Cayo Largo is a small limestone island in the Caribbean Sea at the southern end of the Canarreos Archipelago, about 50 miles from Cuba. Tourists are drawn to the island for its spotless sandy beaches, diving facilities and its wildlife. Cayo Largo has more than 30 dive sites, an international diving

Cayo Largo

 centre and a marina. There are more than 200 shipwrecks in the area, coral formations, steep walls, tunnels and an abundance of marine life for divers to explore.
When you wish to take a break from relaxing on the islands fantastic beaches there are lots of different watersports, yacht cruises, catamaran cruises, seafaris, fishing, horse riding, tours and excursions all on offer here.

Cayo Largo diving

The island is only about 15 miles long and 2 miles wide with 12 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches along its southern coastline. The northern coast of the island consists mainly of salt pans and mangroves.

Cayo Largo is a beautiful undeveloped island with all its hotels being located along a 3 mile stretch on its southern coastline. It has just one main road which connects the hotel area, international airport and the marina.

There are no permanent residents here, the hotels are run by local people from the surrounding islands and from Cuba.

Beaches

Sirena Beach (this beach has oolitic sand which stays cold however hot the

Cayo Largo beach

 sun is!), Lindamar, Playa Blanca, Los Cocos, Paraiso and Tortuga. If you are looking for beautiful beaches with pristine waters then one of the many holiday deals on offer to this beautiful island is a must for you.

Climate

Cayo Largo has a sub-tropical climate with two seasons. The dry season runs from November to April and the wet season runs from May to October, with very little rain falling, most of which falls during the night!
The summers here are very hot and humid with temperatures often reaching above 30C. During the winter temperatures during the day average between 22C and 30C but these temperatures do fall during the night, although not too dramatically.

Take advantage of one of the many last minute holiday deals that are on offer throughout the internet and just relax and enjoy this wonderful Cuban island set in the Caribbean Sea.

Cuba offers some great diving locations which attract an abundance of divers who are wooed by its warm, calm sea and its amazing coral reefs and marine life.
The water temperature varies between 22C (December) to 29C (July) with an average visibility of between 20 and 40 metres.
It is possible to dive here at any time of the year but there is a risk of hurricanes around October time and the rainy season from June to October can spoil diving plans!

Maria la Gorda (Fat Mary)

Maria la Gorda beach is located on the Peninsula de Guanacahabibes and is named after a beautiful Venezuelan lady who was abandoned here by pirates. It is said that the area was once beseiged by pirates, hence, along with coral reefs and marine life, the fascinating clear seabed has many old treasures, cannons and anchors.
The most popular diving sites here are Gorgonian Garden, Yemaya, Marias Lounge, Pirates Anchor, Enchant, Aquarium and Lost Paradise.

Cayo Levisa

Cayo Levisa is a coral island, covered in mangroves, about 2kms off the coast of Cuba in the Pinar del Rio province. This uninhabited island has a beautiful beach and an abundance of marine life in its waters. The island is an excellent place for both scuba diving and snorkelling.

Cayo Largo del Sur

Cayo Largo del Sur has more than 27kms of fine, white coral sandy beaches and warm clear waters. Here you will find more than 30 dive sites and a coral reef that stretches for 22 miles.

Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth)

Dive boats leave from the marina here and take you out to the dive where there is a magnificent reef, a couple of wrecks and an abundance of marine life.

Playa Giron

Playa Giron is located east of the Bay of Pigs and is popular for shelf diving and cave diving. In the mid 90′s a ship was deliberately sunk just off the coast so that it could be used by the visiting divers.

Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos has more than 28 dive sites, with crystal clear waters and is regarded as having some of the best coral formations in Cuba. Faro Luna is found in a quiet little cove about 20kms from Cienfuegos and is an excellent site for scuba diving.

There are lots of last minute holidays to cuba available throughout the internet.

If you fancy a spot of diving in this beautiful appealing country then why not snap up one of the bargain late deals that are on offer.

