BodesWell

Exploring Cuba

As a Caribbean island, Cuba comes with certain connotations; sunshine, sea and sand. I’m happy to inform you that this association is absolutely correct and that Cuba can offer you a very fine vacation indeed. Holidays to Cuba may not come on the cheap side, but there is more than enough value for money beyond those lush Caribbean shores.

Cuba is a large island divided into three sections; Western, Central and Eastern Cuba. The capital city, Havana, is found on the North coast of the Western sector of the country and features much to do such as a vibrant and kinetic nightlife, seafood restaurants, a variety of festivals all year round and some fine architecture for visitors to enjoy. The Malecón, an elongated roadway in Havana, is usually the source of the city’s nightlife and during the evening it blurs itself into an array of colours and sounds.

For those looking for a more reserved holiday, the country features many national parks such as Viñales, a World Heritage Site showcasing stunning scenery and a beautiful mountain range which serves as an effective backdrop. Activities in this area include mountain-hiking and horseback-riding; many farmers live on the land and produce tobacco as well.

Public transport within Cuba is good; the transport infrastructure has improved over recent years and the bus-line, Víazul, is a great way to get around the island considering they are well-prepared for long-haul journeys and their coaches feature air-conditioning and comfortable seating. Around the cities, I’d recommend taking a taxi opposed to renting a car considering the sign-posts and road-quality are not of great quality so it’s better to be driven around by someone who knows what they’re doing and how to navigate the tricky city roads.

Clubs and bars are usually well-stocked; the music is traditional and genres such as Cuban Rap and Reggae are frequently played. The culture within Cuba is generally quite full-on with the locals loving to play music and dance. The Caribbean is on full show here with nothing held back.

The cuisine is mixed with some locations tending to orientate around their Spanish roots whilst others cater to a mainstream audience and include American dishes. A key ingredient, as one might imagine, is spice, and a lot of it. Cuba prides itself on its unique and diverse culture and more importantly, the country is proud to share that culture with others.