When you finally tire of the capital city’s vibrant boroughs, rent a car and head to the natural paradises and historical towns dotting the island. You might want to be led by a local driver (prices are very reasonable), as the streets are barely marked and directions are sometimes non-existent. Despite the charm of the vintage cars largely used on the island, you should opt for a modern vehicle, as long road trips can quickly become uncomfortable in those older models. Also, with new direct flights going directly to the airport at Santa Clara, US travelers now have the option of skipping out on Havana and getting straight to some of the smaller cities of Cuba.
Trinidad
is a small town, located on the south coast of Cuba, near the midpoint of the island. It is one of the oldest towns in the country, with a history dating back more than 500 years. The town is very well preserved, with mostly original architecture, tight, winding streets paved with cobblestones, and a picturesque surrounding of hills, valleys, farms and even a nearby beach. Although this is becoming a popular destination for tourists, its colonial flavor and rich artisan production makes it worth a visit. Have a drink at Playa Ancon beach at sunset , avoiding the morning crowd of tourists, and end your day with some amazing live music at Casa de la Musica.
Cienfuegos’
urban historic centre is framed with bountiful amounts of gorgeous French architecture and there’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the country. It is highly recommended to spend a relaxing afternoon exploring this exquisite UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting the town’s historical attractions, head to Punta Gorda, the upper-class neighbourhood of Cienfuegos. It’s about 3 km away, but easy to reach on foot by following the Malecón sea wall. If you are not up for walking, simply jump into[ a cab or hail the iconic bici taxi (a bike taxi). Enjoy the gorgeous spot from the terrace of Palacio de Valle.
From Cienfuegos, in about 1 hour and a half trip, you can reach the legendary Bahia de Cochinos (The Bay of Pigs). While the region may be recognized for its historical importance, the acclaimed white sand beaches of Playa Girón and Playa Larga are reason enough to visit the area, known for its stunning biodiversity.
Also, halfway between the Playa Larga and Playa Girón lies Cueva de los Peces, a cenote whose pools are connected to the sea by submerged tunnels: a challenging cave system that beckons adventurous divers.
Viñales
is located in the Pinar del Rio province, which is to tobacco what Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Napa Valley are to wine. If you’re a cigar aficionado, this should be on your list. Beyond tobacco, the region is also home to some of Cuba’s most stunning sceneries with limestone mogotes piercing the sky. Viñales, a compelling combination of traditional Cuban culture and picturesque agricultural landscapes, qualified as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999. From there, it’s not hard to get off the beaten path to the small towns along the Northern coast, the city of Pinar del Rio and the mountain resorts of Soroa and Las Terrazas. For further info about Viñales, explore this collection on Tiplr.