Cienfuegos is an enchanting city about 155 miles from Havana on the southern coast of Cuba, which is worth spending a few days at when on your family holidays to Cuba.

Cienfuegos

The city’s historic centre, covering 70 blocks, became a World Heritage Site in 2005.

Cienfuegos is known as La Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South) and also La Ciudad de las Cupulas (city of the domes) as it has an abundance of buildings with domed towers.

This beautiful city is home to many well preserved buildings, including the Tomas Terry Theatre (where many international artistes have performed), the Cathedral of Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion (with magnificent stained glass windows), the Casa del Fundador (Founders House – home of Luis

Cienfuegos building

 D’Clouet who discovered the city). Other attractions here include Castillo de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles de Jagua (a fortress), Museo Provincial (a furniture and porcelain museum), Palmira Yoruba Pantheon (a museum of religious afro-catholic syncretism), the Delfinario where you can see dolphins and sealions in a saltwater lagoon and the Parque Jose Marti (a park located in the Plaza de Armas). The city also has two cemeteries, La Reina and Tomas de Acea, which are both worthy of a visit.

The Bay of Cienfuegos which has very calm waters, covers 34 square miles

Cienfuegos Bay

and is the ideal place for a spot of fishing.

Close to the city are the Guamuhaya Mountains with rivers, waterfalls and natural pools, making it ideal for hiking.

About 20kms from Cienfuegos are the Soledad Botanical Gardens which have more than 300 different types of cactus and palms.

For more information on Cuba and to view my latest articles please visit my Cuba Blog.

There are many beautiful beaches in Cuba, with fantastic blue water and long stretches of soft white sand.

Cayo Coco

Cayo Coco

Dominated by beaches and resorts, the Cuban island of Cayo Coco can be reached by plane or by causeway that links it to the rest of Cuba. From this causeway you will be treated to the sight of dolphins and large groups of flamingoes.

Cayo Largo del Sur

This quieter Cuban island is home to some beautiful beaches and live coral reefs, perfect for a spot of diving. The island is just 15 miles long and 2 miles wide. With many secluded beaches Cayo Largo del Sur is the perfect spot for weddings and honeymoons.

Varadero

Varadero

With 20 kms of white sandy beaches, Varadero tends to be very busy during the summer season. The beaches here are considered to be among the best beaches in the world. In Varadero itself you will find restaurants, bars, nightclubs and fun amusement parks.

Isla de la Juventud

This Cuban island has beautiful beaches, including Playa Bibijagua and Playa Largo but the island is also great for scuba diving and cave exploration.

Holguin

Playa Esmeralda here in Holguin is probably my favourite beach of all. With emerald waters and perfect beaches this beach is the best known of all the

Playa Esmeralda

 beaches in Cuba.

Having spent many perfect holidays on the beautiful Caribbean island of Cuba, i have picked the beaches that i personally like the best.

Cuba is the perfect destination for family holidays as there is something for everyone to do and see on this idylic island.

For more information on Cuba and to view my latest articles please visit my Cuba Blog.

Looking for somewhere to spend your last minute holidays?
Looking for somewhere that is vibrant and full of fun with a huge variety of things to do?
Then look no further than the Caribbean island of Cuba.
I have just come across this interesting and informative destination guide to Cuba which i think will sway you towards visiting this wonderful destination.

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and has miles of fantastic golden beaches, great partying districts and is steeped in history and culture.
The resort of Varadero has lots of fine beaches and partying that goes on well into the night.
For a spot of diving, take an excursion to Cayo Coco which has one of the world’s largest reefs.
When visiting Cuba don’t forget to take advantage of the music which is on offer all over the island. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city of Cuba and it is here that you will find the best musicians and dancers who put on great Afro-Cuban performances all over the city every night.

Trevor Butler set up his first ‘travel’ related business in 2004 and has written many other destination articles with tips and information. I have found these articles both interesting and helpful, hope you do too.

