Travel and holidays in Cuba

Why to visit Cuba: Top 8 reasons

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Cuba is a country that seems to be frozen in time, preserving its special flavour, unique architecture and spirit of freedom. It attracts travellers from all over the world with its endless beaches, retro atmosphere, rich history and the hospitality of the locals. In 2025, interest in Cuba will reach a new level: improved tourist infrastructure, new resort complexes and the island’s enduring charm make it one of the best holiday destinations.

No visa difficulties for Russians, a variety of excursions and sights, the famous all-inclusive system and the opportunity to completely disconnect from the digital world. These are some of the reasons why it is worth travelling to Cuba. Still undecided about travelling to Cuba. Here are the top 8 compelling reasons to travel. They will help you make the right decision.

Why visit Cuba

Cuba is more than just a resort. Here you can enjoy nature, culture, history and an atmosphere that cannot be forgotten.

Top 8 reasons why you should visit this resort:

  1. Unique atmosphere.
  2. Luxurious beaches.
  3. Colonial architecture.
  4. Inimitable Cuban cuisine.
  5. The rhythms of salsa and Cuban jazz.
  6. Historical Legacy.
  7. Diving and ecotourism.
  8. Authenticity and the atmosphere of the past.

Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why this resort is noteworthy.

Cuba’s beaches: a turquoise dream in every shot

Caribbean beaches are a paradise for lovers of seaside holidays. Transparent turquoise water, snow-white sand, palm trees sloping to the water and warm climate create ideal conditions for beach relaxation.

Cuba is consistently ranked among the world’s top beach destinations, offering a unique combination of pristine nature and developed resort infrastructure. Let’s take a look at the popular beaches:

  1. Varadero is the country’s flagship beach resort. 22 kilometres of sandy coastline washed by the warm waters of the Atlantic. It is home to Cuba’s best all-inclusive hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and world-class golf clubs.
  2. Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are islands where the beaches remain virtually untouched by man. The azure sea, white sand dunes and wild flamingos create a truly fabulous picture.
  3. Playa Paraiso and Playa Sirena (Cayo Largo) are Cuba’s most secluded coasts, reminiscent of the landscapes of the Maldives. The clear water, lack of big waves and low crowds make them ideal for romantic holidays.
  4. Playa Esmeralda and Guardalavaca are the jewels of Cuba’s east coast, surrounded by rainforests and coral reefs. These beaches are popular for snorkelling and diving.
  5. Playa Santa Maria is the closest beach to Havana with clean fine sand and calm sea. An excellent option for those who want to alternate excursions around the capital with a holiday by the ocean.

In 2025, new resort areas with even more developed infrastructure will open in Cuba. There are plans to expand the beach complexes on the islands of Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Cruz, which will provide tourists with even more comfort and holiday opportunities. Holidays in Cuba are becoming even more affordable, diverse and comfortable.

Cuba without a visa: easy travelling

Travelling to Cuba does not require complicated bureaucratic procedures. Russian citizens do not need a visa, it is enough to present a foreign passport and fill in a migration card upon arrival.

What you need to know about entry:

  • The visa-free regime allows you to stay in Cuba for up to 90 days;
  • no complicated documents, certificates and prior authorisations are required;
  • Unlike some Caribbean countries, the resort offers tourists maximum freedom of movement.

Cuba is a place where you can go spontaneously, without much preparation, just by buying a plane ticket. That is why a trip to Cuba is an easy, affordable and comfortable holiday option.

Cuba is an all-inclusive destination

Hotels in Cuba offer a unique all-inclusive system that includes everything from food and drink to cultural entertainment.

What’s different about Cuba’s all-inclusives?

The best resorts in Cuba provide guests with not only the standard service, but also such privileges as:

  1. Real Cuban rum in unlimited quantities.
  2. Author cocktails including the famous mojitos and daiquiris.
  3. Fresh seafood, lobster and exotic fruits at hotel restaurants.
  4. Cuban cigars as a bonus for guests of premium hotels.

Some of the best hotels in 2025 include: Melia Cohiba, Paradisus Princesa Del Mar, Iberostar Laguna Azul. They offer guests first-class service, beach parties and themed events.

Cuba’s sights: history at every turn

Cuba is not just about the beaches, but also about the history you can see for yourself. Colonial architecture, revolutionary monuments, ancient fortresses and museums create a special atmosphere.

Where to get a sense of Cuba’s history:

  1. Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is the historic centre of the capital and a UNESCO heritage site. Narrow streets, lush baroque cathedrals, colonial palaces and the atmosphere of the past create a unique flavour.
  2. Fort El Morro is a majestic 16th century fortress guarding the entrance to Havana harbour. Its walls offer panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
  3. The city of Trinidad is one of the best preserved colonial cities in Latin America, where you can see old mansions, cobblestone streets and the famous Plaza Mayor.
  4. The Revolution Museum in Havana is a former presidential palace turned museum that tells the story of Cuba’s struggle for independence and revolutionary events.

