Varadero
The peninsula in the northwestern part of Cuba is the most popular seaside resort of the island and quite touristy. However, Varadero is the perfect place to get into the holiday mood.
Here you can relax on snow-white beaches, get a tan and cool down in the turquoise blue sea. Enjoy the Caribbean flair and sip the infamous Cuba Libre.
You’ll definitely also want to rent snorkel or diving equipment to explore the gorgeous, exotic underwater world.
Varadero is known as the centre of Cuban music because various music festivals are held here throughout the year. We also recommend an excursion to the Baconao Park, where you can swim in lagoons, visit coffee plantations or go climbing.
You can get a double room for 44 euros per night at Casa Papo’s House, which is only 150 metres from the beach.
Santa Clara
For about 15 euros, we reach Santa Clara by bus.
It is the city at the western foot of the Escambray Mountains where the Cuban rebel army won against the Batista dictatorship in 1958. Santa Clara thus became the symbol of the Cuban revolution.
The main attraction of the city is the Monumento Ernesto Che Guevara on the Plaza de la Revolución. The huge memorial in honour of the famous revolutionary leader Ernesto 'Che' Guevara consists of a monument, a museum about the life of Guevara and a mausoleum in which he is buried together with other fallen revolutionaries.
In Santa Clara, you will find beautiful religious buildings among many other monuments dedicated to the remembrance of the Cuban Revolution. The historic Catedral Santa Clara de Asís is particularly impressive.
Stroll through the pedestrian area around Parque Vidal with its cosy restaurants and bars or visit the urban cultural center La Casa de la Ciudad, where art exhibitions and concerts are held on a daily basis.
At the Ana y Clara Guesthouse, you pay 17 euros for an overnight stay in a room for three.
Trinidad
Next stop is Trinidad in southern Cuba. For about 15 euros, a bus will take you to the city that was built on the back of sugar production.
Trinidad is idyllically situated between the Escambray Mountains and the Caribbean Sea and is one of the hottest cities in Cuba. Here, it seems as if time stands still.
The beautiful city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enchants visitors with its colonial charm. From the tower of the Museo Historio Municipal you have a magnificent view over the colourful houses, winding cobblestone alleys and well-kept gardens.
The Plaza Mayor and the Casa de la Musica, where locals and tourists dance to Cuban melodies under the open sky at night, are also worth visiting. Explore the old sugar cane plantations around Trinidad, drive to the popular Playa Ancón Beach or go for a hike in the Sierra del Escambray.
An overnight stay in Trinidad is about 18 euros (triple room) at Hostal Calleyro.
Viñales
You can take a taxi to Viñales for about 30 euros.
The village is located in the legendary Valle de Viñales, which is also called Valley of Silence.
The karst mountains with their lush vegetation rise almost vertically from the ground and make this green paradise one of the most beautiful postcard motives in the country. In this fertile, tobacco-growing area you will get to know the rural life of Cuba.
Explore the valley on foot, rent a bicycle or go on a horseback tour and enjoy the sights at tobacco farms, coffee plantations and various lakes and viewpoints.
The best view over the valley is from the small restaurant Balcón del Valle. Viñales is also an ideal starting point for day trips to the North Coast. There, you will find some of the most beautiful beaches of the island, such as Cayo Jutias.
A night in a double room costs 20 euros in the Villa Maceo y Gladis.
Havana
The last stop on the journey is Havana. The bus ride to the Cuban capital is about 10 euros.
The country's cultural and political centre literally bursts with character and enchants travellers with its rugged charm. The lively old town with its colourful houses with stucco facades, flower-decorated balconies and ancient alleys is also called 'La Habana'.
You should keep your eyes open as there is great street art to discover at every corner. Locals and tourists meet on the 'Malecon’ seaside promenade to sit on the plain concrete wall, enjoy the sun, follow the colourful hustle and bustle and relish the breathtaking sunsets.
Although it is an absolute cliché, you really shouldn't miss out on a ride through the city in a colourful old-timer. Culture lovers should also visit the rum museum and the La Corona Cigar Factory.
In the centrally located Casa Novo Guest House, you pay 25 euros for one night in a double room.
A bus will take you from Havana to Varadero Airport for about 10 euros. From there you will return to your home country – with lots of Cuban joie de vivre and calmness as well as unforgettable memories in your luggage.
