The island of Cuba is located in the Caribbean, between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The United States and the Bahamas lie to the north of Cuba, Mexico to the west, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands to the south and the Dominican Republic and Haiti to the southeast.

Cuba is a popular Caribbean destination for direct holidays, particularly with nature lovers due to its well preserved ecosystems, amazing landscapes and its huge array of flora and fauna. The Cuban archipelago is home to more than 6,500 species of higher plants (50 percent of which are native), 650 vertebrates including 350 species of birds and more than 14,000 species of invertebrates. Cuba is also home to the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird and the world’s smallest frog which is just 12 millimetres long.

Cuba is blessed with lush green tropical forests with rare orchids, dry mountain areas with prehistoric cacti, mangrove everglades which are home to manatee and flamingo’s, wetlands and hummocks (earth mounds) which guard fossilized plants such as the cork palm.

Follow the hiking trails and nature paths to explore this truly amazing island. The following are just a few of the ecotourism highlights not to be missed on your package holidays to Cuba.

Sierra del Rosario

The Sierra del Rosario – Biosphere Reserve
Located at the eastern part of the Guaniguanico Mountain range between Pinar del Rio and the Havana provinces. Houses the Santo Tomas cave system and Soroa-Las Terrazas.

The Guanahacabibes Peninsula – Biosphere Reserve
Located in Pinar del Rio Province on Cuba’s westernmost point. Protected areas include La Guabina and Mil Cumbres.

The Zapata Peninsula Nature Park – Biosphere Reserve
Located in Matanzas Province, this is the largest wetland in the Caribbean. Home to La Boca crocodile farm, Laguna del Tesoro and the Amerindian Village, Caleta Buena, Playa Giron and Playa Larga.

Zapata Peninsula Nature Park

Baconao Park – Biosphere Reserve
Located about 12 miles from Santiago de Cuba city. Home to La Gran Piedra, the ruins of Cuba’s first French coffee plantations.

The Guamuhaya Mountain Range
Home to Topes de Collantes Tourism Complex, Zaza, Tunas and Lebridge wild animal reserves and El Nicho.

The Guaniguanico Mountain Range
An agricultural heartland with unusual rock formations surrounding the Vinales Valley.

Baracoa
This is where Christopher Columbus first set foot in Cuba. Virtually untouched by civilization, the area is marked by Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Yunque de Baracoa, the Toa, Miel and Yumuri Rivers and Maguana Beach.

Sierra Maestra

Sierra Maestra
Home to the islands historical hideouts, the area covers Desembarco del Granma National Park, Pico National Park, Marea del Portillo and Santo Domingo-La Sierrita.

Sierra de Cubitas
Stretching from El Paso de los Paredones to Hoyo de Bonet to Cayo Ballenatos and the protected area in the northern Camaguey Keys.

Pinares de Mayari National Park

Northern Holguin
Includes Pinares de Mayari National Park and Guardalavaca-Estero Ciego.

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.

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.

Santiago de Cuba is nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the mountains in the southeast of Cuba, about 540 miles from Havana, and is regarded as the Cuban city with the most Caribbean flavour.

Santiago de Cuba

Rich in history and culture, especially in the sphere of music, it has excellent hotels for your last minute holidays and the largest international conference centre in the country.

Santiago de Cuba has everything you could ask for, a coastline which includes the Baconao Biosphere Preserve, scenic mountainsand valleys, spectacular carnivals and festivals.

ATTRACTIONS IN THE AREA

del Morro Castle

San Pedro de la Roca del Morro Castle which UNESCO have declared a part of world heritage.

The Basilica of El Cobre where you can pray to Cuba’s patron saint Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre.

Cayo Granma which is a small island in the Bay of Santiago where you will find a quaint little fishing village.

Gran Piedra

Baconao Park which extends for 31 miles east of the city. Along this stretch you will find beaches, lakes, mountains-including the impressive Gran Piedra, and ruins of French coffee plantations.

A visit to Santiago de Cuba would not be complete without an excursion to Santa Ifigenia Cemetery where Jose Marti, the founder of Cuba’s independence, is buried.

The 26th of July Museum (was the Moncada Garrison) and Siboney Farm are worth visiting as they played an important part in Cuba’s recent history.

Not far from Santiago de Cuba you will find the first open-sky copper mine in the Americas and the first museum in Cuba (Emilio Bacardi) which are also very interesting.