Cuba

Cuba is an island full of character and history, attracting millions of travellers from around the world to explore it up close. In case you're unsure where Cuba is, it's located in the Caribbean, part of the Antilles, and is bathed by both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Its beaches have a paradisiacal aesthetic on both sides of its coast, with Varadero being the area with the best services and facilities for swimming. Playa Ancón and Cayo Largo are also worth exploring, offering a more untouched and relaxed atmosphere.

However, Cuba's greatest charm lies in its capital, Havana, with invaluable historical attractions, colourful facades that captivate, and cars that seem straight out of an antique museum.

In addition to its charming cities, Cuba's culture and cuisine also play a significant role, both influenced by its colonial past. Various festivals are organised throughout the year, where music takes centre stage. For dining, there's nothing better than venturing into locals' homes, where, while chatting with them, you can also learn more about their customs.

To visit this beautiful destination, the best time is during the dry season, which runs from late November to mid-April. A perfect escape from the cold. Regarding the time in Cuba, the clock in the peninsula is five hours ahead during the winter months.

Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Taíno, Caribbean, African, and Spanish influences, a legacy of its colonial past. If you enjoy experimenting with varied and surprising flavours, you'll love eating in Cuba!

What should you eat in Cuba? Best dishes

Ropa vieja

Ropa Vieja is eaten in the Canary Islands and, due to its connection with Cuba, has become a staple. It includes shredded beef with tomato paste, onion, garlic, red pepper, and sometimes olives. It’s accompanied by white rice and tostones.

Arroz congrí

This is the quintessential Cuban dish and should be your first choice when eating in Cuba. It consists of rice with red beans, not black beans like in the dish "Moros y Cristianos". Other ingredients include garlic, onion, peppers, cumin, bay leaves, and pork fat.

Caldosa

If you're looking for something more homely, try this light broth, which features various types of meat and a Cuban seasoning blend with garlic, onion, and chilli.

Yuca con mojo

For a break from meat, try fried yuca with this sauce made from oil, onion, garlic, salt, and lemon juice. A finger-licking treat!

Where to eat in Cuba? Best Restaurants

If you're wondering where to eat in Cuba, you should know that, in addition to restaurants and street food stalls, many locals open their homes for you to taste the most traditional food. An interesting alternative that saves you from tourist prices. Choose your option!

Among the most famous restaurants in Cuba are Doña Eutimia in Old Havana, offering well-cooked Cuban dishes; El Biky in central Havana, with affordable roast pork and ropa vieja; and La Catedral in the Vedado area, serving uncomplicated but incredibly tasty dishes.

If you're looking for more than just beaches and museums on your holiday, you're in luck because there's plenty to do in Cuba! It’s an ideal destination to bring out your adventurous side and discover all the hidden charms of the country.

What to do in Cuba? Adventure and Sports Activities

Excursions

Excursions in Cuba are highly recommended for delving into its thriving natural beauty. You can explore everything from guerrilla trails to immersing yourself in its vegetation for several days.

Diving

Diving is one of the most popular activities in Cuba, thanks to its rich marine life and calm waters, allowing you to observe a multitude of colourful fish, starfish, and corals.

Boats and Kayaks

If you want to engage in sports in Cuba, you can rent a kayak in tourist areas and explore the coast. Another option is to hire a boat to visit the country's lagoons and reservoirs. If you prefer adventure activities, opt for a rowing boat and venture into the Canímar River, where you'll discover a small Amazonian jungle.

Speleology

Adventure in Cuba is guaranteed thanks to the countless caves it has, exceeding 20,000. A great opportunity to explore speleology and delve into the interior of these caves. Some of the best known are St. Thomas, Ambrosio and Bellamar.

Cycling

The country’s roads are quiet and in decent condition for cycling, making it another great activity to do in Cuba. You can even get off the beaten path and discover local inland areas.

Culture holds great importance in Cuba, particularly music, which is enjoyed not only in venues but also in the streets. Immerse yourself in Cuba's activities and soak up its joyous atmosphere!

