The tiny island of Cayo Santa Maria is one of Cuba’s best kept secrets. Located in the Atlantic Ocean to the north of Cuba, Cayo Santa Maria is just 8 miles long and a mile and a half wide, about a third of the size of the Isle of Wight. Cayo Santa Maria is part of the Jardines del Rey Archipelago which translates as Gardens of the King. A thirty mile long causeway, that took nearly ten years to build in the late 1990′s, joins the island to the mainland and to the islands of Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos.

Cayo Santa Maria

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island is blessed with beautiful pristine beaches, waters that are as warm as bath water and an amazing rugged interior brimming with nature.

In the north of the island you will find hotels and nearly ten miles of beautiful secluded beaches backed by sand dunes and lush mangroves. Here you can sunbathe or take a swim in the crystal clear calm waters. As you relax and soak up the glorious sunshine pink flamingos will look-out at you from the surrounding greenery and pelicans will swoop down to catch fish in the sea. Take a boat trip further out to sea and you will see colourful fish swimming among the coral reefs and may even be lucky enough to see some turtles or dolphins. The coral reefs here are ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. The island has a ‘clothing optional’ beach for naturists lovers which is located at the west end of the hotel Sol Cayo Santa Maria beach.

The south of the island is a maze of creeks and lagoons, mangrove swamps and palm-lined grasslands.

Most people dine at their hotel but there are beachside grills which serve freshly caught seafood, some Japanese sushi bars and some Italian trattorias. Most Cuban food includes meat, especially pork and ‘congri’ which is rice and black beans, usually served with fried plantains and sprinkled with bacon. The hotels on the island provide most of the nightlife including pubs, clubs, karaoke nights and salsa evenings. Dance the night away on the sand at one of the beach bars, not forgetting to sample the amazing cocktails, or just take a romantic stroll along the sandy beach.

If you are looking for last minute holiday deals for rest and relaxation on beautiful sandy beaches then Cayo Santa Maria is the place for you.

There are always great travel deals to the small but perfect Cayo Santa Maria on offer throughout the internet.

If you haven’t been to Cuba on holiday yet then you’re missing out!

There are lots of old cars in Cuba

Think of Cuba and most people tend to think of cigars, Castro, colonial buildings, rum, salsa and old 1950’s cars.  Although all of these things are integral to Cuba’s wonderful character there’s much more to explore in Cuba.  In the last ten years, Cuba Holidays have grown in popularity, partly due to a large amount of investment into the tourism Cuba has to offer by the government there. There are some amazing modern beach resorts, plenty of things to do and see, and wonderful weather and climate with approx 300 days of sunshine a year.

The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba offers average temperatures in the mid 20C’s and above and plenty of cheap holidays and flights from many international destinations.  Flights from the UK are available with many of the international carriers such as British Airways and Virgin Airways.  Cuba is currently one of the best value destinations in the Caribbean for many travellers, with a fully all inclusive luxury beach holiday to Varadero for 7

sandals royal hicacos resort cuba

nights for example costing from only £699 and plenty of last minute holiday deals available.

Havana is the capital and holidays here are lively and full of the famous Cuban vibe.  Beautiful old faded colonial buildings line the streets here giving it a unique presence and one that is full of culture.  Wander down the old fashioned streets and admire the grand old buildings.  Don’t forget to catch a famous salsa night whilst here either. If relaxation’s more your thing on holiday why not stay in Varadero, Cuba’s famous beach holiday destination complete with stunning white beaches and clear blue sea.  A number of holiday operators and hotels in Cuba now offer all inclusive holidays enabling you to relax and unwind, sipping local cocktails on the beach whilst watching the world go by. Playa Pesquero and laid back relaxation in Guardalavaca are the order of the day if its recuperation that’s needed.  Snorkelling and diving are also very popular in Guardalavaca due to the amazing coral reefs that lie just off the shore here.

So why visit Cuba?

Cuba holidays are distinct and highly memorable.  More than just a beach holiday they create a chance to peek inside the extraordinary history of this island which in itself offers a unique blend of sunshine, sea, unusual culture and Cuban characteristics that you just wouldn’t get cheap holidays to other places such as Ibiza, the Canary Islands or the Maldives.  If you’re looking for that something extra, a little bit more than just a wonderful beach holiday or a lively break away, then Cuba combines both of these plus added extras and could just be the holiday for you.

Trinidad is found at the foot of the Guamuhaya mountain range in Cuba’s Sancti Spiritus province on the Caribbean coast. The town is like a large museum set between the sea and the mountains in central Cuba. Not only is the town steeped in history and culture, it also offers a great range of hotels, restaurants, bars, museums, beaches and the never ending hospitality of the local people.

Trinidad

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 the cobblestone streets, squares, pastel coloured houses, palaces and plazas here seem to have stepped back in time. To take in the amazing sights the town is best explored on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. Guided tours are probably the best option so that you don’t miss any of the amazing sights.

