Cuba holidays: guide and itinerary
Classic cars along the Malecón, salsa from open windows, tobacco farmers in Viñales and cobbled streets in Trinidad. Cuba is the Caribbean for history and culture.
Havana, Cuba
Photo: Spencer Everett / Unsplash
Cuba: the largest Caribbean island
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, almost 1,250 kilometres long, with a history and culture unlike any of its neighbours. Spanish colonial rule, sugar, revolution and half a century of isolation have left cities that seem to have stood still, with pastel houses, 1950s cars and live music on every corner.
It is also a country where things do not always work as they do at home. Internet access is limited, some goods are in short supply and power cuts have been common in recent years. Prepare well, leave plenty of time and treat it as part of the experience.
Places to visit in Cuba
Havana
The old town, Habana Vieja, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with squares, a cathedral and restored colonial buildings. Walk the Malecón seafront at sunset, ride in an open-top classic car and find live music in the evening.
Viñales
A green valley of tobacco fields and steep limestone outcrops called mogotes, also on the World Heritage list. Visit a tobacco farmer, ride or cycle into the valley and watch the sunset from one of the viewpoints.
Trinidad and Cienfuegos
Trinidad is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in the Americas, with cobbles, pastel houses and music on the steps by the Casa de la Música at night. Cienfuegos, around an hour and a half away, has an elegant French-influenced centre. Both are World Heritage Sites.
Varadero and the cays
To finish on a beach, Varadero is the classic resort town, while the small islands off the north coast, such as Cayo Santa María, have long white beaches and large hotels.
Trinidad
Photo: Martin Kleppe / Unsplash
Itinerary: two weeks in Cuba
Days 1 to 4: Havana. The old town, the Malecón, museums, music and a day trip out of the city.
Days 5 to 6: Viñales. The tobacco valley, walks or horse rides and quiet evenings.
Day 7: Cienfuegos. A stop on the way east.
Days 8 to 10: Trinidad. The old town, the sugar valley of Valle de los Ingenios and the beach at Playa Ancón.
Days 11 to 14: Varadero or Cayo Santa María. Beach time before flying home.
Between towns you can use tourist buses, hire a car with driver or share a taxi with other travellers. Distances are longer than they look on the map.
Where to stay in Cuba
In many places the best choice is a casa particular, a private guesthouse where a family rents out rooms and often serves breakfast and dinner. You get close to local life, good food and help with transport and tips. Havana and the beach resorts also have large hotels, but standards vary. We do not have hotel recommendations with partner links for Cuba.
The classic cars
Photo: Florian Wehde / Unsplash
Practical tips before you travel to Cuba
Entry: You need a tourist card or visa and often have to complete an online form before departure. Check the current entry requirements.
Visiting the US later: A trip to Cuba can affect whether you can use ESTA for the United States afterwards. Check the current rules if a US trip is on the cards.
Money: Bring cash in euros or pounds and do not count on every card working. Check which payment options apply before you travel.
Internet: Connectivity is limited. Download maps, translation apps and travel documents before you go.
Insurance: Carry proof of travel insurance.
When is the best time to visit Cuba?
November to April is driest and most comfortable, with warm days and slightly cooler evenings. May to October is hot, humid and wet, and hurricane season runs from June to November. Read more about the region in our Caribbean holidays guide.
Cuba holidays: frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go to Cuba?
November to April is driest and most popular. May to October is hotter, more humid and wetter.
How long should you spend in Cuba?
Two weeks gives time for Havana, Viñales, Trinidad and a few days on the beach. One week is enough for Havana and one more place.
What is a casa particular?
A private guesthouse where a Cuban family rents out rooms. It is often the best place to stay outside the big hotels.
Do you need a visa for Cuba?
British travellers need a tourist card or visa. Rules can change, so check the current entry requirements before you travel.
Can you use cards in Cuba?
Not every card works and many places only take cash. Bring cash and check the current payment options before departure.