This review has been supplied to us by our reader Jo Hepburn

“As we cannot get away this summer we decided to visit Cuba in April. My husband and i both love golf and so booked this hotel so that we could play every day, which we did. We just didn’t want to return home! The hotel couldn’t be faulted and we had a fantastic room with great views across the golf course. One tip is take your own golf clubs as they are quite expensive to hire! We even watched a couple staying at our hotel get married on the beach, it was so lovely and romantic. All in all we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Melia las Americas, excellent hotel, room, staff, food, beaches and entertainment.
One thing is for sure, next year we will be returning to Cuba for our holidays, it can’t come soon enough!”

MELIA LAS AMERICAS HOTEL OVERVIEW

The hotel is located on the fantastic Varadero Beach, and there are all manner of activities available, including windsurfing and catamarans, plus Cuba’s only golf course is right next door.
The dining selections range from La Arcada for romantic, candlelit evenings, to La Robleza, a grill for lunch. There are plenty of bars, with cocktails the speciality of the Jazz Bar, where you can enjoy nightly entertainment from dancers and musicians. The hotel also has lessons in all kinds of things including Spanish and cocktail mixing (sounds fun).

Accommodation

250 rooms in the main building on 4 floors and 90 bungalows in the gardens.
All with air conditioning, satellite tv, minibar, tea/coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and board, safe, balcony/terrace. 

Dining and Drinking

La Terraza (breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets), La Arcada (dinner), pool snack bar, Il Limoncello (Italian, open for lunch and dinner), La Robleza (grill for lunch and International cuisine for dinner), Sakura (Japanese, open for dinner), Las Americas lobby bar, pool bar, beach bar, swim-up bar, Jazz Bar.

Fun and Games

Swimming pool, aerobics, giant chess, badminton, billiards, darts, dominoes, tennis (nearby), archery, yoga/meditation/t’ai chi, gym, sauna, massages, diving lessons, PADI dive centre nearby, golf next door, water aerobics, beach football, ping pong, water bicycles, catamaran (supervised), sailing boats, beach volleyball, windsurfing.

Entertainment

Nightly entertainment from dance troupes and musical groups in the Entertainment theatre, Beach party night, Cuban day, Cuban music night. 

Facilities

24-hour room service, craft shop, mini-market, gift shop, boutique, art gallery, currency exchange.

Hotel Review supplied to us by our reader David Monkford

“We were not too sure about going to Cuba but we are so peased we went. Cuba itself is a beautiful, fascinating Country and our hotel, the Blau Varadero, well, what can i say, we just couldn’t fault it.
Our room was on the 7th floor with an amazing view over the ocean and was large and clean.
The food was plentiful, well cooked and there was quite a good variety.
Great pool, entertainments team and the beach was heaven.
I would definitely recommend a visit to Havana, the dolphin tour and also one of the boat tours.
Hopefully we will be returning to Cuba for our summer holidays and will definitely be booking the Blau Varadero again…my thoughts are…if you know something is good, don’t change it!”

BLAU VARADERO HOTEL

Location

On the beach, 12 kms from the main resort of Varadero.

Accommodation

395 rooms all with bath, shower and wc, hairdryer, air conditioning, satellite tv, minibar, safe and a balcony or terrace.

Dining

Buffet-style restaurant, 2 a la carte restaurants, pool bar, bars, beach grill and bar.

Facilities

Hairdresser, health spa, massage, internet access, gift shop, babysitting on request.

Sport and Activities

Swimming pool with free sunbeds and parasols, children’s sections of main pools, tennis courts and floodlit tennis, table tennis, boules, beach volleyball, multiple sports court, aerobics and fitness centre, sauna, jacuzzi, watersports from the beach including paddle boats, snorkelling, windsurfing, canoes and sailing, Kids’ club (4-12 years).

Entertainment

Regular day and evening entertainment

The nature lovers paradise.

