Honeymoon In Cuba: Best Destinations For Newlyweds

where to go in cuba for honeymoon

Cuba is a popular honeymoon destination, offering a unique combination of history, culture, countryside, and beaches. The Caribbean island is known for its warm weather, colourful streets, epic architecture, music, and dance. The best time to visit Cuba is from December to May, avoiding the hurricane season and enjoying a dry and sunny climate. Here are some of the best places to go in Cuba for a honeymoon:

Characteristics Values
Country Cuba
Ideal time to visit December to May
Ideal months to avoid crowds March and April
Hurricane season June to November
Currency Euros and Canadian Dollars
Language Spanish
Food Traditional Cuban, Italian, and Mexican
Transportation Classic American car, bus, or horseback
Accommodation Hotels or casas particulares (B&Bs)
Destinations Havana, Varadero, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco, Baracoa

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Havana: refined old cafes, antique-filled hotels, classic cars, and vintage charm

When it comes to choosing a destination for a honeymoon in Cuba, Havana, the country's largest city, is a great option with its refined old cafes, antique-filled hotels, classic cars, and vintage charm.

Havana is steeped in history and culture, with its impressive colonial-era architecture, vibrant street life, and rhythmic Afro-Cuban sounds. For honeymooners seeking an immersive experience in this enchanting city, booking a stay at one of the historic hotels is a great option. One such hotel is the prestigious Hotel Inglaterra, founded in 1844, which played a significant role in Cuba's independence movement and hosted notable figures like Winston Churchill. The hotel exudes glamour and prestige, offering a rooftop terrace for sunset mojitos and a neoclassical restaurant, El Colonial, for a romantic dining experience.

Another legendary hotel is the Hotel Sevilla, which has attracted the rich and famous, including the infamous Al Capone. For literature enthusiasts, Ernest Hemingway's Hotel Ambos Mundos and his favourite bar, El Floridita, provide a captivating glimpse into the past. The Hotel Santa Isabel, with its famous guests like Sting and Jack Nicholson, and the luxurious bed and breakfast, La Villa Teresa, located in the historic neighbourhood of Loma de la Vibora, offer romantic alternatives away from the bustling tourist centres.

The city's vibrant streets and colourful buildings create a unique ambiance, and the classic cars that dot the landscape add to its vintage charm. Havana's old cafes, with their lively Cuban atmosphere, serve delicious food and beverages at great prices. For those seeking adventure, Havana delivers with its nearby beaches and scenic natural attractions, such as the valley with its sugarcane fields and the Caburni Waterfall, offering a refreshing swim in a cave pool.

With its blend of history, culture, romance, and natural beauty, Havana is a captivating choice for a Cuban honeymoon, providing unforgettable experiences and memories to cherish for a lifetime.

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Trinidad: explore and relax on the beach, go horse riding, and learn to salsa

Trinidad is a beautiful colonial town on the southern coast of Cuba. It is one of the most historic cities in Cuba, with brightly coloured iconic buildings and cobblestone streets. Trinidad is a great place to explore and relax on the beach, go horse riding, and learn to salsa.

Beaches

Trinidad's famous Playa Ancon beach offers breathtaking romantic sunsets and warm azure waters for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Horse Riding

Horse riding tours through the scenic sugarcane fields around Trinidad will take you to the Vegas Grande or Caburni Waterfall, where you can swim in the cave pool. Another option is to take a horse-riding tour of Parque El Cubano Natural Park, where you can witness the incredible plants and wildlife of Cuba and bathe in a waterfall.

Salsa

Embrace the Cuban culture by learning to salsa at the Casa de la Cultura or the Barrio Cubano Salsa Dance School. The latter is located in the centre of Trinidad and offers classes in Cuban Salsa, Afro-Cuban Rumba, Son, Bachata, Reggaeton, Styling, Rueda de Casino, and Percussion.

Trinidad also offers a variety of other experiences, including exploring the town centre, street markets, and local cuisine. It is known for its fresh and tasty seafood. You can also wander through the picturesque Plaza Mayor or visit the small church with a bell tower in the town centre.

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Varadero is one of the Caribbean's most famous beach destinations and Cuba's most popular tourist destination. It is located just two hours' drive from Havana and is home to Cuba's original and largest beach resort. The area boasts a 20-kilometer stretch of pristine, unending white-sand beach, Varadero Beach, where vacationers can relax and enjoy the sun. Varadero has more than 50 all-inclusive resorts, with over 60 hotels in total, offering a range of options for accommodation and dining.

The calm waters off Varadero's coast provide the perfect conditions for water sports and activities such as scuba diving, sailing, snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, and kite-surfing. The area is also home to Cuba's only golf course, the Varadero Golf Club, which offers players breathtaking ocean views and untouched greens. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the nearby Mansión Xanadu, a former lavish villa, now serves as a luxury hotel and golf clubhouse, offering spectacular sea views and dining options.

Beyond the beach, Varadero offers a variety of attractions, including the Parque Ecológico Varahicacos, a nature reserve at the end of the Hicacos Peninsula. This protected area features a white-sand beach, a diverse range of plant and animal life, and crystal-encrusted caves. The nearby Saturno Cave (Cueva Saturno) is also worth exploring, providing a refreshing escape from the sun.

