Compare Cuba Holidays

Overview

Cuba can portray itself as the archetypal image of a Caribbeanisland with its sandy, palm-fringed shores washed by crystal-clearwaters and cooled by breezes carrying the scent of frangipani,mango and guava. But Cuba has so much more to offer those whoventure away from her beaches; to the towns and cities boastingSpanish colonial architecture and grand plazas, where classicautomobiles labour along streets and country roads, and thehip-swaying sounds of salsa music fill the night air. Together withcigar smoke and rum cocktails, baseball, and everywhere visualreferences of the 1959 revolution, these picture-postcard portraitsof Cuba tell a more complete tale of the largest island in theCaribbean.Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba on his way back to Spainafter his second voyage to the New World in 1492 and was the firstEuropean to remark on its beauty. Today, despite continued USsanctions, the island state is starting to exploit its gloriousattractions and offers visitors an alternative Caribbeanholiday.Cuba is so large that it allegedly confused Columbus, whothought he had discovered a continent and not an island. It sits atthe mouth of the Gulf of Mexico; the main island is 746 miles(1,200km) long with an irregular coastline that offers hundreds ofbays and beaches. The years of political isolation have protectedCuba from mass tourism; the main towns and villages retain acrumbling colonial charm and are generally devoid of resorts thatblight some of its neighbouring islands.With its history and great choice of natural attractions Cubahas much to offer. But most visitors agree that Cuba is a countryso individual and extraordinary, that to be truly understood andappreciated it has to be experienced in person.

Money

The official currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), divided into 100centavos, but the 'tourist' currency is the Peso Convertible (CUC),which replaces the US Dollar as currency in tourist relatedestablishments like hotels, restaurants and so called 'dollarshops'. US Dollars are no longer accepted as payment, and a 10%commission is charged to exchange them, therefore the best currencyto bring along is Euros, the British Pound or Canadian Dollars. TheCUC is almost equal in value to the US Dollar. Some places onlyaccept Cuban pesos and others only Pesos Convertible (usuallytourist related establishments). Money should only be changed atofficial exchange bureaux or banks to avoid scams confusing the twocurrencies. Visa and MasterCard are generally accepted in majordestinations as long as they haven't been issued by a US bank;Diners Club has limited acceptance, and American Express is notaccepted anywhere on the island. Travellers cheques are lessreadily accepted than credit cards, but all major currencies areacceptable, except for US bank issued cheques. No US-issued creditor debit cards will work in ATMs, but those holding other cardsissued in other countries should be able to get pesos at most majortourist destinations. Euro or Sterling travellers cheques areaccepted at Cuban banks and Bureaux de Change.

Time

Local time is GMT –5 (GMT-4 from the second Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Language

The official language is Spanish, but English is spoken in the main tourist spots.

Climate

The climate is hot and humid all year round, divided into a dryseason (November to April) and a rainy season (May to October). Thedry season is the busiest and prices are higher at this time.September to October is hurricane season.

Current Weather Conditions for Havana, , CU

Now 17°C Windchill: 17°C Clear

Location: Havana, , CU Wind: 3 kph NE Humidity: 88% Visibility: 0.06 km Pressure: 1,016 mb steady Sunrise: 6:54 am Sunset: 6:30 pm

Wed High: 28°C Low: 16°C Mostly Clear

Thu High: 30°C Low: 17°C Mostly Sunny

Compare Holidays in Cuba

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