The main pastimes here are hiking, trekking and horse riding along the nature trails and through the ruins of the 19th century coffee plantation. Because of the many different species of birds found here, bird watching is also a popular pastime.

Las Terrazas

Located 50 kms from La Havana, Las Terrazas is an ecotourism centre, covering an area of 5000 hectares in Sierra del Rosario, which was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1985. Here in Las Terrazas (population about 1,000 people), visitors and nature become one among the evergreen forests, rivers, streams, lagoons and waterfalls.

Pines and trees as high as 40 metres can be found in the forests, along with green foliage,orchids, mariposa (the national flower of Cuba), the flower of mullein and many fruit trees, including the mango.

Here you will find many species of birds, including the Tocororo, nightingale, goatheard, Cartacuba, Zunzun, Sabanero, Pitirre. During the winter about 20 species of bird migrate to Las Terrazas.

13 species of lizard, many amphibians and mammals are also found here.

CLIMATE

The climate here is variable and humid, with temperatures between 22C and 30C all year long.

Nature lovers, why not book your last minute holidays to Las Terrazas and enjoy all it has to offer! Try the Hotel Moka or the Hotel Soroa, both of which have good reviews.

Cayo Guillermo is located 2 miles from Cayo Coco and is connected by a 30km causeway.

Cayo Guillermo

Cayo Guillermo is the ideal location for those seeking relaxing holidays in a peaceful surrounding. With warm, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and plenty of marine life, the resort is also an excellent spot for diving. There are lots of different watersports available from the 16 kms of white sand beaches.
Fishing trips to catch marlin and barracuda are also available from the resort.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE

Beaches

The best beaches are Flamenco Beach, Playa El Paso, Playa del Medio and Playa Larga.

Diving in Cayo Guillermo

Diving

Due to it’s close proximity to the Bahamas Trench, the diving sites around Cayo Guillermo are full of marine life, including snappers, groupers, sergeant majors, tarpons, pompanos and Atlantic spadefish. Divers will also discover many different varieties of coral, caves and tunnels.

Cities

Moron City and Ciego De Avila City give an insight into local traditions and culture.

CLIMATE

Ciego De Avila City

The weather of Cayo Guillermo is hot and dry throughout most of the year.
The summer season runs from May to October and the winter season from November to April.
The average temperature in the summer season is 31-33C and 24-27C in winter season, with average sunshine hours of 7-8 hours all the year round.
The humidity level is high in the summer season and normal in the winter season.
Rainfall occurs between May and September but the periods of rain do not last long and do not stop visitors from enjoying the outdoor activities.

This review has been supplied to us by our reader Ann Thompson

“From beginning to end we couldn’t fault our summer holidays spent here last summer.
The hotel, staff, meals and surroundings were just perfect. The staff and entertainment team were so friendly both to us and the kids, nothing was too much for them.We had a great sea view room which was clean and spacious.
Some of the other guests moaned about the food but we couldn’t find anything wrong with it, there was plenty of variety and we always found things we all liked to eat!
Can’t really think of anything negative to say, just didn’t want to come home and can’t wait to go again.”

Iberostar Daiquiri

The Iberostar Daiquiri is situated on the gently shelving white sandy beach.
It has 3 large pools with terrace, sunloungers, parasols, pool bar, main buffet restaurant, Cuban a la carte restaurant, snack bar, lobby bar, beach bar with live music (evenings only), bar/theatre, money exchange facilities, on-site shop and a 24hr reception.

Accommodation
All of the 312 guest rooms have a full bathroom, hairdryer, individually-controlled air conditioning, tv, direct-dial telephone and a balcony or terrace.

Activities
Archery, basketball, football, tennis, table tennis, kayaks, pedaloes, waterpolo, windsurfing.
For relaxation there is a gym and sauna.
For the children there is a pool, miniclub for 4-12 year olds and a play area. 

Entertainment
Frequent daytime activities and evening entertainment usually include beach games, Spanish lessons, dance classes, live music and shows.