Beauty around the corner: Cuba
Along with our compass, we’re using our sextant and setting sail for the heart of the Caribbean Sea, between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. In a word: Cuba. Cuba is known for both its colonial and political history, but above all for its natural wonders. It is said that once landed, Columbus said: “This island is the most beautiful land that human eyes have ever seen.” Not bad for just having landed! In addition to the overflowing nature, which also boasts UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cultural, architectural and human beauties abound. Cuba is a living country with an ancient flavour at the same time, which never ceases to attract the curiosity of tourists.
Did you know that you can also find our Rimor motorhomes for rent in Cuba? Daiquiri Tours, the only operator authorized for rental by the Cuban State, offers you the unique experience of living the Caribbean on the road!
In this new episode of BeautyAroundTheCorner, we’ll discover some of the goodies that the wonderful island of Cuba has in store for you!
MARIA LA GORDA – A DIVER’S DREAM
At the westernmost point of Cuba is the village of María La Gorda. According to legend, Maria la Gorda, ‘Fat Mary’ in English, was a Venezuelan woman who was captured by pirates and abandoned in this remote area of the Guanahacabibes peninsula. What happened to Maria later remains a mystery, but the village now bears her name. The standout feature of this region is that it attracts diving enthusiasts from all over the world, where they’re greeted by crystal clear waters (with an average temperature of 24-30 degrees Celsius) and an extraordinary underwater landscape, which offers the opportunity to explore fascinating shipwrecks, caves and a wide variety of corals, including the rare black coral.
VALLE DEL VIÑALES – RURAL COUNTRYSIDE
The wonderful Valle de Viñales is located in the lush province of Pinar del Río, west of Havana. The region was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and is rich in tobacco fields and surrounded by slopes of “Mogotes”, which are green hills of steep limestone formation, which rise like giants from the earth. This is also the area where the best Cuban cigars are produced. The rhythms of this rural area of Cuba are particularly peaceful. The day is marked by slow ox carts and children playing in the villages. It’s a true reminder of the beauty and simplicity of life.
SOROA E LAS TERRAZAS
The Sierra del Rosario reserve is a
mountain range in the provinces of Pinar del Río and Artemisa, west of Havana.
It offers some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Cuba and is home to
the most beautiful waterfalls and orchid gardens in the country, as well as
various ornithological fauna. The Sierra del Rosario surrounds the ecotourist
destinations of Las Terrazas and Soroa.
Las Terrazas is part of a 5,000 hectare natural area that aims to provide
sustainable economic development based on the use of natural resources. In
1968, the Cuban government launched a massive reforestation project that
involved the creation of a village capable of accommodating about 1,200 people
with a largely autonomous community. The town, built around the beautiful San
Juan Lake, is home to numerous artists. Nearby, Soroa is surrounded by lush,
unspoilt nature – the perfect destination for fans of palm forests, rivers,
waterfalls, native flora and fauna and orchid gardens.
L’AVANA – CITY OF CITIES
El Casco was founded in the 16th century by the Spanish and oozes history from its many historic buildings, located in the ancient part of the city of Havana, La Habana Vieja. Havana is one of the most vibrant cities in the world – an incredible open-air museum of architecture, art and culture. The centre of La Habana Vieja is always crowded with people, life and colourful vintage cars from the 1950s. In addition to squares, cathedrals, alleys and palaces, there is the emblematic promenade known as the Malecon. The wall of the pier, fascinatingly corroded by salt water, is dotted with fishing communities, couples in love, musicians and families. An open-air lounge in the city, it is well worth a visit to immerse yourself fully in the local population.
TRINIDAD – COLONIAL SPLENDOUR
Trinidad was founded in 1514 and is the best preserved colonial city in Cuba, and certainly one of the most beautiful on the island. It was also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city has remained practically intact since the Spanish domination, with its horse-drawn carts passing through its cobbled streets. The colonial centre is circumscribed and small, making it easy to visit on foot. Trinidad is famous for its nightlife, where you can find places to dance or listen to live music. All you need to do for a good night out is to ‘get lost’ in the alleys of the city and find a concert or an unforgettable evening of dance and fun.
JARDINES DEL REY – CAYO COCO
Many consider Cayo Coco to be the best beach in Cuba. Getting there is quite easy – the parking area of the Cayo Coco paradise is at the Colonial Cayo Coco Hotel, near Jardines del Rey International Airport. The location of the hotel offers beautiful views of the natural lagoons and the beach. It’s an excellent place to practise water sports and enjoy the spectacular beach, with its fine white sand and turquoise waters. From here, why not take the opportunity to visit nearby Cayo Guillermo, another beach with an irresistible tropical charm.
