History
Cuba has a rich and varied history that dates back to the 1500s. It was originally inhabited by native Taino Indians until the Spanish arrived in 1492. The Spanish built many cities and settlements on the island and declared it a colony. During this time, African slaves were brought to Cuba to work in the sugarcane plantations. In 1898, Cuba gained independence from Spain after the Spanish-American War. This led to a period of political unrest and economic hardship for Cuba until 1959 when Fidel Castro led a revolution and took control of the country. Since then, Cuba has been ruled by the Communist Party and remains one of the last communist countries in the world today.
Largest & Most Popular Cities
The largest city in Cuba is Havana, which is also its capital. It's home to around 2 million people and is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and beautiful beaches. Other major cities include Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Holguín, Santa Clara, Guantánamo Bay, Las Tunas, and Pinar del Río.
Tourist Destinations
Cuba is home to some of the most stunning tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Some of these include Varadero Beach (the largest beach in Cuba), El Morro Castle (a 16th century fortress), Old Havana (the historical centre of Havana), San Pedro de la Roca Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Viñales Valley (a picturesque valley filled with limestone cliffs), Trinidad (a colonial town with cobblestone streets), and Cayo Coco (an island paradise).
Things to Do
There are many things you can do while visiting Cuba. You can explore its vibrant cities, relax on its pristine beaches, and visit historical sites like El Morro Castle or San Pedro de la Roca Castle, take part in water sports like snorkelling or diving, go on nature walks through the lush countryside or Viñales Valley, explore museums and galleries like Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana or Hemingway Museum, or take part in cultural activities like salsa dancing or cigar rolling classes.
Local Cuisine & Drinks
Cuba has some of the most delicious food in the Caribbean. Some popular dishes include ropa vieja (shredded beef cooked with onions and tomatoes), arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), moros y cristianos (black beans and rice), tamales (cornmeal dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), and platanos maduros (fried sweet plantains). Cuban cuisine also features plenty of seafood dishes like ceviche or paella. As for drinks, you can enjoy classic Cuban cocktails such as mojitos or daiquiris as well as beers like Bucanero or Cristal.
Is It Expensive?
Cuba is generally very affordable compared to other Caribbean countries. For example, meals at local restaurants will typically be around $5-10 USD per person while accommodation can range from $10-30 USD per night depending on where you stay. Prices for tourist attractions vary but are usually quite affordable too – expect to pay around $5-20 USD per attraction depending on what you choose to do.
Overall, Cuba is a great destination for those looking for an exciting vacation full of culture and history without breaking their budget!
