You are planning your dream holiday in the biggest island of the Caribbean and you need some information before your trip? You are at the right place! We have travelled in November of 2023 and absolutely loved it! Cuba is the island of Che and Fidel, the island of ron (rum) and salsa, the island of contrasts. Here is a list of things that are not to missed while exploring Cuba:

1. Take a Boat trip to Cayo Blanco

Enjoy a day boat trip with a catamaran to Cayo Blanco while in Varadero. The excursion starts from the Marina of Varadero and includes unlimited local cocktails and soft drinks on board as well as lunch with seafood in a buffet style at Cayo Blanco. A complementary pickup service from all hotels in Varadero is also offered. You will have the opportunity to admire the coral seabed at a certain point of the route (equipment is provided for free) as well as to experience the unique opportunity of swimming with trained dolphins, in the presence of trainers in a specially designed Dolphinarium in the open sea. Upon arrival at Cayo Blanco, you will have free time on the beautiful Caribbean beach and a seafood meal at the island's seaside restaurant. The cost is 100.00€ without tips, which are highly appreciated.

2. Visit Che Guevara’s mausoleum

Learn more about the revolutionary spirit of Cubans by visiting Che Guevara’s mausoleum and museum in Santa Clara. Regardless your political views, a dive into Che’s history is the only way you will fully comprehend the Cuban spirit and history. The entrance of the mausoleum is dominated by the imposing bronze statue of the Comandante, about 7 meters high, with a weapon in his hand. The mausoleum houses the remains of the revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara and 29 fellow combatants killed in 1967 during Guevara's attempt to spur an armed uprising in Bolivia. The museum exhibits Guevara's belongings from his time in medical school and a photographic chronicle of his revolutionary life.

3. Visit Trinidad

The oldest city of Cuba was founded in 1514 by the Spanish conquistadores. The city is one of the best examples of colonial architecture in South America. Discover the history of museums housed in old mansions like the " Museo Romántico de Trinidad” and visit Plaza Mayor to discover why Trinidad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Wonder around Havana Vieja

Havana is the only colonial city that has developed around four plazas and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Visit all four of Havana’s plazas, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, Plaza de Armas, and Plaza de La Catedral. Along your stroll discover the charming, colorful and busy streets of the capital and don’t miss El Capitolio Nacional, the most emblematic building in Havana. This majestic building is almost identical to the one in Washington D.C, but a meter higher, a meter wider, and a meter longer.

5. Go dancing

Music and dance is a huge part of Cuban culture and spirit. You will find music bands perform every day and probably all day in local cafes, restaurants and even on the streets but hitting the night clubs is a whole different story. Performers, dancers, troubadours, musicians are the magic recipe for an unforgettable Cuban night. You can visit Casa de la Música, Casa de La Trova, Rincón de la salsa or Disco Ayala in Trinidad, or 1830 Restaurant, Fabrica De Arte Cubano, El Tropicana or Johnny Club in Havana. You can try one or all of them but don’t miss the opportunity to experience a night under the stars while in Cuba.

6. Try a Mojito

Cuba, and more particularly Havana, is the birthplace of the mojito. There are 2 different versions of the local cocktail, the Mojito Tradicional with black rum and the Classic Mojito with white rum. The best Mojito Tradicional that we have tried was at Doña Eutimia Restaurant in Havana. The restaurant is located in a narrow dead-end street close to Piazza Vieja near the Cathedral of San Cristóbal. The aesthetics of the restaurant resembles a typical Cuban home, with a charming atmosphere. For the best Classic Mojito, search no further than La Bodeguita del Medio which is probably the most famous bar in Cuba. La Bodeguita del Medio was established in Havana in the 1942 by Ángel Martínez Borroto and has been associated with the “La Bohems” lifestyle. Intellectuals, artists and politicians where among the frequent patrons of the bar. There are two establishments in Cuba, the original one in Havana and the second one in Trinidad.

7. A Joy Ride with a classic American car

While in Havana, don’t miss this iconic experience. Stroll towards the Parque Central, where you will meet with a plethora of colorful old American cars. Jump into one of the famous Havana´s style antique car rides and explore the city with or without a sunroof.

8. Try a Canchánchara cocktail

While in Trinidad, make a stop at the traditional cafe La Canchánchara, for a Canchánchara cocktail. The Canchánchara cocktail recipe dates back to the slave’s era, when the conquistadores (Spanish colonialists) serve it to the slaves to give them strength while working at the sugar cane fields. The drink is a mix of local rum, lime and honey. If you are lucky enough, you will be greeted with the music of a local band performing almost daily.

9. Buy local art

It is difficult not to fall in love with all the colorful paintings that you will encounter through your strolls. For more browsing, you can also visit the Almacenes San José Artisans' Market which is the biggest enclosed artisan market in Cuba by the harbor of Havana in Malecon. At the ground floor there are vendors selling handmade wood objects, souvenirs etc. But at the upper floor you will find local artists exhibiting their handmade paintings.

10. Try a Daiquiri

While in Havana, visit the renowned La Floridita for their signature daiquiri. Hemingway's favorite bar in Havana has a history of more than 200 years but it was only 1914 when the famous daiquiri was born by the cantinero (bartender) Constantino Ribalaigua Vert, a Catalan immigrant. La Floridita is one of the most iconic places in Havana, with its 1950’s charm and with the lively atmosphere you will definitely step back in time.

11. Dine at La Guarida

Hidden in a narrow poorly lit road in Havana you will find La Guarida, the game is still on but now elevated in a new level. Situated in shabby chic colonial building, this renowned palladar is an emblem of Havana since 1996. The restaurant with its nostalgic ambience has three distinct spaces, an indoor, an outdoor veranda and rooftop bar. The amazing setting, the spectacular views combined with the great food and service, is the recipe for an unforgettable night. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand via their website.

12. Smoke a Cigar

If you are a cigar lover, then Cuba is your paradise on earth. There are many official stores (government owned) that sell all Cuban cigar brands in their official prices. One of them is La Casa del Ron y del Tabaco Cubano in Havana where you will find authentic cigars in official rates, and what I mean by official rates, well the same prices that you will find them sold in Europe. The variety is by far the largest you will ever find and there is a bar that you can enjoy your cigar accompanied by the ron of your choice. On the other hand, if you want to buy cigars in better prices your only other options is from a tobacco farm in Vinales. The prices there range from 3.00€ to 10.00€ depending on the size. Of course you will encounter many people on the streets eager to sell you “authentic” cigars in extremely low price. Don’t fall for this trap as in most cases the cigars contain other leaves in addition to tobacco like nettle.

The "model" posing in the photos is my husband Fotis, my fellow travel!

Check our other post for Cuba