Cuba is a fascinating travel destination with its beautiful beaches, abundant history, amazing vintage classic cars and delicious rum cocktails! It feels like it is trapped in a pre-embargo time warp and so much has been preserved from that era. There is so much to explore, do and see and here were some of my highlights.
Go on a day trip to Cayo Blanco
This is a day excursion on a catamaran from Varadero and is so much fun. You can go snorkelling in the beautiful sea at a coral reef and see amazing fishes and corals, and you spend lunch time and the afternoon on the deserted island of Cayo Blanco. There is live Cuban music playing while you swim in the ocean, do non-motorized water sports or sunbathe on the beach.
Marvel at the Vintage Classic Cars
Cuba is the perfect place for classic car lovers as the streets are full of these amazing vintage cars. The majority are American cars and were manufactured before the revolution and US embargo in 1960.
As no imports were allowed, the Cubans have preserved these cars and some are literally stuck together with glue. Yes really!
Purchase some Cuban Cigars
You can get Cuban Cigars at a much better price in Havana but you got to watch out for the fake ones! Even if you don’t smoke Cigars they are a lovely collectors item to have or make great presents and at the fraction of the price.
Relax on the amazing beaches in Varadero
Varadero has some of the most beautiful beaches I have been to. Perfect spot to relax and unwind with a good book and soak in the sunshine.
The beaches would make a perfect venue for a wedding too! So if you are planning a destination wedding, Varadero is gorgeous.
Have classic rum based cocktails
After the beach, (although also on the beach), this was my favourite part of Cuba. The Pina Coladas (and Mojitos) were just AMAZING! We found this cute bar in Havana where they literally give you a bottle of rum to pour out as much as you want into the glass.
The cocktails are really cheap too and trust me they are the real deal!
Walk around Old Havana
Spend a day walking around old Havana. It is like going through a time capsule as everything is preserved in a different era and it is so nice to see the museums, architecture, little alleys, churches, listen to the music and look at the stalls.
There is so much to do in Old Havana from going to cigar making factories, rum distilleries, exploring the museums and eating traditional Cuban food.
Have you been to Cuba? What were your highlights?
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