Make a self catering villa or holiday rental in Cuba, Caribbean your home away from home
The pretty island of Cuba is in the northern Caribbean, just south of Florida. Cuba has flat rolling plains with some beautiful forest covered mountains along with pristine beaches. The rocky north coast has some of the best natural harbours in the world. The official language spoken is Spanish, although many people understand English. The currency is the Cuban Peso. Due to the US embargo and communist policies, Cuba is stuck in a 1950s time warp which adds to the charm of staying in a self catering holiday rental in Cuba.
Things to Do in Cuba
Cuba’s beautiful beaches are ideal for soaking up the sunshine or going snorkeling and diving. One of the largest coral reefs in the world lies offshore at Cayo Coco and offers prime scuba diving. Wreck diving is also available. Further inland, go horseriding through the fields of sugar cane and tobacco or explore caves in the mountains with their amazing formations. Hiking in the Sierra Maestra beneath Cuba’s highest peak, the Pico Turquino, and animal spotting in the forests of the Zapata Peninsula are also popular things to do from your Cuba holiday rental. Another must-do is to climb the Torre de Manaca Iznaga, a former watchtower over the slaves which now has great views of the sugar mills. From your Cuba holiday rental you can head out and enjoy the nightlife. With cheap local alcohol, Cuban cocktails and drinks are very affordable. Party-loving tourists can dance to the Latin beat and sip cocktails until the early hours in the pulsating resorts. For smokers, Cuban cigars are the finest in the world.
Places to Visit in Cuba
Havana’s main attractions include the Capitolio, built to mimic the Capitol of Washington DC with some fine detailing. The Castillo de Farnes is a great place to have a beer whilst toasting the history of the Revolution. More Revolution history can be found at the Museo de la Revolucion, which includes the cabin cruiser “Ganma” on which 80 exiled rebels returned to Cuba in 1956. A more colourful museum is the Museo Emilio Bacardi, once home to the rum magnate and now a museum of piracy. The Plaza de Armas in Havana is where the colonial Palacio de los Capitanes Generales can be seen. It is the former residence of the Spanish Crown representatives and now houses the City Museum. Visit Hemingway’s’ old haunt, La Bodeguita del Medio or experience the history of colonial Trinidad. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in 1514 and is a pretty town with elegant pastel painted mansions.
Weather in Cuba
Cuba has a temperate sub tropical climate which is cooled by the trade winds. The dry season runs from November to April and the wet season is from May to October, when hurricanes may be experienced. Temperatures are a pleasant 18-26°C (64-79°F) in January and 24-32°C (75-95°F) in July.
Travel to Cuba
Cuba’s main airport is the Jose Marti International (HAV) Airport in Havana which is 15km (9miles) southwest of the city. The best way to reach your Cuba holiday rental is by local taxi from the airport. Flights from London to Cuba take 8 hours and from New York take 3 hours 30 minutes.
