With scheduled travel services to Cuba starting in 2016 and the political environment improving consistently, there has never been a better time to visit Cuba.
Gorgeous architecture, a fascinating history, mesmeric music, beautiful beaches and most importantly the warmth of the Cuban people make Cuba an incredible destination.
Here are 25 of my travel photos from Cuba that will make you want to book your trip to Cuba straight away!
Fishermen sitting on the Malecon, the seawall promenade of Havana, with the colonial fortress of El Morro in the background.
It’s hard not to think about the writer and adventurer Ernest Hemingway when you travel in Cuba, so associated has he become with this country. The Floridita bar was one of his favourites and it is still going strong. For more suggestions on bars to enjoy read my guide to the best bar crawl in Havana.
I loved the laid back atmosphere in Havana, including the many tiny community green spaces where people gather to play music or chess or just pass the time of day.
Of the many fabulous old American cars I saw in Cuba, this was my favourite.
A favourite shot of cars passing on the Malecon with Havana’s dilapidated but still beautiful buildings behind.
Behind the restored, glamorous parts of Havana life goes on in a more simple way. I loved exploring the back streets of Havana.
Havana’s magnificent Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception was completed in 1777 and is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Cuba. It is in the heart of Old Havana in the Plaza de la Catedral.
Cuban school children in their smart uniforms are to be seen everywhere, quite often throwing a dance move as they pass a live band.
The Inglaterra Hotel is one of Havana’s grand old ladies, with stunning decoration in the lobby bar.
Mojitos! Get them fresh, in Havana!
Political slogans are a common sight in Cuba.
This is a view from the roof bar of the Ambos Mundos hotel, another Hemingway haunt.
Sunset on the Malecon promenade, the perfect place for an early evening stroll.
The famous Tropicana club in Havana is a surprisingly fun night out!
Endless waving banana palm plantations with a backdrop of blue mountains. The lush Valle de los Ingenios.
Some people come to Cuba merely for a beach holiday. That’s not my bag but I did find a fantastic unspoilt beach on a day trip from Vinales. No hotels and just local people enjoying this Caribbean beach paradise.
The Vinales Valley is a lush area of karst limestone mountains and cultivated valleys with startling red soil. The rock climbing on those cliffs is awesome!
The former colonial town of Trinidad was built by sugar barons on the backs of slaves. The colourful streets and elegant buildings are a perfect choice for Unesco World Heritage Site designation.
Plaza Major in Trinidad – like stepping back in time.
A Cuban band playing at a small restaurant. The music of Cuba gets into your bones.
Another colourful Trinidad street scene.
Homestay restaurants often serve better food than official restaurants and the produce from roadside stalls is wonderful. The hand-rolled cigars were quite an experience!
A ‘busy’ day in Trinidad.
Fishing boat in Havana’s harbour.
In amongst the beautiful nature of the Vinales valley.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Cuba today!
By Natasha von Geldern
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I absolutely loved Havana when we went a couple of years ago and am glad we did so before things change too much. We did spend a few days at the beach but Havana was definitely far more intriguing and interesting in my opinion – didn’t make it to Club Tropicana sadly but sounds like a good laugh!
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