Cuba holidays
From its arcs of white sand and turquoise-blue waters to colourful colonial buildings, rugged inland mountains, and offshore coral reefs, it’s easy to see why holidays in Cuba are so popular. A Cuba holiday not only promises live music, salsa dancing, rum tasting and cocktail drinking, but a chance to explore all the rich history and culture the Caribbean island has on offer too. Whether you choose Varadero’s tourist hub, Guardalavaca’s natural beauty or the captivating city of Havana, Cuba holidays cater for all tastes. From lazy mornings on picture-perfect beaches to afternoons browsing Havana’s charming streets, there’s no place quite like Cuba. In the evenings, you’ll feast on traditional chicken, rice and beans before dancing the night away at one of the island’s lively salsa clubs, or sipping on rum cocktails at friendly local bars. Cuba’s main attraction is the beach. As you step onto the palm-lined white sands, you’ll be transported to a true Caribbean paradise. Sit back by the water and relax with a good book as you soak up some sun. Paddle in the sparkling blue sea, snorkel with exotic marine life in a colourful underwater world, or take a boat ride out to the coral reef to really make the most of the warm water with an unforgettable scuba diving trip. The island’s appeal goes way beyond its gorgeous coastlines though. In the charming towns and cities, you’ll be transported to times gone by as pristine 1950s convertibles drive past. Queue with the locals for sweet treats at the iconic Coppelia ice cream parlours. Chaotic flea markets and enchanting museums all add to the magic of this unique tropical island as you walk along cobbled streets discovering cultural sights, traditional fiestas and local hidden gems. For the ultimate in relaxation, Cuba is dotted with great spas where you can enjoy massages and beauty treatments, leaving the stresses of everyday life far behind you. With a little help from the strong Cuban coffee, you’ll feel more and more rejuvenated with every passing day. So find a spot on the beach, grab yourself a cocktail and embrace the unique vibes of this beautiful Caribbean island.
Travel guide
Weather & Climate
Cuba is best for…Fast facts:
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For up to date advice on travelling to Cuba, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/safety-and-securityThings to do
Guardalavaca Flea Market
Buy locally-made souvenirs or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you browse the stalls at Guardalavaca Flea Market.Day trip to Holguin
The provincial capital city of Holguin is just 60 kilometres from Guardalavaca and is the perfect place to head for a slice of the real Cuba.Playa Pilar
While in Cuba, make sure you spend a day or two on one of the best beaches on the island, Playa Pilar. To get there, take the bus which runs …Explore the resort
Guardalavaca is home to a variety of different markets for you to browse and hunt out the best bargain. The most popular is the flea market, which …La Cueva Del Jabali
Dance the night away in one of Cuba’s most unique entertainment venues, La Cueva Del Jabali. Just 15 minutes away from the hotel zone by bus, …Day trip to Morón
Cayo Coco is linked to the main island of Cuba via a 27km stone causeway. When you travel along this causeway from Cayo Coco, the first big city …Eagle Ray Scuba Diving Centre
Experience an incredible underwater world off the shores of Guardalavaca with a guided diving trip from the local beach. Visit some of the most …Scuba diving or snorkelling
Cayo Coco is home to one of the largest coral reefs in the world, so you’d be mad not to take the chance to explore it whilst on holiday there.Explore the beaches in the area
Cayo Coco itself boasts a staggering 22km of pure white, sandy beaches. But why stay in just one place when there is so much more incredible …Canary Islands travel money
Travelling abroad can be daunting, particularly if you’ve never done it before. Exchanging your Sterling for the local currency is essential, but learning how and where to use it on your holidays can be just as important! If you aren’t familiar with things like exchange rates or where to get hold of cash while you’re on holiday, here’s everything you need to know about the Canary Islands currency.What is the Official Canary Islands Currency?
As part of an agreement with the EU, the Euro is the only form of Canaries currency that’s accepted as legal tender. You’ll see it represented as either ‘EUR’ or €. Before the Euro, the Canary Islands currency was the Spanish Peseta. This was taken out of circulation on January 1st, 2002. Pesetas are now worthless and cannot be changed up in banks or used in any financial transactions.Using Euro Coins
Much like the British Pound and Pennies, one Euro equals 100 cents. These are available as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50, before you get up to the Canary Island currency equivalent of the one and two-pound coins, the one and two Euro coins. Much like the notes, the Canaries currency carries pictures of Spanish culture, such as famous sculptures, buildings or pieces of art. While the currency the Canary Islands uses might be unfamiliar at first, paying for items with the right change can help you avoid coming home with a load of useless tender. Euro coins are too small in worth for banks to convert them back into Sterling.Cards and Bank Charges
Traveller’s cheques were once an easy way to get Canary Islands currency, but they’re becoming less common. Credit and debit cards are a much better bet. There are plenty of ATMs in the larger towns and cities. Some British banks charge commission on cash withdrawals in other countries, so it’s worth checking with yours what they charge on Canary Island currency, before you go.Best hotels in Cuba
