Cuba is a land of vibrant colours, enveloping rhythms and a captivating history. When you set foot on this Caribbean island, you will immerse yourself in a unique world, full of contrasts at the same time, where the joy and idiosyncrasy of its people blend with a cultural richness that is already a universal heritage.

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Contemplate the colonial architecture that tells stories of the past and wander through the alleys where life beats strongly. Let yourself be seduced by the music that flows in the streets, from the sound of the son to the drums of the rumba.

Discover the island's stunning beaches, where crystal-clear waters caress the white sands, and immerse yourself in the warmth of the Caribbean Sea. Experience the exuberant nature that decorates the landscapes, from green valleys to towering mountains that reach for the heavens.

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But, above all, be ready to live intensely authentic experiences and memorable encounters. Cuba opens its arms to you, inviting you to explore its culture, delve into its history, and experience its distinctive essence.

Welcome to this unique island in the heart of the Caribbean!

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Cuba: key facts and figures

Cuba was discovered on October 28, 1492, by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage to the New World. Legend has it that, after landing on the northern coast of the current province of Holguín, impressed by the natural beauty he found, he would describe it as "the most beautiful land that human eyes have ever seen." This marked the beginning of four centuries of Spanish colonial rule over the island.

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The Cuban archipelago is located in the westernmost part of the insular Caribbean, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the south, the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Strait of Florida to the northeast. It encompasses the main island of Cuba, the Isle of Youth, and over four thousand smaller islets and cays. The country's total land area is approximately 111,000 km2.

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Havana, the capital and largest city, is a prime tourist destination. It boasts a distinctive historical, architectural, and cultural heritage, reflecting an initial fusion of European, African and Aboriginal elements, enriched by more recent ethnic and cultural contributions. Its historic centre is acknowledged as one of the most well-preserved colonial urban areas in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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The island has an extensive coastline of more than 5,700 km, dotted with over 600 beaches. It is also endowed with superb natural harbours, such as Havana, Matanzas, and Nuevitas along the northern coast, and Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos on the southern coast.

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While the Cuban landscape is primarily characterised by plains, it also features significant mountain ranges like the Guamuhaya massif or Sierra del Escambray, and the Sierra Maestra. The latter is home to Pico Turquino, Cuba's highest peak, which rises to 1,974 meters above sea level.

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Cuba enjoys a tropical climate with average high temperatures fluctuating between 24°C and 26°C. The dry season extends from November to April, while the rainy season spans May to October, with the hurricane season peaking from August to October.

The island is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs and tropical forests. It features a rich biodiversity and a significant level of endemism, making it a key site for species evolution in the Antilles. As a result, it serves as a tourist destination with numerous nature-based activities available, including hiking, bird watching, diving, sport fishing, and cave exploration, among others.

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Cuba boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. These include Old Havana with its fortifications, recognised in 1982; Trinidad and the Valley of the Sugar Mills, added in 1988; the Castle of San Pedro de la Roca in Santiago de Cuba, listed in 1997; the Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in Southeastern Cuba, acknowledged in 2000; the Historic Urban Centre of Cienfuegos, designated in 2005; and the Historic Centre of Camagüey, recognised in 2008. Each site is celebrated for its outstanding cultural, architectural, and/or urban significance. The list also features the Desembarco del Granma National Park (1999), the Viñales Valley (1999), and the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (2001), each noted for their distinctive natural values.

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The island also takes pride in preserving six UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, six Ramsar sites, 14 national parks and 28 IBAs (Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas).