Just 90 miles south of the tip of Key West, Florida, lies the largest island in the Caribbean. With more than 3,500 miles of shoreline, Cuba remains the most intriguing vacation destination in the North Atlantic Ocean. With its fascinating mix of Spanish and African cultures, Cuba makes for an unforgettable travel experience.
Geography and Appeal of Cuba
Consult your wood chart to see the location of the island, bordering the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the North Atlantic Ocean. Cuba is an archipelago of islands with the main island consisting of mostly rolling to flat topography, clearly etched on a wood chart. The island enjoys a tropical climate, making it very pleasant to visit Cuba throughout the year.
Cuba is often called El Caiman, Spanish for alligator, because the almost-43,000-square-mile island resembles the scaled amphibian from an aerial view. Cuba has long been off-limits to American travelers, lending to its mystique, but now the island is open to Americans, lending to the overwhelming desire for travelers to put Cuba on their bucket list immediately!
Known for cigars, rum made from cane sugar, and classic cars, Cuba has given the United States some of our most beloved artists and performers. Few people would be unfamiliar with these Cuban celebrities.
Celebrities from Cuba
- Gloria and Emilio Estefan
- Andy Garcia
- Jose Canseco
- Desi Arnaz
Ernest Hemingway also bought a home in Cuba. At Finca Vigia, an estate just outside Havana, Ernest Hemingway authored his novels The Old Man and The Sea and For Whom the Bell Tolls. He lived there for 20 years, authoring thousands of letters and hanging out with locals at the well-known Floridita Bar.
Where to Stay in Cuba
Most travelers choose to stay in the vibrant area of Havana; however, the most surprising fact about Cuba is how little it has been touched by modern consumerism. Cobblestone streets and classic cars give the feeling of stepping back in time, and the décor of the accommodations will have you obsessed with the Cuban culture in no time.
On a wood chart, you will notice Havana is located on the Bay of Havana, where you will find the core of the original city. With narrow streets and cobblestone lanes, Old Havana is full of character and one of the best places to stay on your first visit.
Accommodations in Cuba
The charm of each hotel, hostel, and resort is seen in the Spanish-inspired, hand-crafted décor you can find cheerfully decorating lobbies and boutiques across the island. The island is yours to explore, from sun-splashed beaches to smaller islets dotting the water around the mainland. When you explore your wood chart of Cuba, you will be mesmerized by the options that lie so conveniently around you.
What to do in Cuba
The historic island of Cuba is truly a step back in time. The architecture is breathtaking, and the old town of Havana is a vibrant gathering spot, home to many 18th-century buildings with beautiful stained-glass windows and stunning views. From cityscapes to white-sand beaches, Cuba offers a variety of attractions and activities to keep every traveler busy, soaking up the sun and island culture.
Popular Activities in Cuba
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Deep-sea fishing
- Golf
- Skydiving
When you are ready to wander in from the water, there are many architectural treasures to discover. You will feel like you are in a bit of a time warp as many of the historical buildings are from the 17th to 19th centuries when the island was prospering from the sugar trade. Put the town of Trinidad on the top of your list for visiting top sightseeing destinations.
Top Sightseeing Destinations in Trinidad
- Plaza Mayor
- Museo Municipal de Trinidad
- Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidadtorico
Ready to get back to nature? Consider birdwatching. The island is home to approximately 368 species, with 25 that are unique to the island. Cuba is also home to the world's smallest bird, the Bee Hummingbird, which is only 2 inches in length, so keep your eyes open!
And no trip to Cuba would be complete without a Cuban cigar. It has been estimated that it takes 100 steps to produce a single Cuban cigar. Whether you want to try smoking one or simply use it as a prop for a photo, the flavor of a cigar just might be the quintessential taste of Cuba.
Where to Eat in Cuba
You will want to look at your wood chart and get familiar with the points of interest scattered across the island. Being familiar with locations on the wood chart will be important in planning your day around each meal; you will want to hit all the best restaurants on the island! You will delight in the Spanish, African, and subtle French influences in the cuisine that is abundant across the island. Rice, beans, and plantains are always popular, and the seafood is fresh and readily available.
Top Dining Locations in Cuba
Your tastebuds will be delighted by the adventures in the dining you will experience across the island. Cuba has long suffered from a poor reputation in the dining industry due to the food rationing the country experienced during the Special Period. But the tides have turned due to modernization, and the food scene has been enjoying a very positive buzz.
A trip to the mysterious and long-forbidden island of Cuba is the highlight of any traveler's wish list. For years, we have studied the island and its surrounding waters on a wood chart and imagined the day we would sun ourselves on the white-sand beaches. Finally, the day has come, and we can freely travel to this island that brings us back to simpler times in the most complicated ways.
Commemorate your experience in Cuba with the perfect souvenir - a classically elegant high-quality wood chart. Each point of interest you enjoyed is exquisitely etched in Baltic birch. The details bring vividly to mind each sun-soaked day along the shore and exploring historical cities. A wood chart is not only the perfect memento of a memorable trip but the ultimate addition to your nautical home décor.