Cuba

Cuba tailor made holidays

If you are travelling to Cuba please remember to adjust your watch 50 years back. That’s is the initial feel one gets when landing in Havana. Life in Cuba is a lot simpler and people appreciate the simple things a lot more than we do on our side. Cuba is beyond charming, it’s authentic, intriguing, very very safe. If you are looking for an ultra luxury holiday, a 7 or 10 night stay in an All Inclusive beach resort, then perhaps you might be better of in a different Caribbean Island. If you are seeking for a new adventure, discover magic valleys, enjoy dancing under the stars, meeting friendly locals, feeling safe walking day or night in buzzing Havana, then… CUBA IS WAITING FOR YOU! From Havana to Santiago de Cuba, the biggest island in the Caribbean. Travel West and visit the UNESCO preserved Vinales Valley, Las Terrazas Nature Reserve of idyllic Cayo Levisa Island. Head South towards Bay of Pigs, Cienfuegos or the colonial town of Trinidad, also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue South, terminating in Santiago de Cuba passing by Santa Clara, Camaguey and Baracoa. And of course, Varadero is a perfect spot to end your Cuban adventure, relaxing in one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean.

Virgin Atlantic operates direct flights twice a week from London Heathrow to Havana from October 2022. You can also fly from most U.K. regional airports to Havana via Paris, Madrid or Amsterdam with Air France, Iberia, Air Europa or KLM. Return flights start from £595 return.

Best places to visit in Cuba

• Havana, capital of Cuba. Most hotels are located in Old Town. Beautiful architecture, easily walkable and very safe. 30 minutes outside Old Havana, you will find Playas del Este, beautiful beaches.
• Vinales Valley, located three hours away by road from Havana. Stunning scenery, peaceful. Lovely locals. Land of tobacco plantations and cigar factories. Ideal settings for horse riding and bird watching.
• Trinidad and Cienfuegos, located in the South Eastern part of Havana, almost five hours away by road.
• Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Santa Maria and Varadero are some of Cuba’s best beach destinations.

Good to Know

Best time to visit Cuba

Cuba has a hot and sunny tropical climate with an average yearly temperature of 25C.

Cuba’s weather is pleasant all year round – but in our view the best months to go are between March & June and November.  Availability and prices are reasonable during these months (with the exception of Easter week) and the weather is just perfect.

July and August can be very hot months and hotel availability may be complicated.  Christmas and Easter periods are considered peak season.

Hurricane season in Cuba and the rest of the Caribbean runs from June to November, with the fiercest storms typically blowing through in September and October.

Top things to do while visiting Cuba

• Take a private panoramic drive through Havana’s iconic neighbourhoods by open top classic car.
• Take salsa lessons in a Cuban dance academy.
• Go horse riding or bird watching in Vinales.
• Sunbathe in Varadero.
• Go diving in Maria La Gorda or Isle of Youth.
• Go fishing in Cayo Coco.
• Stay in a Luxury Adults Only Resort at the end of your Cuba holiday and relax in style.

Cuban Visas

UK and EU passport holders need to purchase a tourist card, which we can provide for only £20 per Cuban Tourist Card. You also need to ensure your passport is valid at least six months after your date of return. You must not loose this document, you will need it for departure. The Tourist Card allows its holder to stay for up to 90 days from the date of entry into the country and it is valid for one entry into Cuba. Children, regardless of their age, also require a tourist card.

How to get around in Cuba

The easiest way to travel within Cuba is by renting a car and driving yourself. You need to be aware that unfortunately GPS or Sat Nav systems do not work in Cuba as yet. But still, self-drive is a popular option for travellers, especially from the U.K.  Hire cars may be a few years old, and some show some wear and tear, but are maintained and generally reliable.  A good map for navigation is essential, as road signs may be limited.  Many locals speak good English and will be happy to direct you should you struggle to find your destination.

There are other alternatives for those who don’t fancy driving: private transfers, collective transfers and / or travelling using VIAZUL, which is the national regular coach service in Cuba.

