Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Cuba

Cuba is a land with a fascinating history. This Caribbean island was once the busy intersection stop for travelers, treasure bearers and pirates. Many people seeking the fortunes of the newly found America made their home here and gave birth to an amazing and diverse country. Filled with outstanding decaying colonial architectures, statues and parks, museums and galleries and a vibrant culture, the island of Cuba is unique. Here are the top ten tourist attractions in Cuba.

10. Las Terrazas

Las Terrazas in the Artemisa Province of Cuba is a peaceful town surrounded by mountains and green forests. Set in the backdrop of the Sierra del Rosario Mountains, it offers the perfect rural adventure. A few simple but elegant resorts, hotels and restaurants make sure to provide delightful accommodation to the tourists. It was assigned as a part of the Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1984 and has a rich wildlife and a number of mind blowing waterfalls and lakes. So, Las Terrazas is the takes the number ten position of our list of tourist attractions in Cuba.

09. Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos also known as the pearl of the south is an amazing city on the southern coast of Cuba. It is known for several attractive architecture and a few battles that took place in the past.  The city was developed by the French immigrants after 1829 and contains some stunning French style buildings, monuments and gardens and speaks of an amazing mix of early Spanish and French culture.

08. Cayo Coco Beach

Located in the north area of Ciego de Ávila the beaches of the Cayo Coco Island is among the most scenic tourist attractions in of Cuba. It is known for the popular Caribbean style “all-inclusive resorts”. The cause way that connects the island with the mainland is an amazing architectural and engineering feat. It is an amazing place for a warm sun bathing in light breeze and surely a great place to unwind yourself.

07. Baracoa

The city named Baracoa lies in the eastern most part of Cuba in the province of Guantánamo. It is the oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba and the root of its modern civilization. It is here that Christopher Columbus first landed on October 12 of 1492. Aside from being a historical place, the town of Baracoa is still home to some ancient indigenous people of Cuba called Taíno. Located in a scenic backdrop of the mountains and the Bay of Honey, this is one of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Cuba and a good place for some history lessons.

06. Valley of the Sugar Mills

Located in the central Cuban city of Trinidad, Valley de los Ingenios or the valley of the sugar mills is a fine reminder of Cuban prosperity during 18th and 19th century. Comprised of three separate valleys full of sugarcane plants known as San Luis, Santa Rosa and Meyer, it has a total area of 225 square kilometers. During the industries boom period more than 50 sugar mills were operational here, most of which exist only in ruins today. With watch towers here and there built to watch over the 11,000 slaves that worked in the plantations, this place speaks of a dark time but is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cuba.

05. Morro Castle Fortress

Morro Castle Fortress guarding the city of Havana right at the entrance of Havana bay is one of the most beautiful constructions in the Caribbeans. Named after the “Three wise men” of Christian legacy, the castle is of fine Italian design. It was founded by the Spanish colonial rulers in 1589 with a heavily fortified exterior. It is a great witness of the “battle of Havana” that took place in 1762 during the seven years war. The fort makes for an amazing view from the sea and often acts as a navigational post.

04. The Vinales Valley

One of the finest source for the world famous Cuban Tobaco, The Vinales Valley in the Pinar del Río Province is a charming place surrounded by the Guaniguanico mountains.  Home to an agriculture dependent society with primitive tools and houses, this place is rich with unique cultural heritage. Peculiarly shaped cliffs and rock formations called “Mogotes” are special attractions here. With a delightful town nearby and attractive rock climbing and hiking opportunities,the Vinales Valley is a good escape from the fast paced city life. Thus, this is one of the top tourist attractions in Cuba.

03. Varadero Beach

Located in the province of Matanzas is the largest resort town in Cuba, Varadero and some amazing sunshine beaches. All of these beaches lie in the coastlines between Bay of Cárdenas and the Straits of Florida and a part of the 1 kilometer wide Hicacos Peninsula. With some top notch hotels and restaurants in the area, these sandy beaches offer a very entertaining summer full of sunbathing, drinking tequila and dancing. If exotic, sunny and loud entertainment is what you seek then these beaches awaits your visit.

02. The Che Guevara Mausoleum

The Che Guevara Mausoleum is a memorial dedicated to one of the greatest revolutionaries of the world Ernesto “Che” Guevara. Inside the memorial are the remains of the great Cuban leader and 21 of his companions. He protested against the imperialistic dominance against the third world countries and for that he was executed and his companions were killed. His remains were returned to Cuba from Bolivia in 1997 and was buried with highest military honors in this site. The site also contains an eternal flame burning in Che’s memory and is currently one of the most visited tourist attractions in Cuba.

01. Old Havana

Old Havana is the downtown and the city center of the Cuban capital Havana and the most major among its 15 districts. Known in Spanish as Havana Vieja, the city was founded during the Spanish ruling and contains many old Spanish style buildings. This historic city center was known for its renowned sea port where ships full of great treasures used to make a stop on their way to the new world of America from the old World of Europe. This ancient historical city with an amazing plaza, and many statues, monuments and palaces has long been quite a unique experience for the travelers. It is a city like no other and most deserving of the top spot on our list of top tourist attractions in Cuba.