Experiencing the Vibrant Rhythms of Cuba: From Havana to Varadero
Seeking a holiday infused with history, music and tropical beaches, Cuba beckoned. We flew from Dublin via Paris to Havana with Air France. As we set foot in Havana, we were instantly enveloped in the city's vibrant energy and old-world charm. From the iconic vintage cars that line the streets to the colourful colonial architecture that adorns every corner, Havana is a living testament to the island's storied past and enduring spirit.
We stayed at the historic Hotel Nacional de Cuba, overlooking the Malecon (the sea wall and esplanade that stretches for 8km / 5 miles). We had a fabulous sea view from our room and loved the old world charm. This property opened in 1930 and is a national monument. It has witnessed many historical events and has had many important guests, including artists, actors, athletes and writers. Over the years, they have preserved as treasures a number of these rooms, for example 'Mafia' room 211, Nat King Cole room 218, 'Ava Gardner y Frank Sinatra' room 225, Jean Paul Sartre room 539 and Tennessee Williams room 570. We enjoyed a history tour of the hotel, guided by a lady who has worked there for over 30 years. She spent 2 months in the bunkers of the hotel as a child during the missile crisis. We were absolutely captivated.
We wandered through the cobblestone streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where every building intrigued us. No neon signs. No Starbucks or McDonalds. It was a breath of fresh air. These beautiful buildings were pharmacies, bakeries, museums, shops & bars. We explored the markets, where we bought paintings and leather belts and bags. After an afternoon of strolling, we found a little restaurant with air conditioning and enjoyed ice cream with waiter service and white linen tablecloths. We visited the rum museum and the museum of the revolution. There are plenty of other museums to visit and beautiful buildings to admire, like El Capitolio. We loved the parks where people played dominoes and chatted.
No visit to Havana would be complete without indulging in the city's most famous export—cigars. Take a tour of a cigar factory, where skilled torcedores craft these prized treasures by hand.
Immerse yourself in Cuban music and dance. In Cuba, music is more than just a sound—it's a way of life. From the pulsating rhythms of salsa and son to the soulful melodies of bolero and mambo, the island's musical heritage is as diverse as it is captivating. We had dinner and some mojitos and daiquiris at La Floridita. We ordered a baked Alaska for dessert, which was very impressive with the flames nearly reaching the ceiling. La Bodiguita del Medio is another famous bar to try. We spent our evenings listening to live bands and dancing in Havana's iconic nightclubs. Why not prebook a dance class or a cabaret show at the Tropicana! Enjoy a tribute concert to the Buena Vista Social Club at Legendarios del Guajirito.
At 9pm each evening, cannons are fired at the San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress. This ritual dates back to 1774, when the city had to defend itself from regular pirate attacks. A cannon was fired to inform Havana's residents of the nightly closure of the gates in the city wall. While pirate attacks are no longer a daily threat to the Cuban capital, the cannon blasting ceremony has remained a tradition, with guards dressing in historic uniforms as if it were the 18th century!
After 3 days, it was time for some Rest and Relaxation. We were transferred to Varadero (approx 2 1/2 hours). Situated on the Hicacos Peninsula, it is renowned for its powdery white sands and turquoise water, making it the perfect destination for sun-seekers. Varadero offers plenty of water-sports from snorkelling, scuba diving and deep sea fishing to windsurfing, parasailing and banana boats! We had great fun. The resorts in Varadero are on an all-inclusive basis, so bear this in mind when budgeting for your holiday cost and your spending money. Cuba is great value. We spent 7 nights in Varadero. I found this too long for me personally, but I do get bored quite easily.
As I do so often, I took time out from my holiday whilst in Havana and also in Varadero to visit many of the hotels in the area. I love to be able to experience places and properties first hand to give the best advice to my clients.
We did not visit Trinidad or the Vinales Valley. Both are very popular. If you are looking for something a little different, let me know and I can put together your perfect tailor-made itinerary.
Embracing the Spirit of Cuba - Pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and embark on an adventure that promises to ignite the senses and capture the heart.
