Cheap Holidays to Cuba

All you need to know about holidays to Cuba

Cuba lies in the Caribbean Sea, a mere 90 miles south of Florida. It's an amazing holiday destination because of its combination of the history and architecture, the people and the natural beauty. The great weather doesn't hurt either, making holidays in Cuba popular all year round.

Although the island is surrounded by beautiful clear and warm waters, holidays to Cuba should be about more than just lying around on a gorgeous beach with a cocktail in hand. Numerous cultural attractions mean that it's well worth considering a holiday that combines sightseeing with time on the beach. We love twin centre holidays in Cuba, combining a stay in the capital of Havana, with a week or more by the sea in the lap of all inclusive luxury.

A stay in Havana will transport you to a different era, making holidays in Cuba really memorable. To get the best of you stay here, try to find a hotel that's in or close to Old Havana, which is where you will find the romantic atmosphere that Cuba holiday packages are known for.

Where to go in Cuba

If you've booked a Cuba multi centre deal or are fond of getting around on your own, it's well worth considering cheap car hire in Havana. Having your own wheels makes it much easier to get out and about and see all that this wonderful country has to offer. Also, if you're planning your own multi-centre trip by booking your flight and hotels separately, you'll have even more freedom!

There are plenty of amazing beach destinations on the Cuban coast so it's hard to pick the best resort for an all inclusive holiday to Cuba! Varadero lies two hours east of the capital, and this resort boasts miles of beautiful white sand as well as no fewer than 20 world-renowned dive sites. Sunbathing and exploring the sea by day and dancing to the Cuban rhythms by night are the main activities here! Or travel west to Santiago de Cuba to the amazing beaches of Guardalavaca. This journey is longe, but that just means that you will see more of the island on your holiday to Cuba!

What to do in Cuba

If you're main reason to go to Cuba is to get some sun without emptying your bank account, then an all inclusive package holiday is certainly worth contemplating. But if you can't find anything that fits quite right don't be afraid to book your flights to Cuba and hotels separately and make your own trip.

To get the most out of your holiday, we've put together our top five attractions in Cuba. But don't be a slave to the list - try to discover other things that deserve a mention as well. For an added dimension on your holiday, look out for exciting festivals. Dance lovers will appreciate timing their holiday to Cuba in 2013 or 2014 to coincide with Cubadanza, the country's largest dance festival, for example.

Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and photogenic destination extraordinaire. Spanish colonial architecture is combined with brightly painted streets, classic American cars and bohemian art galleries. Time seems to slow down, so forget about your sightseeing list and get into watching the world go by, perhaps with a cigar. Wander the Malecon, the sea wall which links Old Havana to the Vedado area which is more lively - enjoy a night out here!

Vinales Valley National Park , or let's be honest here, Sierra del Rosario in the Pinar del Rio Province, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park or Caguanes National Park are all worth seeing. We just picked this one for its outstanding facilities. Explore the caves, climb the mountains, and generally soak up the stunning scenery in this lush valley with the help of local guides.

Paladares are locally owned restaurants, normally a private home that serves food. A great way to eat cheaply, get to know the locals and experience proper home-cooked Cuban food. The ones in Havana are good, although nowadays full of tourists, so look for Paladares in less frequently visited towns to get a more authentic experience. Take it up a notch with a Casa Particular, which is a home stay with a local.

Varadero has some of the Caribbean's best beaches along a 20 kilometre peninsula. Unsurprisingly popular you'll find a great range of value hotels and luxury ones too on the beachfront. Try diving, scuba and snorkelling with sites for everyone from beginners to pros and our top tip is to take a day trip to the Cayo Blanco islands for the best of the best!

Santa Clara is home to the monument, burial place and museum for Che Gueveara, the world-famous Cuban revolutionary. It's a great place to get to know the man behind the myths, and learn why he's such an important figure in popular culture. Explore the colonial, the gorgeous Church of San Juan Bautista and the lovely Parque Central too.