Cultural and leisure activities in Cuba

Entertainment in Cuba is marked by vibrant festivals that fill the calendar year-round. Carnivals are one of the most well-known festivities, especially in Santiago de Cuba, with floats, comparsas, and music groups. Similarly, the Remedios and Bejucal festivals are organised in Havana.

But in addition to local festivals, there is a strong emphasis on the arts in general. This can be seen in the more than 100 art galleries, along with halls for fine arts, over 250 museums, and 80 theatres.

Among the museums, some of the most significant are dedicated to the history of the Cuban people and their revolution. Although this is not the only theme, it is certainly worth visiting them to better understand the lives of the local population.

For active tourism in Cuba, jazz and ballet festivals are also popular. Some notable names include La Huella de España, Cubadisco, the Ibero-American Culture Festival, and the internationally renowned Jazz Plaza.

Cultural activities in Cuba are never lacking, and it’s always possible to find anything from large-scale celebrations to local festivities. In all of them, there is the same joyful atmosphere that this country proudly showcases, which, fortunately, is also contagious.

Local documentation and rates

For Spanish citizens staying for less than 30 days, a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry, a return ticket, and an entry visa (25€) are required. The visa is included in the price of the trip and will be given to you at Madrid airport before boarding, except for dynamic package bookings (flight + hotel). THE DEPARTURE FEE FROM THE COUNTRY IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE TRIP. Citizens without a European passport and those born in Cuba should consult the entry requirements at the Cuban Embassy.

A maximum of 48 hours before arrival in the country, the entry form must be filled out. This can be done online at:https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio.

Currency

The official currency in Cuba is the CUP (Cuban Peso; 1 euro = approximately 120 CUP), and you can exchange euros for local currency upon arrival. You should not exchange to USD in cash as this currency is not accepted at any official institution in the country, not even banks. Please note that all services in hotels, shops, state centres, as well as excursions, are charged via credit card using card machines. If you do not have a credit card, you can purchase cards in the country for a minimum value of 200 MLC (freely convertible currency) at CADECAS located in the airport and some hotels to pay for the aforementioned services. If bringing cash, it is advisable to carry small denomination notes. Our local representatives will brief you on these matters during information meetings, so it is vital that you attend them; it will be of great use for your enjoyment of the destination.

Time difference

The time difference from Portugal is 5 hours.

Healthcare

Although all hotel facilities offer free primary healthcare, it is necessary to travel with medical insurance that covers any costs for medicines or treatment. If you require regular medication, it is advisable to bring them from Portugal, along with basic ones, as they may be scarce or unavailable in chemists or hospitals. It is recommended to carry sunscreen and drink bottled water.

Electricity

Almost all hotels have 220-volt electricity, although the national grid is 110 volts. Don't forget to bring an adapter for flat-pin plugs.

Weather

Cuba has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius. Most days are sunny, allowing you to enjoy the beach almost all year round. The Atlantic Ocean can be affected by hurricanes during certain months of the year. The country's hotel infrastructure is prepared to deal with these weather events, ensuring no risk to guests.

Shopping

Local crafts in ceramics and wood, as well as rum and authentic Cuban cigars, considered the best in the world. The most sought-after brands are Cohíba, Partagás, and Montecristo. We recommend visiting one of the factories where they are traditionally made.

Other Information to Consider

Between 1 June and 30 November, the Atlantic may be affected by hurricanes, although hotels have the necessary safety measures in place to ensure that these do not pose a risk to people.

The Caribbean Sea is sometimes affected by a seaweed, sargassum, which is totally harmless to humans, although it may be uncomfortable due to its odour or density. This is a natural phenomenon, and its arrival on the coast depends on ocean currents. Hotels work to contain it as well as clean up the beaches daily.

Hotels in this destination usually have a king size bed or two double beds. The maximum occupancy of the rooms is 4 people, depending on the establishment, and guests must use the existing beds in the room as the addition of extra beds is not considered.