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One of the worlds' last communist outposts, the island of Cuba is diverse, vibrant, beautiful - and hot!

As one of the last surviving communist outposts, and sometimes despite the best efforts of a certain neighbouring superpower, Cuba still remains vastly unspoilt and is the largest of the Caribbean’s islands stretching across 110,00 square kilometres. Cuba is lush, green and very, very hot. It is also home to some fine beaches and friendly peoples.

Cabo Maisi

Near the eastern tip of the island, Cabo Maisi, sits Baracoa which is the oldest European settlement on Cuba. The palm trees and easy attitude of the locals give this area a very relaxed feel. The Spanish flavour gives rise to some very interesting historical sites such as impressive forts where one also doubles as a hotel.

Havana

As the capital of Cuba, Havana is massive: its population dwarfs that of the whole of the rest of the Caribbean islands put together. Peppered with Spanish colonial architecture and surprisingly having not suffered much wartime damage, Havana is the centre of Cuban society.

Havana's culture includes many American ideals, including a lively nightlife with cinema, night-clubs and music, which all aim to provide something for everyone. Old Havana is the main attraction of the 15 municipalities.

Things to see include: La Havana Aquarium, La Casona Gallery, Forma Gallery and Bacardi Building.

Pinar del Rio

The west of the island, the Pinar del Rio, is home to the 175-kilometre-long Cordillera de Guaniguanico. This comprises of limestone caves, rivers which are subterranean in parts and naturally sculpted limestone shapes. The natural beauty here is breathtaking and the area is ideal for yachting, scuba diving and general enjoyment of the vast white beaches.

Santiago de Cuba

Visit Santiago de Cuba if your main interest is in history. As Havana's cultural rival for politics and the arts, particularly due to the part it played as a hub for overthrowing the Batista regime, its sites and sounds are enthralling. French and Haitian settlers of the last century have contrived to make this, the second largest of Cuba’s cities, a very different-feeling city.

To take the historical and cultural aspects further, the city is home to the oldest museums and palaces including the breathtaking Casa de Diego Velázquez.

Trinidad

Trinidad is a place steeped in history, as it was initially home to smugglers from Jamaica and then a subsequent home to fleeing French planters. The mini sugar-boom and the ensuing short-lived wealth is reflected in the dilapidation of the once great sites.

The Museo Histórico Municipal is both an impressive building and a great source of further information on Trinidad’s marvellous history. Some of Cuba's finest beaches are just outside Trinidad.

From London to Havana is 10 hours. Average summer temperature: 23 - 29°C, with humidity from 75 to 95%.

For more information on the island of Cuba, the following links may be useful:

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