Cuba will have new tourist destinations in 2025. They cover lesser-known but fascinating historical locations.

Culinary traditions of Cuba

Cuban cuisine is an explosion of flavours and aromas, a fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean traditions. Here every meal becomes a real gastronomic adventure.

What’s a must-try:

  1. Ropa vieja is a flavourful stew with vegetables and spices, served with rice and bananas.
  2. Tamales are corn cakes wrapped in leaves and steamed.
  3. Arroz congrí is a traditional Cuban side dish of black rice with beans and aromatic spices.
  4. Lechón asado – roast suckling pig with a side dish of yucca and cassava.

The best restaurants are considered to be: La Guarida in Havana, Casa de la Trova in Santiago de Cuba. As well as numerous family-run “paladares” in Trinidad and Varadero, which serve authentic Cuban cuisine.

Reasons to go to Cuba

Cuba has limited internet access, making a holiday here a true digital detox.

What to do instead of social media:

  • to learn to salsa dance in the street squares;
  • stroll through small cosy towns with colonial architecture;
  • attend rum tastings and cigar masterclasses.

Cuba 2025 remains a place where people live in the moment and enjoy life without constant distractions.

Conclusion

Why visit Cuba? Because it’s not just a holiday, but a complete immersion into another world. A world where bright colours, incendiary music and inexpressible atmosphere create a unique experience. Cuba 2025 awaits new travellers, offering the best resorts, beaches, gastronomy and cultural experiences. Go where life is vibrant, history comes alive and holidays are an adventure.

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Cuba in 2025 reaffirms its status as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Caribbean region. The island’s resorts offer a huge range of options for holidaymakers, among which comfortable mid-range hotels are particularly popular. The best 5-star hotels in Cuba set the standard for luxury, but hotels in the 4-star category offer an optimal balance of price and quality. The selection will help tourists to choose the right place, where the holiday combines high service and excellent infrastructure.

Sol Caribe Beach: focus on family holidays

Sol Caribe Beach deservedly takes a place in the list of the best hotels in Cuba due to its service, despite its 4 stars. The resort complex is located in Varadero and is oriented on family leisure. The territory of the hotel includes spacious pools, children’s clubs and animation. All-inclusive breakfasts and lunches offer a rich selection of local and international cuisine. Rooms are air-conditioned and have balconies overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Infrastructure and features:

  1. Private beach with white sand.
  2. Equipped fitness centre.

  3. Tennis courts and SPA area.

  4. Possibility of booking excursions in Varadero.

Accommodation prices start from 120 USD per night for double occupancy. Reviews of hotels in Cuba among the 4-star categories emphasise the special atmosphere of comfort and safety in Sol Caribe Beach.

Hotel Puntarena Playa Caleta: availability at one of Cuba’s best 4 star hotels

The hotel is also located in Varadero and is considered one of the leaders for tourists choosing the best 4 star hotels in Cuba in terms of service. The complex consists of two buildings with renovated interiors. Freshwater pools, bars at the water’s edge and an extensive entertainment programme create ideal conditions for an active holiday. Travellers note the convenient location of the hotel near the main attractions and a clean beach with a gentle entrance to the sea. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of accommodation. Prices start from 110 USD per night.

Mystique Casa Perla by Royalton: exclusive in Havana

Mystique Casa Perla by Royalton opens the list of those places that combine style, luxury and comfort. Havana attracts tourists with its cultural monuments and this hotel with its elegance. The boutique hotel is designed for a discerning public that appreciates privacy and a high level of service. The hotel offers access to a panoramic rooftop pool, and every morning guests can enjoy a gourmet breakfast with Cuban coffee and fresh fruit. Reviews note the unique design and impeccable service. Average accommodation costs from 150 USD per night.

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort: the perfect beach resort

Aston Costa Verde Beach Resort is located in the province of Holguin and is characterised by rich vegetation and spacious beaches. The hotel offers an all-inclusive concept, which includes not only meals but also a variety of water activities from snorkelling to kayaking. The rooms are furnished in Caribbean style and each room has a balcony or terrace. Tourists choose this resort for its clean water, well-maintained grounds and top-notch service, making it one of Cuba’s best 4-star hotels in 2025.

Memories Cayo Largo: tranquillity and unspoilt nature

Memories Cayo Largo offers the perfect combination of privacy and pristine nature. The hotel is located on the small island of Cayo Largo, which is famous for its endless beaches and turquoise waters. The hotel complex is geared towards adult travellers and is appreciated for its laid-back and relaxed atmosphere.

