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Posts Tagged ‘cuba’

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

cuba holidays old cars

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

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.

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.

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

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 Las Terrazas 2mullein 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

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 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

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.Iberostar Daiquiri room
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 Iberostar Daiquiribuffet 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, Iberostar Daiquiri poolwaterpolo, 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.