15 of the most romantic getaways in Cuba
21.07.2023 - 07:58
/ roughguides.com
/ Ernest Hemingway
/ Fidel Castro
/ Che Guevara
Cuba and romance go hand-in-hand. The isolated island's whitewashed beaches and balmy climate make for a romantic getaway in the traditional sense of the word — sun, sea, cervezas and all the rest of it — but there are more layers to Cuba's romantic offering.
Revolutionary sights dotted across the island remind of the romantic ideals of Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and their rebel army. Crumbling colonial buildings hark back to an era of aristocratic opulence. The sight of an old man in a fishing boat might conjure images of Ernest Hemingway's decades spent on the island.
From scenic horse rides to an enormous conga line, here are some of the most romantic places to include in your Cuba holiday.
The romance of Villa Clara's northern cays starts with the drive: a 48km cruise along a causeway flanked by turquoise waters. The beaches here are of the white-sand #nofilter kind; in fact the late Fidel Castro himself is rumoured to have described them as being superior toVaradero's. Head to Cayo Las Brujas for a less expensive, non-package experience, or splash out at one of the glitzy hotels at Cayo Santa María.
Find your perfect beach option in our guide to the best beaches of Cuba.
© ClaudiaMMImages/Shutterstock
Trinidad is one of Cuba's most complete colonial towns, with its pastel-coloured buildings and cobbled pedestrianized centre. But, unsurprisingly, Cuba's most photogenic streets lure in a healthy tourist crowd, and after a day or two you may want some respite. There are a few options for scenic horseriding trips out of Trinidad, including clip-clops into the foothills of the Sierra del Escambray or guided excursions to the hamlet of La Pastora.
Trinity Church in Plaza Mayor, Trinidad, Cuba © Maurizio De Mattei/Shutterstock
The Malecón is the place to get romantic like the locals. Havana's sociable seafront promenade follows the sea wall for four kilometres, and attracts as many smooching teenagers as it does guitar-strumming musicians and fast food vendors. In the evenings this is the place to crack open a can of Bucanero beer with a loved one, although be prepared for your romantic moment to be interrupted by a friendly local innocently looking to strike up a conversation.
© Shutterstock
Santiago de Cuba has loads of brilliant live trova music venues, but if you're only going to visit one the Casa de la Trova is a solid bet. Musicians play soulful and melodic trova songs here day and night; originally the genre developed from solo travelling musicians who would disperse news through their songs, but these days you're more likely to hear two voices in perfect harmony. If you want a slightly less touristy experience, just follow your ears as you wander Santiago's insomniac streets.
© Jose de Jesus Churion