Cuba

The Caribbean’s largest island lies just 90 miles south of Key West, but until recently remained a world away due to a far broader gap in political ideologies.

A horse-drawn carriage moves slowly down a cobblestone street in Trinidad, Cuba, surrounded by colonial buildings. Photo: Giovel Miguel/Shutterstock

Overview

Vintage American automobiles, redolent cigars, frosty mojitos, rumba rhythms and a revolutionary spirit. These enduring images of Cuba ring true but fall short of capturing the totality of a destination known as the Pearl of the Antilles. It is a land of history and heritage, where Papa Hemingway once strolled the narrow streets and frequented the bodegas of Habana Vieja. The Spanish Colonial villas of Trinidad and the cathedrals of Baracoa bear witness to times gone by.

And not all of Cuba’s charms are historic in nature. White sands, clear waters and oceanfront resorts of Varadero beckon beach lovers. The forested highlands of Pico Turquino National Park lure birdwatchers, hikers and eco-adventurers. Pristine coral reefs in the Gardens of the Queen delight scuba divers, and the lush soils and bucolic atmosphere of the Valle de Vinales nurture farm-to-table dining experiences and welcoming homestays.