Key features include spacious bungalows with beach access, seafood restaurants and several pools with lounge areas. The all-inclusive dining system offers a varied menu featuring traditional Cuban cuisine. Room rates start at 140 USD per night, making this resort an attractive option among Cuba’s best 4-star hotels in terms of service.

Elegancia Suites Habana: style and comfort in the heart of Havana

Elegancia Suites Habana is located in the historic centre of the Cuban capital and is ideal for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of old Havana. The boutique hotel combines colonial architecture with modern amenities, providing guests with the ultimate in comfort. Rooms are decorated with antique furniture and furnished with grace. Breakfasts include fresh pastries and tropical fruits. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and can book personalised city tours.

La Rosa de Ortega: a quiet corner among the best 4 star hotels in Cuba

La Rosa de Ortega has a cosy atmosphere and is located in a residential area of Havana. The hotel attracts those looking for peace and tranquillity away from the tourist noise. The grounds are decorated with tropical gardens and a small swimming pool. Rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, which is convenient for longer stays. Tourists appreciate the family atmosphere and high level of service. Reservations are made in advance, as La Rosa de Ortega fills up quickly due to positive reviews and democratic prices – from 90 USD per night.

La Siguaraya: modern comfort and high service

La Siguaraya is on the list of hotels that combine affordability and modern facilities. The property is located in Vedado and offers stylish apartments with city views. Travellers choose La Siguaraya for its spacious rooms, friendly staff and convenient location close to Havana’s attractions. The hotel provides a breakfast with a wide range of meals, airport transfers and a tour desk. Accommodation costs from 100 USD per night.

El Encanto de Perseverancia: the atmosphere of colonial Havana

El Encanto de Perseverancia captivates tourists with its architecture and colonial spirit. The hotel is well integrated into the historic building and offers guests the opportunity to feel the atmosphere of old Havana. The hotel has a terrace with a panoramic view of the city and cosy rooms with elements of ancient decor. Tourists often note the high level of service and cleanliness. Prices for accommodation – from 95 USD per night.

La Reserva Vedado: stylish holidays with a European accent

La Reserva Vedado completes the selection of the best 4 star boutique hotels in Cuba and is characterised by a high level of comfort. The complex offers refined interiors, a restaurant with author’s cuisine and a bar with an extensive list of Cuban cocktails. There is a garden with a lounge area. Guests have access to a swimming pool and a fitness room. Bookings are recommended months in advance due to high demand. Rates start from USD 150 per night.

Key parameters for selecting a hotel

There are a number of factors to consider for ease of selecting the best 4 star hotels in Cuba. Tourists pay attention to the following aspects:

  1. Location: proximity to the beach or city centre, availability of transport interchanges.

  2. Catering: all-inclusive format, variety of menus, availability of restaurants with national cuisine.

  3. Infrastructure: swimming pools, gyms, SPA-complexes, children’s areas.

  4. Services: transfer, tour desk, transport hire.

  5. Reviews: real experiences of tourists, cleanliness and service evaluations.

  6. Prices: cost range from budget to premium offerings.

Conclusion

A selection of the best 4-star hotels in Cuba demonstrates that holidays on the island can be not only affordable, but also as comfortable as possible. In 2025, tourists are offered a rich choice of resorts and hotels that combine traditional Cuban hospitality with a high level of service. Havana, Varadero, Cayo Largo and other destinations open the doors to unforgettable holidays, where everyone will find their ideal holiday format.

Havana maintains a unique balance between old architecture, colonial charm and the vibrant atmosphere of a Caribbean resort. Cuba’s capital offers not just a holiday, but a journey through time. Each neighbourhood reveals a different facet of the country’s history, culture and gastronomy. To see the city without rushing and truly feel its spirit, you should determine in advance which interesting places in Havana are worth including in your itinerary.

Old Havana: the heart of historical heritage

The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique blend of Spanish colonial style and Cuban identity. The narrow streets, colourful facades and squares offer tourists a gallery of living history.

De Armas Square

De Armas Square is a collection of architectural monuments from the 16th to 18th centuries. Baroque buildings are juxtaposed with museums and bookshops, creating an old-world atmosphere. Tourism in Havana almost always includes a visit to this corner – most sightseeing tours start here.

Cathedral Square

The Cathedral Square surrounds the main church of the city – St Christopher’s Cathedral. The building impresses not only with its architectural details, but also with its spiritual atmosphere. It is here that Cuban culture manifests itself in its entirety: music, painting, and theatre often accompany local festivals.

Piazza Vieja

Vieja Square has a lively atmosphere. It is home to cafés, art galleries and souvenir shops. Restored houses from different eras turn the square into an open-air museum. What to see in Havana if you want to feel the vibrant pulse of the city, Vieja Square is the place to be.

