Find inspiration for activities and adventures with Cuba vacations
Boasting white-sand beaches, quaint cobbled streets, rich Spanish colonial architecture, and fascinating history, Cuba is a vibrant vacation destination that’s fun for all. Many of the cities and towns in Cuba are frozen in the mid-20th century, showcasing historic architecture, grandiose squares, and classic cars restored to their former glory. By night, Cuba comes alive with cabarets, salsa clubs, and smoky jazz lounges. Whether you’re planning a trip with the kids, a romantic vacation, or an adventure in the outdoors on your own, find inspiration with ideas for Cuba vacations and the best places to stay and things to do.
Best destinations in Cuba
From the historic wonders of Trinidad to the sun-drenched beaches of Varadero, Cuba offers plenty of exciting places to stay for your trip. Whether you want beach fun, cultural tours, nightlife, or anything in between, take a look at the best destinations in Cuba.
Havana for rich history
Cuba’s capital city, Havana, is a hub of Spanish colonial architecture, maritime history, and rich Latin culture. You’ll find many incredible landmarks in Havana, such as the Castillo de la Real Fuerza fort and maritime museum, the baroque Catedral de San Cristobal, and the iconic National Capitol Building. If you want to stay close to the city to take in all the sights, you can find apartment rentals, guesthouses, and hotels in the area.
Varadero for family fun on the beach
If you’re looking for a beach trip, Varadero is the best place in Cuba. The resort town offers one of the largest resort areas in all of the Caribbean and boasts stunning white-sand beaches and calm, turquoise waters. You’ll have numerous beaches to choose from, as well as exciting attractions like the Parque Josone and the Cueva de Ambrosio, a cave system with prehistoric art and native bats. If you’re planning to stay in Varadero, you’ll have your choice of resorts and beachfront vacation rentals to choose from to make the most of the experience.
Trinidad for historic tours
A UNESCO World Heritage Site on its own, Trinidad is a well-preserved colonial town with a range of historic buildings and charming cobblestone streets. Trinidad is not only centrally located, making it a great base camp for all the fun you could have in Cuba, but it boasts exciting attractions like Plaza Mayor town centre, the Museo Historico Municipal, and Topes de Collantes National Park, a vast parkland with waterfalls, hiking trails, and equestrian routes.
Things to do in Cuba
From getting up close to island wildlife to exploring the reefs to taking salsa lessons in a club, Cuba has something for every type of traveller. Whether you’re looking for fun with the kids, a romantic island escape, or thrills on land and sea, find out more about the best things to do in Cuba.
Family fun
If you’re travelling to Cuba with the kids, you’ll have a ton of family-friendly experiences to choose from. On the Zapata Peninsula, you can take guided tours with the kids to see incredible wildlife like hummingbirds, crocodiles, lizards, flamingos, and crabs. Another fun wildlife experience is taking a catamaran cruise to Cayo Iguana, an island near Trinidad with quiet beaches and a native colony of Cuban iguanas.
Romantic escapes
Cuba boasts art, history, culture, and romance, making it an ideal retreat for couples. You can explore the picturesque colonial streets of Old Havana and shop in local boutiques, take a scenic drive in a glamorous 1950s car, walk the Malecón at sunset to see the coastal views and historic landmarks, or dance the night away in a nightclub. Cuba is also known for its music events and nightlife, including smoky jazz lounges and cabaret clubs.
Outdoor adventure
Like other Caribbean destinations, Cuba offers an array of water sports and adventures on land to get out and explore the landscape. You could take a trek to the summit of Pico Turquino to see spectacular landscape views, explore the cave systems of Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás, or see the wildlife and endemic plants of the Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt. On the water, you can try sailing, surfing, or sea kayaking. Cuba is also a popular destination for snorkelling or diving at coral reefs to see marine life.