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Population: 11,451,652 Dialing Code: +53 Languages: Spanish Religions: nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power; Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also represented Internet TLD: .cu Located: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida Area: 110,860 sq km Residents with HIV: 6,200 Literacy: 99.8% Comparative Size: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania Nationality Noun: Cuban(s) Nationality Adjective: Cuban |
A land that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson into the making of Treasure Island, and a favorite haven for Ernst Hemingway, Cuba's palette has a lot to offer to the world.
The largest and most vibrant city in the Caribbean, is Havana (La Habana). The old town has an entry in UNESCO's World Heritage List. The narrow streets, lined with densely packed old houses look charming. Vedado, the city centre has many high-rises and Nacional is a hotel which is frequented by Hollywood stars!
For a feel of Miami, head for Miramar a leafy embassy district. The sea-wall Malecon extending 8 kms, is a meeting point of the locals who gather here after dusk. Some of Havana's best beaches, The Playas del Este is close to the centre. The La Bodeguita del Medio Bar was frequented by writer Ernst Hemmingway. Palacio del Segundo Cabo is the former residence of the Captains General. The place offers excellent rooftop views and the interiors are beautifully refurbished. The rooms of the Museo de Arte Colonial mustn't be missed for its opulently decorated interiors.
Havana's oldest fort The Castillo de la Real shouldn't be missed. Modeled on the Capitol in USA's Washington DC, is Havana's Capitolio, which was the home of the Cuban Government. The interiors are profusely decorated.
Your trip to Cuba should include a visit to Pinar del Rio, the most beautiful province in Cuba. What stands out, are the peculiar shaped mountains-round in shape! Covered with lush vegetation, the mountains offer a breathtaking view of the countryside. The Cueva del Indio caves are amazing with their stalagmites and stalactites formations. The place is also famous for its underground rivers. If visiting Cuba between December and April a visit to Vuelta Abajo, which has many tobacco plantations, is a must, as this is the growing season of tobacco.
Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island grew in the enchanting Parrot Island (Isle of Youth). This island was used as a hideout for pirates, including the notorious Captain Henry Morgan. Varadero resort is one of the best beach resorts in the Caribbean.
An Amero-Indian village is a government showpiece built in Guama. The attractions here are the pieces which are built on a series of wooden bridges connecting the islands. The place is popular for crocodiles and birds. There's a crocodile nursery in the vicinity.
Castillo de Jagua and The Palacio de Valle are castles noted for their Moorish architectural styles. These are today converted into restaurants with roof-top terraces, offering a panoramic view of the bay!
The old colonial town of Trinidad is appealing with its quaint buildings dating to the 17th and 19th centuries, which are in the UNESCO's World Heritage List. The houses painted in pastel shades lined on cobbled streets look very charming. For a ceramics workshop, head to the Alfarero, where even today, traditional techniques are used.
Many churches and museums dot the city of Santiago de Cuba. The silvery sands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo beaches are favorite tourist haunts.
Tourists can engage in scuba diving especially in Varadero. Cayo Largo offers snorkeling, windsurfing and diving facilities.
Cuba's nightlife is enthralling, especially with many clubs in Vedado, with tango houses. The Lluvia de Oro is a bar with live band facilities. In the Miramar district is Amelia staging comedy shows.