The largest Caribbean island where classic 1950s American cars roll past Spanish colonial buildings. Streets pulse with salsa music and the scent of Cuban coffee.
Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, lies between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Walk through Plaza Vieja in Old Havana where 16th-century baroque buildings line the streets, swim at Varadero's 12-mile white sand beach, or explore the 16-mile Cave of Santo Tomás network. In neighborhoods across the country, you'll find people playing baseball games and dancing to son music in local squares.
Geography and Natural Landscapes
Cuba has 3,570 miles of coastline with sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, and coral reefs. The northwest region contains rolling hills, while the south has flat gravel beds. You can explore the Cave of Santo Tomás, which runs 16 miles through the Sierra Quemado mountains - the largest cave system in the Caribbean. Around the main island, small islands and cays create protected areas for swimming and snorkeling in clear waters.
Cuban Music and Dance Scene
Son music is central to Cuban culture and has shaped many other styles including mambo, cha-cha-chá, and salsa. In Havana, local bands perform nightly at bars, restaurants, and street corners. You can take dance lessons at schools throughout the city, whether you're starting out or advancing your skills. Many residents gather to dance in Plaza Vieja and Plaza de la Catedral, accompanied by live bands.
Baseball Culture
Baseball is the main sport in Cuba, unlike other Caribbean countries where soccer dominates. Watch professional games at Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana or Guillermón Moncada Stadium in Santiago. In neighborhoods across the country, children play street baseball with makeshift bats and balls. The Cuban national team ranks high in international competitions, and many Cuban players have joined Major League Baseball teams.
Wildlife and Ecosystems
The mountain forests, jungles, and grasslands are home to specific species like the two-inch bee hummingbird in the eastern mountains. Look for Cuban trogons and Cuban rock iguanas in the jungle areas, or spot sergeant majors and parrotfish in coastal waters. At Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, you can follow guided trails to observe these animals in their habitats.
Architecture in Old Havana
Old Havana's streets contain buildings from the 16th-century Spanish colonial period. El Morro fortress (built 1589) guards the entrance to Havana Bay. Along Calle Obispo and Calle Mercaderes, baroque and neoclassical buildings painted in yellow, blue, and pink colors create distinctive streetscapes. Local restoration teams work to preserve these centuries-old structures, though many need repairs.
