Cuba it is unlike any other place on the planet. The island is located in the northwest of the Caribbean Sea, 145 km south of Florida, at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico. Almost the size of England, it is by far the largest island in the Caribbean islands and one of the most fascinating.
So much so that Christopher Columbus called it "the most beautiful land yet seen by the human eye."
Cuba means different things to tourists. For some, the name is synonymous with revolution and communism, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. For others, it conjures up retro images of 1950s American cars and glamorous cocktail bars.
One of the most fascinating things about Cuba is its people. A mix of races and cultures, African, Asian and European, who is friendly, tolerant and welcoming, despite the fact that rationing and restrictions are a constant part of their lives.
Material deprivation has not silenced the friendly Cubans' joy of living - singing and dancing are high on their list of priorities, and they appreciate the quality of their excellent rum and cigars.
Cuba represents a treasure for colonial architecture with Havana, Trinidad, the stunning scenery of Pinar del Río, the forests of the Sierra Maestra, and the sparkling Caribbean beaches. Water hikers and divers are attracted by the coral reefs that surround most of the island, attracting a wide variety of fish, in perfect viewing conditions.
What attracts people is also much more than beaches, sun, and cheap drinks. Cuba's rich culture, unique political history, and economic hardships make it one of the eye-opening countries for seasoned travelers who still have a lot to discover on the island.