Currency in Cuba

Please note American credit cards and travellers cheques cannot be used in Cuba.  The currency used in Cuba is the CUP or Cuban Peso. You can only access CUP in Cuba so we always recommend to our clients to bring a small amount of GBP and exchange them at Havana airport on arrival at an official currency exchange bureau. Bring with you your credit / debit visa or mastercard, always notifying your local bank you will be travelling to Cuba just to make sure your card will work while on holidays in Cuba. You can then withdraw money from ATM machines or exchange GBP to CUP in CADECA or official currency exchange offices throughout the country. It is also possible to exchange currency at most hotels. Please remember CUP currency is only valid in Cuba so make sure you spend all your CUP currency before returning back home. You are strongly advised NOT to exchange money on the black market on the streets.

Safety in Cuba

Cuba is the country with the lowest crime rate in the Western Hemisphere. Generally speaking, Cuba is a very safe destination although in big cities like Havana or Santiago de Cuba, like in any major city, you need to be aware of your belongings.

What’s there for children to do?

Cuba is a perfect destination for families travelling with children. We recommend you choose a hotel in Havana with a swimming pool (Sevilla Hotel and Parque Central are normally the best options for families travelling with children). Varadero, Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria are our top recommendations for families heading to the beach. In these areas, there is a good selection of all inclusive beach resorts with good food, excellent hotel entertainment and great kids clubs.

What health precautions are required?

Vaccinations are not needed for Cuba. Bringing with you antibiotics, paracetamol, plasters and anything you may need for personal hygiene is always a good idea. You can always leave these behind when coming back and this will make a great gift for the local people. One important item you must not forget is good mosquito repellent! In some areas, like in Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo and even in Varadero, you will definitely need it.

What provisions are made for disabled travellers?

All airports and major hotels provide facilities for the disabled. Assistance to disabled travellers on local airlines is available with prior notice and more and more hotels are catering for the disabled.

Hablas español?

The national language in Cuba is Spanish. It is always useful to learn a few basic phrases like “cuanto cuesta” (how much…) or “donde esta…” (where is…) but you will notice that most Cuban people speak a good level of English, especially in the tourist resorts.

Clothes – What to bring

Casual clothes mostly. Some five-star hotels will require smart attire for dinner time.

Plugs & Technology

Cuba has 110 volt electricity usually but some new hotels operate on 220 volts. The most common type of socket is the american two-pin style but best if you bring an international converter plug. Most hotels have generators in the event of a power cut.

Tipping in Cuba

It is always a good thing to tip when you have been provided with a good service. Tipping in Cuba is common. With average wages of approximately 3o convertible pesos per month, tips will be welcomed by Cuban locals.

Are gay travellers welcomed?

Cuba: Love is Love

Homosexuality is not illegal in Cuba.

For decades following the Revolution, gays and lesbians were closeted and persecuted (Read Reinaldo Arenas’ Before Night Falls). The blockbuster movie Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate) certainly brought the issue to the forefront but, at present there are no openly accepted gay or lesbian establishments in Cuba.

Havana has a discreet gay community, who normally congregate  in the Vedado and La Rampa areas in the evening.  Santa Clara is perhaps the most openly gay city in Cuba and there is an annual gay and transvestite carnival in the middle of May. Raúl Castro’s daughter, Mariela Castro, heads the National Center for Sex Education and champions homosexual, bisexual, and transgender rights. In mid-May 2008, the state-television network transmitted Brokeback Mountain on TV, the first time a gay film has been broadcast in Cuba. Cuba also held an anti-homophobia day for the second time in May 2008, promoted by Mariela Castro. The legalization of same-sex marriage has also been talked about.

For Further information, visit our dedicated page: GAY HOLIDAYS TO CUBA.

Are tours & optional excursions available

Yes. Normally these are pre-booked locally from our holiday reps or directly at your hotel bureau.

Internet access

The majority of hotels offer this service at a small additional charge.

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