The historic city of Havana dates back to 1515, when Spanish explorers began using it as their main port in the Caribbean. Today Havana is a busy metropolis offering visitors a glimpse into its rich past. A few of the old fortresses and castles like Castillo de la Real Fuerza (built in the 1550s) still stand in the original part of the city, known as Old Havana. El Malecon is one of the most popular attractions for locals and tourist alike. The waterfront walkway stretches four miles through Old Havana and many of its historical structures. Havana offers a variety of accommodations, from high-end hotels to small bed and breakfasts.
Varadero is a peninsula 90 miles east of Havana, on the northern coast of Cuba. Once a vacation destination for the world's elite, the region is home to Xanadu Mansion, built in 1926 by billionaire industrialist Irenee du Pont Nemours. Varadero now welcomes visitors of all kinds, and its beaches are considered some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Varadero is also known for its deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. Family attractions include Parque de Diversiones, a small amusement park, and Delfinario, a dolphin show. Varadero's beach resorts are all-inclusive, which is common in Cuba.
This Cuban vacation spot started gaining popularity in the 1990s. Located 340 miles east of Havana, Cayo Coco is part of a group of small islands known as Jardines del Rey or "Gardens of the King". Writer Ernest Hemingway spent time here fishing and writing. The small island or cay is accessible by a single causeway. Locals are not permitted to cross to Cayo Coco unless employed or doing business there; the cay is reserved for tourists only. Miles of coral reef just offshore make Coco Cay home to some of Cuba's best fishing and scuba diving. The exclusivity of Coco Cay means beaches are less crowded here.
Rich in Afro-Cuban and American history, Santiago de Cuba is Cuba's second-largest city. It also played pivotal role in the Spanish-American War in 1898: Before becoming president, Lt. Col. Teddy Roosevelt fought in the Battle of San Juan Hill near Santiago. Many of the old Spanish castles and fortresses used to protect the city from pirates are still maintained and open for tours. In 1959, Fidel Castro gave his Cuban Revolution victory announcement from the balcony of this coastal city's town hall, according to the city's official website. The Cuban Carnival season showcases Santiago de Cuba's thriving Afro-Cuban culture and adds to the city's vibrant atmosphere. Hotels are not plentiful in this region.
