People may sometimes have said to you that “if you want to experience the real Cuba, you have to get out of Havana”. And those same people might say later, or even in the same conversation, that “you can’t say you’ve visited the island if you don’t visit Havana”. Although both recommendations might sound contradictory, they do reveal a certain truth about Cuba: there are so many destinations on the island and the best way to enjoy it is by moving around from one place to another, collecting experiences and allowing yourself to be pampered by the Cuban people.
The Caribbean country is a magnet for all different types of travellers, such as nature lovers, people who are passionate about the sea, history buffs, people who love music and dance, or anyone who is fascinated by culture in all its forms.
If you’re among the latter, there’s no better adventure on the island than a visit to its colonial cities, either in one trip or in several different trips. That’s why here at Meliá we would like to recommend four exceptional cities where you can experience the real Cuba and connect with its people:
Havana
Yes, it’s true! You can’t say that you’ve visited Cuba if you haven’t visited the capital, the centre of the nation’s political and cultural life. The city was founded by the Spanish in 1514, and over the last 500 years it has become one of the most authentic travel destinations in the Caribbean.
Havana is famous for its architecture, cuisine and nightlife, and also for the friendly and very hospitable nature of its people. Residents of Havana, the “Habaneros”, will show you their city with great pride, telling you about the wonders such as the Malecón seafront promenade, the National Capitol, the four original squares and their legends, the classic bars and their authentic cocktails, their spectacular terraces, nightclubs and theatres.
With five hotels across the city, Meliá brings you closer to the real Cuba through a date with history in the classic hotels, Hotel Sevilla affiliated by Meliá, INNSiDE Habana Catedral and Tryp Habana Libre, or the modernity, culinary traditions and outstanding services at the Meliá Cohiba and Meliá Habana. Whatever your choice, any of these hotels will open the doors to an exploration of the soul of Havana and the essence of the island.
Cienfuegos
A city always associated with the sea and great music, known as the pearl of the south by many, it is the only city in Cuba founded by French immigrants.
Cienfuegos is a small and elegant city, the birthplace of talented artists such as Benny Moré and home to centuries-old culinary traditions, such as making the Cuban polenta with crab.
The city centre is like something straight out of a fairy tale, with colourful buildings and hotels, such as La Unión Affiliated by Meliá or the Meliá San Carlos. However, the real magic is found on the way to the sea and Punta Gorda, location of the amazing Palacio de Valle, a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. The only one of its kind in the world, this fantastic building converted into a restaurant lies alongside the traditional Jagua Hotel that is currently being transformed to become the future INNSiDE Jagua.
Cienfuegos is a destination with very easy access either by road or by air, and it’s definitely a place you must not miss on your trip to the island.
Trinidad
Due to the excellent conservation of its architectural heritage, Trinidad is known as the museum city of Cuba.
Walking through its cobbled streets past ancient houses, churches and monuments is like going back to colonial times when the town of Santísima Trinidad was at the heart of a prosperous region full of livestock farms and sugar plantations.
Located between the base of the Ancón peninsula and the Escambray mountains, the city is also a great place for nature and water sports experiences.
In the heart of this idyllic environment is our Meliá Trinidad Peninsula, a very modern hotel with services adapted to all different types of travellers, but with a style and values in tune with the nostalgic and historical nature of the region.
Whether you’re a traveller who loves history or an active person searching for adventures and challenges, Trinidad will enchant you with its charm.
Santiago de Cuba
Without any doubt, this is the warmest city in Cuba, and not only because of its weather, but also thanks to the exceptional character of its people. People from Santiago are really different, as is their rum, their Spanish accent and their resilient and hospitable spirit.
Music and dance are in the DNA of Santiago, and life is like a carnival where everything has its colours and rhythms. That is why a visit to the Casa de la Trova, the Santiago Café or the Turquino Bar at the Meliá Santiago are experiences that you must not miss, as well as exploring the San Pedro de la Roca fortress, the Moncada Barracks, the Bacardi Museum or the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where the remains of both José Martí and Fidel Castro rest.
Santiago is the most Caribbean of Cuba’s cities, a genuine treasure on the south-east coast of the island. And although summer is normally hot and a bit challenging, we recommend visiting during carnival, accompanied by the beats of a conga.
Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba, four colonial cities influenced by the sea, music and history. Which is your favourite?
