Cuba

Cuba is the largest Caribbean island, with colonial cities, tobacco valleys, long beaches and live music that runs every night in the main towns. Staying in casas particulares — licensed family homes — is the normal and most useful way to travel. Shortages and limited card acceptance mean planning cash and supplies in advance.

Cities

Havana

Havana is a large coastal city where a restored colonial core sits beside blocks of unrestored nineteenth and twentieth-century buildings, with the Malecón sea wall running for eight kilometres along the front. Music is live and constant in Habana Vieja and Centro. Three days covers the old town, Vedado and an evening of music.

Trinidad

Trinidad is a colonial sugar town on the south coast, with cobbled streets, pastel single-storey houses and a main square largely unchanged since the nineteenth century. Music plays on the steps beside the square every evening. The Valle de los Ingenios and the Escambray mountains are both within an hour.

When to go

See all seasons

• Shoulder: Hotter with afternoon showers and lower prices.
• Hurricane season: Humid with storm risk, particularly September and October.
• Dry season: Warm, dry and the main travel season.

Entry & visas

Entry rules for this country aren't published here yet.

Always confirm entry rules with the official source before you book.