Top 10 Great Destinations in Cuba

Lonely Planet, the world's largest private travel publisher, has introduced 10 destinations not to be missed when visiting Cuba, a beautiful country in the Caribbean.

Báo Quốc TếBáo Quốc Tế19/02/2025

Colorful vintage cars on the streets of Havana, Cuba. (Source: Little Things Travel)

Cuba is not only a country of natural beauty but also possesses a unique and rich culture. From ancient buildings to vibrant Latin music and captivating rumba dances, the beautiful island nation in the Caribbean Sea captivates visitors.

Havana - land of art and architecture

Cuba's capital Havana is dotted with cobblestone squares and surrounded by a 5-kilometer-long coastal promenade, known as the Malecón.

Havana has unique architecture, a harmonious blend of Spanish colonial style, French influence and modernity. From the ancient buildings of Havana to the coastal villas, Cuban architecture takes visitors back in time. The brightly colored old streets with curving iron balconies and classic tiles are typical of this country.

In particular, visiting Habana Vieja - the historic center of Havana, visitors can admire the magnificent mansions dating back to the 1700s and 1800s. Or the Calle Obispo pedestrian street will take you through art galleries, shops, music venues and many other unique architectural works.

Vinales - the legendary valley of Cuban cigars

The red and limestone hills of Vinales are one of the most distinctive landscapes in Cuba. (Source: acanela.com)

Located about 180km west of Havana, Vinales is one of the most beautiful places in Cuba. With its unique characteristics and beauty, this valley was recognized by the world as a Cuban national park and a world heritage site in 1999.

The Vinales Valley has many magnificent natural landscapes and is home to many prehistoric murals. On the cliffs of the valley, there are prehistoric paintings, showing the evolution of human nature, changed over time.

Not only that, this area also has many caves and is a conservation area for many species of flora and fauna, the most prominent of which is the Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas cave system stretching up to 46km.

In particular, the Vinales Valley is the largest cigar growing region in Cuba. For the people of this country, cigars are not only a commercial product but also a part of the culture, associated with traditional ceremonies. Visitors here can visit cigar factories, learn about the production process and taste the original Cuban cigars.

Varadero - coastal resort paradise

The beach in Varadero is famous for its white sand and clear water. (Source: Shutterstock)

Even if all the tourists in Cuba decided to congregate in Varadero, it would still be able to comfortably accommodate them with its 20km of white sandy beaches.

Coming to Varadero, you will enjoy the fresh air along the long stretches of pristine white sand. It can be said that this is one of the ideal resorts in the Caribbean region.

Despite its small size, Varadero has a system of hotels and resorts with tens of thousands of bedrooms, serving millions of visitors each year. Moreover, the facilities and amenities at the hotels and resorts here are very modern and classy. That is what contributes to making Varadero one of the top resort paradises in America that the rich and super-rich of the world choose for their vacations.

Santiago de Cuba – the “cradle” of the Cuban revolutionary movement

Santiago de Cuba is one of Cuba's oldest cities. (Source: Adventure Backpack)

Santiago de Cuba is not only the second largest city of the Caribbean island nation but also known as the "cradle of the Cuban revolution".

This city of nearly half a million people has witnessed many different struggles of the Cuban people for the country's independence, which is why it is also called the "heroic city" or "historic city".

In Santiago de Cuba there are many memorials to national heroes, which are often visited by locals and tourists.

Baracoa - “the first city of Cuba”

The winding La Farola Road cuts through the mountains. (Source: Shutterstock)

Located on the eastern edge of Cuba's northern coast, the city of Baracoa is a hidden gem among the country's most beautiful and historically significant destinations.

Baracoa is known as the “First City of Cuba” because it was one of the places Christopher Columbus first visited in 1492 when he discovered the Americas. Located on the Caribbean coast and surrounded by lush green mountains, Baracoa has great natural beauty and a deep history.

Baracoa has turquoise waters with white sand beaches and lush green forests creating a majestic image. Natural landscapes such as waterfalls and steep cliffs are an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

In particular, the road to Baracoa is a great experience for “backpackers”. The road from Guantanamo to La Farola is 60km long and is considered one of the most beautiful roads in Cuba.

In addition, with its diverse history and culture, Baracoa also has many historical relics and ancient architecture such as the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a unique cathedral built in the 19th century.

Baracoa's famous specialty is chocolate, made from cocoa with a special flavor. You should take the time to enjoy the delicious and unique dishes of Baracoa at local eateries and restaurants.

Trinidad - the land of handicrafts

Trinidad is famous for its Spanish-style buildings. (Source: Home to Havana)

Trinidad was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988 and a World Craft City in 2018. With its unique cobblestone streets and colorful Spanish-style houses, it is home to some of the finest handicrafts on the Caribbean island.

Not only that, stretching from the Candelaria mountain slopes to the green Caribbean coast, Trinidad is blessed with incredibly beautiful landscapes.

In Trinidad, if you go out at sunrise, you will enjoy the quiet of the old town, undisturbed by the crowds of tourists. However, a day in Trinidad would not be complete without a walk around the city again when night falls. As soon as the lights come on, Cuban music plays from all over the streets.

Matanzas - a paradise of live music and dance

Matanzas is considered the birthplace of the rumba dance. (Source: Wikipedia)

Dubbed the “Athens of Cuba”, Matanzas is home to some of the country’s most beloved artists, notably Miguel Faílde, creator of the danzón dance.

The city is also the birthplace of rumba, an Afro-Cuban social dance, popularized worldwide by the 70-year-old group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.

Matanzas also impresses international tourists with its extremely unique culture. The musical instruments and dances here have become a unique feature that is honored by the whole world.

Cienfuegos City - the pearl of the South of Cuba

Cienfuegos was founded in 1819 on a beautiful natural bay, considered one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Cuba and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2005.

Despite being the industrial heart of Cuba with refineries and factories on the outskirts, the architecture here is still impressive. While much of Cuba is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, Cienfuegos is truly unique in that it features French architecture.

Not only famous for its historical architectural beauty, Cienfuegos also stands out with its prime location on the beach. Coming here, visitors can relax on the white sand beach and participate in activities such as surfing, diving or simply enjoy the fresh air of the Caribbean Sea.

Cienfuegos is also known for its rich and vibrant culture. Visitors can enjoy Cuban music and dance in the local bars and restaurants, where the night comes alive and vibrant.

Camaguey - a "maze" for pedestrians

The maze of one-way streets in Camaguey. (Source: Shutterstock)

Camaguey is one of the famous tourist cities and the third largest city in Cuba. It has numerous national parks as well as world heritage sites and biosphere reserves that need to be preserved.

The city was originally founded in 1515 as Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe, close to the northern coast. At that time, the area was constantly attacked by pirates, so the city was moved further inland and built winding alleys and passages to defend against attacks.

When you come here, take a walk around the "maze"-like alleys to discover unique houses or learn about the city's symbol, the clay pot called "Tinajón" - which appears in every local corner in all different sizes.

Alternatively, spend a day wandering between the handicraft market at Plaza San Juan de Dios and Plaza del Carmen, home to Martha Jiménez Pérez's inspiring art gallery.

Playa Giron

Playa Giron is home to some of the most pristine beaches in Cuba. (Source: expatstraveltogether.com)

Playa Giron is one of Cuba's best diving spots, located in the southern province of Matanzas. The crystal clear Caribbean waters offer impressive visibility and a wide variety of colorful marine life.

Here, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in a beautiful cove at Caleta Buena or snorkel the reef at Punta Perdiz.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/top-10-wonderful-places-to-go-to-cuba-304771.html


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