Cuba holidays

GMT -5 hours

Spanish. English is also spoken.

• Peso. • US dollars and US traveller’s cheques aren’t as widely exchanged as they used to be. • Traveller’s cheques are mostly accepted, but not all hotels exchange them – go to an international bank instead. • There’s a minimum fee of 8% to exchang

Varadero
Often dubbed one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, here you’ll find soft white sand and glimmering clear water.

Guardalavaca
Unwind on pristine white sands and float in the clear blue sea on this unforgettable stretch of coast.

The Cayos
With powdery white sand, warm turquoise waters and endless watersports, Cayos beaches are simply breathtaking.

Casasa
Situated on the northeast coast, here you can go deep-sea fishing and explore three miles of fine white sandy beaches dotted with giant blue crabs and pink flamingos. The clear blue waters are ideal for scuba diving among exotic tropical fish.

February
Havana Jazz Festival
This renowned festival celebrates Latin jazz with performances across the city.

March
Havana Carnival
See colourful parades, taste rum and listen to traditional music at this vibrant festival.

May
Cubadisco
See local artists perform all over Havana during this wonderful celebration of Cuban music.

November
Marabana to Havana International Marathon
Watch as runners streak past – or have a go yourself!

Baila en Cuba Dance Festival
Immerse yourself in the sensual rhythms of Cuban dance, with workshops and performances.

9¾ hours to Havana.

Watersports
Go deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling. You can also go out in a pedalo or catamaran.

Land sports
Your resort may offer tennis, squash, volleyball, dance lessons, archery and more.

Food
In resort
• Our Cuba resorts serve a range of Cuban and international cuisine.

Local dishes
• Tostada is buttered and toasted bread, often dipped in coffee for breakfast.
• The local speciality is pork roasted on a spit and covered in lemon and honey, served with black beans and rice.
• Ropa Vieja is a stew of shredded flank steak in tomato sauce.
• Picadillo is a beef hash with onions, garlic, olives and herbs.
• Moros y Christianos is a dish of black beans and rice flavoured with spices including pepper, cumin and paprika.
• A traditional a stew of chicken, okra and plantains is served with rice.
• Cuban sandwiches are a popular hot snack of Cuban bread with mustard, ham, pork, cheese and pickles.
• Empanada is a chicken or meat turnover, eaten with a side of plantain chips.
• Popular desserts include custard flan and rice pudding.

Drink
• Stick to bottled water.
• Cubans drink a lot of coffee, with milk or in espresso shots. Daiquiris and mojitos are also popular.

Religion
Roman Catholic

Dialling code
+53

Leave a discreet tip if you're happy with the service.