For a romantic evening, horse-drawn carriages offer tours of the area. After sunset, Varadero comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene, including cabarets, nightclubs, and amphitheatres. The Cabaret Tropicana is particularly renowned for its local entertainment. With its combination of natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, and diverse attractions, Varadero offers a unique blend of exploration and relaxation for honeymooners seeking a memorable Caribbean experience.

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Baracoa: the country's oldest city, with a beautifully preserved historic centre and stunning beaches

Cuba is a popular choice for newlywed couples, offering a combination of history, culture, countryside, and beaches. Baracoa, located in the province of Guantánamo, is the oldest city in Cuba, dating back to 1511 when Spanish Conquistadors commanded by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar arrived on the island. It is known as the First City of Cuba and is recognised for its charm and beautifully preserved historic centre.

The city boasts colourful streets, ancient fortresses, and unique natural attractions, making it a must-visit destination. Within its historic centre, you will find the Parque Independencia (Independence Park), previously called Plaza de Armas (Main Square). This vibrant park is the most prominent public space in the city and houses the magnificent Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption), the first parish church on the island.

Baracoa is also renowned for its stunning beaches, nestled alongside the Bahía de Miel (Miel Bay). These beaches boast pristine stretches of white sand and vibrant coral reefs, providing the perfect setting for swimming and snorkelling. The clear, sparkling waters of Baracoa invite exploration, with the opportunity to discover coral and colourful fish, as well as the possibility of spotting turtles.

The region surrounding Baracoa offers a diverse range of natural scenery, including the Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserve, where you can admire endemic flora and fauna. The Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt (Alejandro de Humboldt National Park), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also located nearby, showcasing the natural richness and perfect mountain ecosystem conservation of Cuba.

For those seeking a combination of exploration and relaxation, Baracoa presents a unique opportunity. In addition to its natural wonders, Baracoa offers a chance to delve into its rich history and cultural traditions. You can explore the ancient fortresses, visit the Museo Municipal (Municipal Museum) to learn about the city's archaeological past, and enjoy traditional Cuban dance shows. The city also boasts delicious Cuban cuisine, including specialties such as frangollo (sweet bananas wrapped in banana leaves) and calalú (boiled cabbage leaves mixed with coconut milk and spices).

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Cayo Santa Maria: snorkel with turtles, enjoy crystal blue waters, and experience the active island lifestyle

Cuba is a tropical paradise, offering vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. For your honeymoon, you can snorkel with turtles, enjoy crystal blue waters, and experience the active island lifestyle in Cayo Santa Maria, located off the northern coast of Cuba in the Jardines del Rey archipelago. This favourite beach destination is a sunbather's paradise, with immaculate white-sand shores and sparkling turquoise waters. There are plenty of options for adventure and exploration, whether you want to kayak across calm waters, snorkel off the shore, or take a scenic catamaran ride along the coast.

For snorkelling, there are a few options in Cayo Santa Maria. Between Playa Ensenachos and Playa El Megano, there is a short rocky section where many fishes and small coral heads can be seen very close to the beach. At the western end of Cayo Santa Maria, there are many coral heads close to the beach, and with fins, you can explore a small coral island about 200 meters from the shore. There are also a few coral plates just west of hotel Sol Cayo Santa Maria, in front of its Clothing Optional beach, where you can snorkel without fins. If you're looking for a boat trip, there is one that departs daily from Monday to Thursday at 1:30 pm, taking you snorkelling in the reefs surrounding the "Cayos de Villa Clara". This tour includes snorkelling gear and non-alcoholic beverages, and it costs 31 USD per person.

In addition to snorkelling, there are other ways to enjoy the crystal blue waters of Cayo Santa Maria. You can kayak across the calm waters or take a catamaran ride along the coast. The Memories Paraiso Beach Resort in Cayo Santa Maria blends Cuban culture and Spanish colonial architecture, offering a vibrant and luxurious destination for your honeymoon. The Royalton Cayo Santa Maria is another adults-only, all-inclusive resort that combines Cuban culture with luxury, garnering top awards.

If you're looking for more active pursuits, you can embark on an exciting Jeep safari through Cuba's lush countryside or explore the nearby city of Santa Clara to learn about the island's fascinating history. The local Sunwing Experiences representative will handle your airport transfers and provide round-trip transportation to and from your resort. You can also choose from a range of tours and excursions to discover all the incredible things to see and do in Cayo Santa Maria.

Frequently asked questions

Varadero is one of the largest and most popular beach towns in Cuba, with over 60 resorts, pristine beaches, and plenty of beach and water sports activities. It is located on the northern coast of Cuba, about 140km from Havana. Cayo Coco, an island just north of mainland Cuba, is also known for its gorgeous beaches and shallow, clear water.

Havana, the capital city of Cuba, is a great option for a city honeymoon. It boasts colourful streets, epic architecture, ancient forts, grand mansions, and imperial museums. Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, is also a good choice, known for its music and dance and beautiful beaches.

Trinidad is a good option for those who want to combine time spent exploring with time spent relaxing at the beach. It is located on Cuba's south coast, approximately 5 hours' drive from Havana. Baracoa, in the far east of Cuba, is a peaceful and cut-off place with a beautifully preserved historic centre and stunning nearby hiking and beaches.

December to May is the ideal time to visit Cuba, as the weather is dry and sunny. March and April are also good months to visit as they are less crowded.

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