Search Holidays to Cuba Online

The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Greater Antilles. The island stretches more than 1,200 km from west to east. Its population is 11 million. The official language is Spanish.

Nature and Climate in Cuba

The average air temperature in Cuba is +23°C in winter and +27°C in the summer months. The weather follows two seasons: dry (October to April) and wet (May to September). Humidity is very high in Cuba all year round. It's easy enough to cope with in the hilly parts of the island and along the coast, but it can be harder going in low-lying areas further from the shore. The coastline is covered in mangroves interspersed with sandy beaches. These magnificent white-sand beaches can stretch for many kilometres.

Economy and Tourism in Cuba

Over the past couple of decades, the country's authorities have been carrying out economic reforms, and tourism plays an ever more important role. The capital, Havana, is a picturesque city with striking Spanish architecture. Some 2 million people live in the city, and its streets are full of visitors from abroad. Havana's most famous street is the Malecón seafront. The city's sandy beaches stretch for almost 25 km.

The second most populous city is Santiago de Cuba. Festivals and carnivals are held here all the time. This is where the famous Cuban rum 'Havana Club' is produced. If you're lucky enough to visit a coffee plantation, you'll be treated to a cup of superb Cuban coffee. Don't be fooled by the tiny size of the cup — two small sips of this drink pack quite a punch.

On the Hicacos Peninsula lies the well-known resort of Varadero. It bears little resemblance to typical Cuba — think five-star hotels, discos and bars. There's a superb golf club here and everything you need for excellent diving. Everything here is designed to attract visitors and give them the most comfortable holiday possible.

Visa for Cuba

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality — check the rules for your passport before you book. At the border you'll need to show your passport, a return ticket and a tourist voucher. You'll also need to fill in an immigration card, either on the plane or right after you land. Your entry stamp goes on this card, so keep hold of it for when you leave.

Currency in Cuba

The national currency is the Cuban peso, used by ordinary Cubans. For foreign visitors, the government created the 'peso convertible' — the convertible peso (CUC). The exchange rate is around 125 CUC to €1. It's best to bring euros with you, since they're exchanged without a fee, whereas exchanging dollars incurs a 10% commission. You can withdraw cash on a card too, but the fees are very high, so it's better to bring cash with you.

Staying in Cuba

Cuba has a low crime rate, but there are plenty of touts on the streets pushing their services as guides or offering tours and excursions. The best way to brush off persistent hawkers is with a firm "no comprendo" — "I don't understand." Bring any medicines you might need (aspirin, antispasmodics, activated charcoal and so on), since you won't be able to buy them in local pharmacies.