There many wonderful sights to see in and around Trinidad.
Close to Trinidad is the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) which is also a World Heritage Site. Here you will find La Torre Iznaga, a

La Torre Iznaga

148ft tower which was built around 1840. Originally built to watch over the slaves who worked in the cane fields and mills, the tower gives amazing views over the valley including the ruins of 70 centuries old sugar mills.
Casilda Bay offers beautiful sandy beaches, warm clear blue waters, excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities and a nearby islet with pristine beaches for all the family to enjoy.
The Roman style Yayabo Bridge was built in the 19th century and symbolizes the city of Sancti Spiritus, the capital of the Sancti Spiritus province.
Trinidads 17th century Iglesia Parroquial Mayor (Major Parish Church) is Cuba’s oldest church and is a fine example of Spanish-Arab influence. The Milagroso Cristo de Vera Cruz (Miraculous Christ of Vera Cruz can be found here in the parish church. This is a bow ornament from a Spanish galleon that landed here in the 18th century. The Ermita de la Popa church was inspired by Spanish maritime traditional, hence it was built on the road up to La Vigia in Trinidad so that it could be seen from the sea. The Spanish influence and Spanish colonial architecture comes from the families who emigrated to Cuba from the Canary Islands and set up homes and tobacco

Topes de Collantes

 growing businesses in San Jose de Lago.
In the mountains, about 12 miles from Trinidad, is Topes de Collantes, one of Cuba’s premier ecotourism centres.

This charming colonial town is a must visit on your package holidays to Cuba.

There are lots of last minute holidays to this amazing country, Cuba will not disappoint you with all it’s history and culture just waiting to be explored.

If you are looking for a quiet relaxed destination then Santa Lucia on Cuba’s Atlantic north coast is the place for you.
If you are in Cuba for sightseeing then this destination isn’t the best choice as most of the country’s tourist attractions are a far distance away.

Santa Lucia beach

Thousands of people come here every year to enjoy the glorious white sandy beach which stretches for over 13 miles. World renowned for excellent diving and snorkelling, Santa Lucia has one of the world’s biggest unbroken coral reefs, stretching for more than 14 miles. The reef, along with the clear waters, marine life and sunken ship wrecks, make it a haven for scuba divers and an ideal location to learn to dive. Here in Santa Lucia visitors can indulge themselves in watersports including diving, snorkelling, swimming, fishing and sailing, as well as lots of different beach activities.

Santa Lucia Reef

A trip to the Cubitas Mountains which are home to some fascinating wildlife, stunning scenery and more than 300 species of plant is a great day out and a nice change to lazing on the beach.

Nearby there is also the Sierra de Cubitas where caves and grotto’s are waiting to be explored.

About an hours drive from here is the city of Camaguey which has 80 miles of wonderful beaches, islands and bays.
The nearest town to Santa Lucia is Nuevitas which consists mainly of hotels and is reached across a large lagoon.

Santa Lucia is surrounded by muddy salt flats where flocks of rare Roseate

Roseate Flamingos

Flamingos feed on the saltwater life that inhabits the flats.

Santa Lucia is hot all year round. From June till October temperatures during the day average around 32C to 34C with up to 8 hours of sunshine a day and water temperatures reaching 29C. During May, June, September and October Santa Lucia experiences quite a lot of rain, the driest period being December through to March. The temperature during these winter months averages around 30C with 6 to 8 hours of sunshine a day and less rainfall than the summer months, making this the best time to enjoy your bargain holidays to Santa Lucia. Night time temperatures here average between 22C during the summer and 18C during the winter.

Direct holidays to the beautiful Caribbean island of Cuba are always available throughout the internet.

The upmarket beach resort of Playa Pesquero is located on the eastern side of Cuba on the Costa Verde coast, 12 miles from Guardalavaca and 25 miles from Holguin. Surrounded by mangrove forests, sugarcane fields and lush green farmland, and with an idyllic beach, the resort is popular with visitors looking for a quiet, relaxing holiday. There are only a few restaurants and bars here, Guardalavaca which is a short distance away has much more and is more lively.

Playa Pesquero

Pesquero beach is a beautiful quiet stretch of white powdery sand with shallow azure waters. There are lots of water activities on offer here, including scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, pedalos, deep sea fishing, sailing, speed boats and catamaran cruises.

There are plenty of excursions on offer, including trips to Taino (an Indian village), Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park (with a sea aquarium and dolphinarium), Bariay National Park, Cayo Saetia Island (deserted beaches which are perfect for snorkelling), Havana, Santiago de Cuba, cultural trips to Holguin, Gibara and Banes, jeep safaris and hikes to explore the wonderful countryside.

Taino

Playa Pesquero has a subtropical climate with high temperatures all year round. The best time to visit is between December and April when temperatures average 29C, with more than 6 hours of sunshine a day and very little rainfall. October and November see the heaviest rainfall, although temperatures still average between 27C and 29C, with 6 hours of sunshine a day.

To enjoy great temperatures and sunshine at any time of the year there are lots of direct holidays on offer to Cuba throughout the internet.

One of the last minute holiday deals for a relaxing holiday to this beautiful country is an opportunity not to be missed.

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.

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.

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.

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.