The capital
Havana is where almost every trip begins: the restored squares of Old Havana, the Malecón sea wall, the grand avenues of Vedado, art, rum and music every night of the week.
The west
Viñales sits in a green valley of limestone mogotes and red soil tobacco fields, about three hours west of Havana. It is the place for horse rides, farm visits, caves and slow country evenings.
The colonial centre
Cienfuegos is an elegant bay city founded by French settlers, with a grand central park and a waterfront promenade. An hour further on, Trinidad is one of the best preserved colonial towns in the Americas, with cobbled streets, live music on the steps and the Valley of the Sugar Mills on its doorstep.
The beach
Varadero is a long peninsula of white sand and all inclusive hotels, about two hours east of Havana. It is the easiest beach break in the country.
The east
Santiago de Cuba is the country's second city and the heart of Afro Cuban music, carnival and revolutionary history, set between the mountains and the sea.
Putting it together
A classic two week route runs Havana, Viñales, back through Havana to Cienfuegos and Trinidad, then a few beach days. With less time, pick Havana plus one other region. Our places to visit list helps you pick spots in each area, and the free trip planner helps you shape the days.