Cuba has as much to captivate children as parents, from clowns strolling the streets of Havana to gorgeous beaches and mountains. Add in the country's close-knit family culture and languid traffic-free streets, where local children play without supervision, and it's hard to imagine a more kid-friendly place to visit.
Cuba’s wet season officially begins in May so, yes, rain will likely be part of your experience. Fortunately, this usually means late afternoon thunderstorms following hot, sunny mornings. But you’ll have much of the country more-or-less to yourself as this is a low-season month. And the beginning of May is a great time to be in Havana for the country’s most important annual event—the May Day Parade—when you can experience Cuba at its most political.
Cuba is a long, slender island where the distance from East to West makes up each of its five distinct zones. Each region has its own unique geography, and a different variety of culture, too. Here's a profile on each zone to help you decide on the perfect itinerary to suit your interests.
Havana is brim-full of lodging options, from 1950s mobster-era hotels to simple room rentals. For the most rewarding experience, opt for one of the newer, chic boutique hotels or private bed-and-breakfasts, some offering concierge service.
The island of Cuba is lined with white sandy beaches and surrounded by turquoise Caribbean waters. But it takes a little effort — and some dedicated travel planning — to break away from the crowds and find your own slice of paradise. Follow this handy guide to the best beaches in Cuba and you'll be relaxing under a palm tree in no time.
Along with Havana and Viñales, Trinidad is one of the most popular destinations in Cuba. Tens of thousands of visitors flock here every year to wander the cobbled streets of this well-preserved colonial city overlooking the Caribbean. There's a ton to see and do here, so let the following recommendations inspire your itinerary.
We’re well into Cuba’s rainy season by August, with the hottest temperatures and highest humidity. Yet summer vacationers from Canada and Europe flock to the beaches to take advantage of Cuba’s scorching sunshine and ocean breezes—the rains are mostly heavy downpours perfectly timed to coincide with afternoon siestas. Plus, baseball season begins this month.
Havana's cobblestone plazas, eclectic architecture, and vivacious street life are enchanting—but there's far more to the Cuban capital than the romantic colonial quarter. This list offers 15 great options for getting the most out of your visit, from exploring old castles and modern art venues to discovering the most memorable places to eat.
It's hard not to fall in love with Cuba. Set to a soundtrack of jazz, rumba, and salsa, it's a place where icy mojitos flow freely, classic cars cruise the streets, and historic hotels evoke the glamour of a bygone era. The perfect place, in other words, for a romantic getaway just after your wedding.
More than 4.5 million tourists visit Cuba each year, and the vast majority don’t get beyond the most popular destinations, such as Santa Clara, Trinidad, and Viñales. Escape the crowds with these suggestions and you’ll soon be biking, diving, hiking, and touring your way through Cuba like a local.