From Havana to Viñales: explore Cuba’s travel highlights

When you arrive on the Caribbean island of Cuba, it can feel like stepping back in time. Classic Cadillacs cruise through the streets, internet access is limited, and life moves at an unhurried pace. If you’re seeking a vacation filled with polished luxury hotels, upscale dining, and seamless service, Cuba may not be the ideal destination, at least for now. However, if you’re after a place rich in culture, dramatic landscapes, fascinating history, and a laid-back, resilient spirit, then you’re in the right place. Keep reading as we take you through Cuba’s travel highlights and show you what makes this unforgettable island truly one of a kind.

1. Wander the streets of Havana

One of Cuba’s travel highlights is undoubtedly its vibrant capital, Havana. Like many locations on the island, Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. Colorful colonial facades line the streets, opening up to grand plazas and striking baroque architecture, like the stunning Catedral de San Cristóbal. Nearly every corner of the city feels photo-ready. To get your bearings, we recommend starting with a guided walking tour. Or, if you’re looking to travel in classic Cuban style, hop into the back of a 1950s convertible and explore the city on a vintage car tour with a local guide. Havana residents, known as Habaneros, are famously welcoming and often supplement their income by running paladares, intimate, privately owned restaurants set inside their homes. Dining at one offers an authentic taste of Cuban cuisine and culture.

While Cuba’s dry season runs from December to April, music lovers might want to plan their visit around the world-renowned International Havana Jazz Festival. Held every December over the course of nine days, the festival draws musicians and jazz enthusiasts from around the globe and showcases Cuba’s deep-rooted passion for rhythm and sound. It’s a perfect way to experience Havana’s cultural heartbeat, and one of the most unforgettable parts of Cuba’s travel highlights.

2. Explore the tobacco fields of Viñales Valley

Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital, Viñales Valley is Cuba’s primary tobacco-growing region. Expansive fields stretch out in every direction, dotted with dramatic limestone outcrops that create a truly striking landscape. Rent a bike and ride through the farmland, soaking in the peace and quiet of the Cuban countryside. The area is also a popular destination for rock climbing, with opportunities to gear up and scale the massive rock formations scattered throughout the region.

While you’re in Viñales, it’s definitely worth visiting a local tobacco farm to see how the world-famous Cuban cigars are made. Even if you’re not a smoker, the process is fascinating, from picking the tobacco leaves to watching the final roll of a finished cigar. It’s a hands-on look at one of Cuba’s most iconic traditions.

3. Hike through the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve

The Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve is located in the western part of the country, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Havana. Recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve for its impressive conservation and ecosystem management efforts, the area is filled with rolling mountains, lush forests, and an incredible diversity of plant life. These gently sloping mountains also make the reserve a great spot for hiking, especially for beginners or casual hikers who prefer shorter or less strenuous trails.

If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t miss the Jardín Botánico Orquideario Soroa. Home to more than 700 species of orchids and thousands of other plants, this beautifully maintained botanical garden is a paradise for plant lovers and anyone with a green thumb.

4. Lounge on white-sand beaches

Surrounded by miles of untouched coastline, Cuba’s beaches are truly in a league of their own. Whether you’re looking for a secluded tropical paradise, a lively beach scene with music and cocktails, or a family-friendly spot with nearby amenities, there’s something for everyone. While listing every stunning beach on the island would take far too long, here are two of our top picks.

First up is Playa Pilar on Cayo Guillermo, named after Ernest Hemingway’s beloved fishing boat, Pilar. Hemingway, who lived just outside Havana for nearly two decades, frequently ventured to this stretch of coastline for fishing trips. With its turquoise waters and powdery white sand, it’s easy to see why he was drawn to the area, Playa Pilar offers a calm, idyllic escape that’s perfect for unwinding. Another standout is Playa Ancón, just about 10 miles (15 kilometers) from the charming colonial town of Trinidad. Many travelers opt to bike there, earning a refreshing dip in the Caribbean Sea after the scenic ride. Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of sun loungers where you can relax and soak in the soothing sound of the waves gently crashing on the shore.

5. Learn to Salsa dance in Trinidad

If you’re planning to visit Playa Ancón, it’s well worth spending a night or two in Trinidad, just a short drive from the beach. Once the heart of Cuba’s sugar trade, this historic town still showcases the faded elegance of its colonial-era architecture. Like Havana, Trinidad is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily ranks among Cuba’s travel highlights.

While in Trinidad, don’t miss the city’s legendary live salsa scene. Each evening, locals, seasoned dancers, and travelers gather on the steps of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Plaza Mayor for a lively night of music, dancing, and celebration. With affordable entry and inexpensive cocktails, it’s the kind of unforgettable cultural experience that brings everyone (regardless of skill level) onto the dance floor.

6. Go diving in the Jardines de la Reina

If you’re looking to explore Cuba’s underwater world in more depth, make sure to visit the Jardines de la Reina, literally translated as the Gardens of the Queen. Located about 80 kilometers south of the main island, this remote archipelago is part of a protected national park that encompasses over 600 small islands and coral outcrops. This marine paradise is considered one of Cuba’s travel highlights for scuba diving and snorkeling, especially for those fascinated by sharks. The waters are teeming with species like the Caribbean reef shark and the silky shark, making close encounters almost inevitable on any dive. From July to November, lucky divers might even get the rare opportunity to swim alongside whale sharks, adding to the thrill of this unforgettable experience.

7. Spot impressive wildlife in the Zapata Swamp

Our final Cuban highlight is the Zapata Swamp, located within the Peninsula de Zapata National Park. Covering more than 4,000 square kilometers, this vast wetland is a paradise for nature lovers. It’s home to over 900 plant species, 175 species of birds, and 31 species of reptiles. Glide through the waterways by boat while keeping an eye out for unique wildlife like the bee hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world, or the glinting eyes of a crocodile just above the water’s surface.

On the western edge of the park lies the Bay of Pigs, best known as the landing site of the failed U.S. invasion in 1961. Today, the bay appears like any other tranquil Caribbean cove, but it’s also a popular diving destination. Many visitors come here to explore the purpose-sunk Jaruca wreck, a fascinating site where schools of fish gather inside the ship’s structure for shelter from predators, making it a vibrant and memorable dive spot.

Make it happen

If Cuba’s travel highlights, from its vibrant cities and stunning coastline to its laid-back way of life, have captured your imagination, get in touch with our local experts in the region. Nobody knows Cuba better, and they can help you plan a custom trip tailored to your interests and travel style. Whether you’re after culture, adventure, or total relaxation, they’ll make sure your itinerary reflects the best of what the island has to offer. Send an inquiry today and start planning your Cuban adventure!