Why not take a tour of Cuba!
It really is one of the world's most unique, diverse and beautiful countries.
From stunning mountains to beautiful beaches it really has it all.
If you are flying into the Havana or Varadero end you have a choice of a historical city where you can view old colonial buildings mixed in with some modern. Markets, American cars and friendly locals.
Varadero has one of the longest beaches on the island with the sea on both sides.
In a couple of hours you can get to the tranquil and some of the most stunning views on the island of Vinales.
A stay at the Los Jazmines with it's views of the Mojotes from it's pool really is unique. You can take a tour down into the valley and see some paintings on the cave walls and see some rural Cuban life.
Or what about a trip a little further down to Santa Clara and learn all about the Cuban Revolution and Che Guevarra. There are so many historical areas you can walk around and see the area where the train was de-railed and the vehicle that was responsible.
On the North Coast you will find many beautiful Cayo's there is said to be around 4,000. Cayo Santa Maria provides a choice of hotels with one of them I visited being the Barcelo.
A little further down you have the Jardines Del Rey which includes Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo which I have visited on many occasions. There are some fabulous hotels and more have been added up close to Playa Pilar which is one of the most stunning beaches and you will find featured in a very famous book!
I have stayed on many occasions at the Iberostar Daiquiri and have visited many of the hotels along the coast. The Sol and Melia hotels along with the smaller Starfish hotel.
Cayo Coco is a bigger island and also houses the islands airport.
They Cayos are connected by a causeway with the sea on either side. Often you will see a section of pink sea which you will realise are one of the islands flamingo colonies.
There is a tour bus where you can hop on and take a tour or hop off and check out other areas of the islands.
There's even a disco in a cave!
Back on the mainland just off the causeway you have Moron with most of the islands workers coming from this area. Ciego de Avila with it's modern central areas. Camaguey with it's tram lines reminding me of my home town Bristol. Some local folkloric dance schools in the area.
Music and dance is everywhere in Cuba and you will see evidence of this in every town you visit.
Down towards the east of the island you will find the province of Holguin and further tourist destinations of Playa Pesquero and Guardalavaca. All with beautiful beaches and also access to a small shopping centre and hop on hop off tour bus.
A little more off the beaten track is Baracoa and a popular resort with the locals. You will find forested areas and rivers you can swim in if you are up for more exploring independently.
Inland you will find some local resorts of Cueto which feature in the song by Compay Segundo where you will find a bronze coloured statue of him next to the local railway line. Cueto is a small town and is more suited to independent travel as is not easy to get to.
There are bus routes or opt for more of the local transport in a converted transport truck!
There are some good local restaurants which if you are looking for cheaper ways to eat out and you can visit with a Cuban friend you will find some beautiful food for low prices.
The islands other principal city is Santiago De Cuba where again the arts feature heavily. There is a beautiful square and you will find Casa de la trova.
Trinidad is worth a visit and the beautiful old church and hills in the background are found in many travel magazines. You will find many old historical colonial houses here and is a very quiet and picturesque city.
There are so many places to visit on the island. You also have the Zapata Peninsula (not to be confused with Zapatos (shoes). You will find many endemic species and the clarity of the water and fish are well worth a dip in the sea with a snorkel.
The Zapata Peninsula is Cuba's largest ecosystem which includes both swamp and beach. You can take a trip up the river, visit a Taino indian site and swamp area and later stop by the pristine waters of the beach swimming with the fish!
Check out my photos and if you want to be there contact me via my travel pages or on andreagarcialock@gmail.com I work with many suppliers who have expertise in this beautiful island. With direct flights planned to restart this year it makes it even easier to gets to Cuba and find out for yourself how beautiful it is.
One word of warning though, you may not want to visit anywhere else after!
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