Havana & Jibacoa

If the culture of Cuba is calling your name, then a multi-centre trip to Havan and Jibacoa is a perfect option. Combines a stay one of the world’s most fascinating capital cities, before heading to a rural coastal town, giving you all the perks of a vibrant city and some sand, sea and snorkel action in a country that wears its culture and tradition on its sleeve.

You start your visit in Havana, which is an electric city known for its love of cocktails, cigars, classic cars and traditional Cuban music. It’s become a holiday hotspot in recent years and it’s easy to see why the moment you step foot outside of the airport.

While most of Havana’s best sights can be reached on foot during a stay in the city, the local’s love of classic cars makes renting a car and exploring Havana from behind the wheel a popular option.

During your time in Havana you will undoubtedly enjoy wandering the streets and taking in the ambiance, with street music and fascinating buildings and cars around every corner.

Perhaps the highlight of Havana is its historical district, Old Havana, which is packed with landmarks and attractions to visit. The highlight for most sits in the Plaza de la Catedral: the Catedral de San Cristobal. It’s a striking example of Cuban Baroque architecture was completed in 1777 by the Franciscans. While the exterior is stunning on its own, spending time inside the Catedral is highlugh recommended, allowing you to admire the vaulted ceilings and statue of St Christopher.

The same can be said for the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, another hugely popular sight in the city. Built in the 16th-century, it’s a fortress that was built to fend off attacks from pirates and is an engineering marvel of its time. Today it houses a maritime museum with plenty of fascinating displays and exhibits.

Once your time in Havana is up, it’s time to head an hour East to visit Jibacoa for a contrasting experience. Away from the capital you will find plenty of opportunities to relax in this small fishing village. It’s a great place to visit if you wish to discover the best of Cuban rural life, on a beach surrounded by lush greenery.

Jibacoa is famous for its diving and snorkelling. Anyone enthusiast about exploring the waters will feel at home here. The reef is close to the beach, so it’s a rare chance to go diving close to your hotel. Some include on-site diving centres, with the ability to dive and snorkel directly from the shore itself. The sea water is calm and bursting with sea life waiting to be discovered.