d prefer to chill by the sea with a beer.

• Casa de la Música, All major towns - These bars are a real slice of Cuban life, with live music and dancing ‘til the sun comes up.
• El Floridita, Havana - Ernest Hemingway’s favourite haunt, try their signature cocktails and you’ll see why!
• El Tropicana, Havana - An open-air nightclub that puts on spectacular shows - think Cirque du Soleil, Cuban style!
• Casa de la Trova, Trinidad - Experience authentic Cuban salsa with friendly locals and live musicians.
• Cafe Fortuna, Trinidad - A cosy bar with a quirky design, you can even sip your rum in a bathtub!

What events can I go to in Cuba?

Colourful music and dance celebrations run throughout the island’s calendar. If you’re ready to march to a different beat, plan your 2022 holiday to Cuba around these events:

• Havana Jazz Festival (January) - An internationally renowned festival showcasing the finest in global jazz talent.
• Habanos Festival (February) - Celebrating another of Cuba’s famous exports, the cigar. Try the best brands out for yourself at a tasting, or join a tour of the local factories.
• Celebration of Classic Cars (March) - Any self-respecting car enthusiast knows that Havana is home to a huge fleet of well-kept classic cars. Check out the parade or get up close with some vintage vehicles.
• Old Havana: City in Movement (April) - A riotous dance festival where local and international groups display their talents across the squares and buildings of the old city.
• May Day Celebrations (May) - Did you know that the 1st May is International Workers’ Day? Cuba honours its workers with a huge parade in Havana, where the president gives an annual speech.
• Festival del Caribe (July) - If you’re aiming for a cheap holiday to Cuba, you can still see the best of local music and dance at this colourful festival’s free concerts.
• 26 July Celebrations (July) - Unleash your inner rebel at a variety of events dedicated to honouring the revolutionary heroes of Cuba’s socialist history.
• Symposia de Hip Hop Cubano (August) - If you’re more Jay-Z than jazz, head to this festival to discover Cuba’s unique hip hop scene.
• Havana Ballet Festival (October) - Salsa isn’t the only dance that Cubans excel at, and this festival showcases the best local and international ballet dancers around.
• Marabana Marathon (November) - Keep active on your beach holiday to Cuba by joining this sociable race, where you can compete with the best athletes or take a more leisurely pace.
• Parrandas de Remedios (December) - The island’s most extravagant Christmas festival where you’ll see parades, parties, rumba, and fireworks competitions.

Things to do in Cuba

It’ll be tempting to spend your whole holiday lazing on the perfect beaches, but there are some activities you shouldn’t miss out on that are distinctly Cuban in flavour.

Cha cha cha!

If all this talk of dancing has got you worrying about your two left feet, don’t despair! Head to the Salsabor a Cuba dance school in Havana, to take a lesson in salsa or other traditional dances.

Watch out for Jaws

Cuban reefs are particularly well preserved, making them a favourite spot for sea swimmers. Jardines de la Reina Marine Park is the best place for snorkellers and certified divers to get up close to many species of sharks.

Snap up a bargain

Cuba’s flea markets are a great shout if you want to find handmade pieces for your home, or unique souvenirs that will wow your loved ones. Look out for the artists’ stalls in Guardalavaca and Varadero.

Get a bird’s eye view

Las Terrazas is an excellent place for more chilled family holidays to Cuba. The natural complex has wild swimming spots where local and international kids play together. But adrenaline junkies can still get their fill! There’s a huge zipwire for all ages that takes you over the treetops.

What's the weather like in Cuba?

The island has a tropical climate, which means there are two seasons: Wet and dry. While there is sunshine year-round, the best time to stay dry is November–April. If you’re booking a last-minute holiday to Cuba at any other time, you’ll need to check out the local forecast, as some of the wet months come with torrential downpours and very high humidity.

Important Information about travelling to Cuba

How long does it take to fly to Cuba?

Flights from the UK to Cuba take around 9 hours.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Cuba?

Cuba is in the Eastern Time Zone, which is 5 hours behind the UK.

What currency do they use in Cuba?

The Cuban Peso is the official currency of Cuba.

What language do they speak in Cuba?

The official language is Cuban Spanish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Cuba?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up-to-date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Cuba?

Travellers are required to pay a departure tax of 25 USD when leaving Cuba.

Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba?

Yes, the visa you need to travel from the UK to Cuba is called a Cuban Tourist Card and must be sorted out in advance. You can apply here: https://www.cubavisa.uk/#CubaTouristVisa.

Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Cuba?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Cuba on the FCO website.

Here are some other destinations you might be interested in...

• Dominican Republic
• Jamaica
• St Lucia
• Trinidad And Tobago

Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Cuba for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.