Malecon promenade: a symbol of romance

The Malecon promenade stretches along the coast for almost 8 kilometres. This is where locals gather in the evenings to watch the sunset, listen to music and enjoy the freshness of the ocean breeze. Havana’s places of interest include the Malecon as a must-see. Along the promenade are early 20th century Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings. Many of them have been damaged by time, but this is what creates a unique flavour. Tourists often stop at the quay for photos and to socialise with local fishermen.

Havana’s Capitol: one of the most interesting places to visit

The Capitol impresses with its size and architectural opulence. This building, reminiscent of its American counterpart in Washington, D.C., has long served as the seat of parliament. Now it houses the Academy of Sciences and the State Library. A visit to the Capitol is one answer to the question of what to see in Havana. The interiors are decorated with marble and stained glass, and at the main entrance stands the Statue of the Republic, the largest sculpture under a roof in the world.

Hemingway’s footprints: museum and legends

Literature lovers must include the Hemingway Museum, located in the writer’s former residence, Finca Vihija. Here you can see the furnishings from the times of the life of the author of “The Old Man and the Sea”, from his personal library to hunting trophies. Havana’s interesting places are so firmly linked to Hemingway’s name that many bars, such as Floridita and Bodeguita del Medio, boast plaques with quotes from the writer. Tours in his footsteps allow you to see the city through the eyes of the Nobel laureate.

Culture and traditions of the most interesting places in Havana

The region lives and breathes culture. The city turns every street into a stage, every courtyard into a small theatre. Interesting places in Havana always include not only sights, but also moments of everyday life, where the real Cuba is unvarnished.

The August Carnival on the Malecon promenade gathers hundreds of participants in colourful costumes. Festival columns with musicians, dancers and decorations in the style of Afro-Cuban folklore move along the ocean, turning the coast into a living river of energy. The sounds of conga, rumba and salsa fill the space. The music created before your eyes embraces passers-by, engaging them in an improvised dance. The carnival lasts for days and nights, forming one of the most colourful pages in Cuba’s events calendar.

Street musicians are a separate layer of Havana’s cultural life. Small ensembles play son, bolero, guajira and salsa at every turn: at cafes, at the columns of ancient buildings, on park benches. Every chord sounds sincere, turning an ordinary walk into a real journey into the musical soul of the country.

Folk artisans fill the streets of Old Havana with handmade products. Wooden sculptures, painted ceramic tiles, textiles with traditional patterns and tobacco products become living witnesses of centuries-old traditions. Havana tourism, steeped in street culture, allows you to not only see but also touch the very real spirit of the island.

Pedestrians easily become part of this lively spectacle. Even an ordinary seat on a bench can turn into a spontaneous participation in a salsa lesson or an invitation to a party in a neighbouring courtyard. This direct openness is what makes Havana’s street life unique.

Cuban realities: what a tourist needs to know

Travelling to Havana requires an understanding of the peculiarities of the local reality. Cuba remains a country with unique rules and traditions that shape the daily life and behaviour of visitors. There is a dual currency system in place. The local currency CUP is used for settlements between residents, while the MLC currency is used for payments in shops for tourists. When planning your budget, it is worth taking into account the need to convert currency at special exchange offices or banks.

When travelling around the city, it is important to have your passport or a photocopy of it. Cuba strictly enforces visa controls and police often check documents on the street, especially in tourist areas. Taking photographs of government buildings, military installations and police is prohibited. Violation of this rule can lead to unpleasant consequences up to administrative responsibility. However, there are no restrictions for personal photos of places of interest.

Interesting places such as Old Havana, the Malecon promenade or museums are guarded by the tourist police, which ensures a high level of security. Crime against foreigners remains low due to strict controls. The cost of living in Havana remains democratic. Taxis within the city cost around $8-12 per trip. Dinner in a typical Cuban restaurant costs an average of $5-8 per person. Accommodation in private mini-hotels – from 20 to 40 dollars per night.

The transport system is represented by buses, shuttle buses and private taxis. Although public transport is cheap, the quality of service can vary, especially during peak hours. Cuba respects tradition and emphasises politeness. A smile, a greeting and a calm tone in conversation opens many doors. Tourism in Havana requires travellers to be prepared for a leisurely pace of life, where time flows more slowly than in metropolises.

Choose the most interesting places in Havana to have a great time

Havana unfolds slowly, like a well-aged rum. Travelling through its streets becomes a real adventure, where every turn leads to a new discovery. From quiet squares to bustling promenades, from ancient temples to modern art galleries, Havana’s interesting places are astonishingly diverse. To truly feel the rhythm of Cuba’s capital, you should let yourself get lost in its magic.