Under the Caribbean sun, Cuba, still marked by the American embargo, remains today a destination off the beaten path. When we think of Cuba, we immediately picture its vivid colors, its American cars, its cigars, and the steps of salsa… But Cuba is much more than that, which is why we're giving you a few good reasons to choose Cuba for your next vacation destination.

Travel to Cuba for the atmosphere...

Because the Great Island lives at a pace like no other.

We think we discover Cuba for its cigars, salsa, or beautiful American cars… but what surprises most is its faded romanticism, its decaying atmosphere, the voluptuousness of the places, and the discovery of a bygone era.

For Cuba is an island in the Caribbean but also a country in Latin America. Like its neighbors, it experienced Spanish colonization and has retained many testimonies to it. But the twentieth century, far from sweeping History away, added another chapter. That of the « American Way of Life » with its cars, its buildings, and a certain festive spirit.

So, Cuba's special atmosphere is felt right from the airport exit; then from place to place, from meeting to meeting, travel to Cuba will only assure us that this atmosphere is quite simply unique.

For the beaches...

Admittedly, you don't come to Cuba just for the beach. But virtually all itineraries include a stop on the coast.

For while the Great Island is larger than all the Caribbean islands combined, its coastlines have been partly developed for the pleasure and relaxation of beach lovers.

You'll find sectors organized by « all inclusive » hotels, often linked to international chains. Sometimes criticized, these vacation resorts where hotels, restaurants, and dream beaches succeed one another remain without surprises, provided you choose the right establishment. Thus, the beaches of Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria, or Guardalavaca have nothing to envy from other neighboring countries.

If the « Robinson Crusoe » spirit is preferred, you'll also find a few cayos (small islands) accessible by causeway, plane, or ferry, Cayo Levisa being the most popular, for example.

And finally, when time is short and you wish to continue your evenings in the city, choose the beaches of Havana (the famous beaches of the East), quintessentially Cuban especially in summer, or Club Havana, more exclusive.

And of course, there are coastal roads along the way… There, nothing prevents a stop for a refreshing dip if the beach looks beautiful and the desire is there.

For tobacco...

Cubans, so proud of their island, will tell anyone who listens: in Cuba you'll find the most beautiful beaches, the most beautiful colonial palaces, the most attractive vintage American cars, the prettiest girls, and the best tobacco... in the world. Everything is more or less true… except for tobacco, which indeed allows the creation of the finest cigars you can find.

That's why a trip will include all or part of the history of Habano, either in the Vinales Valley, the golden triangle where precious leaves are grown, or in Pinar del Rio where cigar caves among the most beautiful humidors in the world are created, or in cities where factories have been established for centuries.

And of course, tasting should be on the agenda, with a specialist who will help you listen, admire, smell, and then enjoy (in moderation) a good cigar!

For its culture...

Everyone imagines Cubans taking a few steps of salsa, or keeping the rhythm, percussion in their hands…. The reality is a bit different, Culture, with a capital C, being an integral part of the population's passions.

But what is Culture? First, hundreds of festivals, fairs, salons, and other events that haunt the calendars: French culture, cinema, books, jazz, electronic music, cigars, ballet, contemporary art, and so on. There is never a day without a cultural activity!

And if the calendar is empty or the programming isn't to your taste, theaters, cinemas, cabarets, exhibition halls, or museums abound in Havana and throughout the territory, allowing you to educate yourself at minimal cost.

For the warmth of Cubans...

Cubans are good-natured. « You'll never reproach a Cuban for being a thief or liar, but for not being joyful, certainly » it's often said.

And it's true: goodwill is part of the culture and education. Combined with state security, perhaps the best of any in the entire American continent, and here's a stay where the tranquility of visitors and the ease of contact with locals will allow you to make the most of it.

Of course, you're not immune to a bad encounter for false advice or a little tourist scam… We hear « taxi » or « amigo » at every street corner to sell us a ride or a table at a restaurant: it will suffice to say « no thanks » and nobody will insist further.

For a journey against the current...

Cuban politics, based on a system whose heyday in the rest of the world has long passed, leaves a taste of originality… also for visitors.

« Socialism or death » or « Revolution or death » are still written everywhere… in writing perhaps just a bit faded…

Thus, the tourist won't forget that the country he visits continues to live dependent on the American embargo, particularly strengthened in recent years.

In Cuba, we swim against the current and globalization hasn't yet arrived on the Island. Perhaps we surf a little more on the Internet, perhaps we come across a few more standard cars, perhaps we talk a little more often with Cubans who have traveled… but all of this remains rare, and this destination is still rightfully described as « off the beaten path ».