Immerse yourself in a world where vibrant music, sultry salsa, intriguing history, iconic classic cars, rich rum, and exceptional cigars form the very heartbeat of life - welcome to Cuba.
Studded with more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other Caribbean Island, the isle also has a diverse landscape unfolding a tapestry of lush mountain ranges, pristine beaches, serene eco-tourism spots, mesmerising scuba diving opportunities, and of course, the heartwarming hospitality of its people.
Simply speaking, a multi-centre holiday allows travellers to visit more than one destination in a single trip. You can choose to embark on a multi-guided tour and spend a few hours in one place and the evening in another, or, the most popular thing to do is to combine a beach break with a city stay.
Think of it like putting pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together; you can mix and match flights, book multiple hotels for all or part of your stay, and organise transport for any part of your holiday. Whether you want an action-packed itinerary, to squeeze in as many cities as possible, or to effortlessly hop from coast to coast - anything is possible on a multi-centre holiday.
Combining a Cuba beach holiday like Varadero, or Jibacoa with a Cuban city (or two) like Havana, Trinidad or Cienfuegos makes for the perfect Cuba twin-centre holiday or Cuba multi-centre holiday. But what are the benefits of this type of booking? A multi-centre holiday to Cuba presents a unique opportunity to explore the diversity of this captivating island in one trip. Although, (spoiler alert), it won’t stop you from wanting to revisit time and time again. With its fusion of cultural heritage, natural beauty, historical significance and stunning coastline, an abundance of experiences await that will cater to all types of travellers.
One significant benefit is the ability to appreciate the contrasts between the vibrant city life, lush countryside, and idyllic beach resorts. And, well, why shouldn’t you experience the best of both worlds? Truly indulge in the gastronomic variety, tick off multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and partake in a whole host of activities from scenic hikes to scuba diving, traditional salsa dancing, and beyond - each offered in different corners of the country.
Beach enthusiasts can start their trip in Varadero, one of Cuba’s most sought-after beach resorts, adorned with a 20km stretch of pristine sands flanked by swaying palms, lively restaurants and bars, and a string of five-star hotels perfect for family holidays to Cuba. A typical day in Varadero may consist of exhilarating water sports or perhaps a spot of golf (when you’re not lounging on the sands, that is). Equally, the small paradise island of Cayo Santa Maria, nestled off Cuba’s north coast, is a haven for beach lovers. Not only does it match Varadero’s coral-white sands and crystal waters, it’s also part of the Buenavista Biosphere Reserve, teeming with local tropical flora and fauna.
The laid-back village of Jibacoa is a hidden gem nestled between Havana and Varadero, famed for its untouched beaches and fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving spots. The area also offers stunning mountain vistas, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. Speaking of which, the picturesque town of Viñales, in western Cuba, is another hot spot surrounded by stunning landscapes, from its lush fertile valleys and tobacco fields to its rugged limestone cliffs, colonial era wooden houses, and botanical gardens - all of which neighbour the astonishing Sierra de los Orangos mountains. This pretty region is a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the numerous caves that dot the region - so don’t forget your comfortable shoes!
Pulsing with life and culture, Havana needs no introduction. Cuba’s vibrant capital is a place of history and charm, renowned for its Old Town (Habana Vieja), Fortification System, ancient-old architecture, classic Cadillac cars that line the cobbled streets, thriving music scene and iconic Malecón seawall. Offering a somewhat faster pace than the lazy beach resorts, this world-famous city is a must-visit during your time in Cuba. Trinidad is another jewel in the island’s crown; a well-preserved Spanish colonial city that time seems to have forgotten, this corner of Cuba has even earned itself UNESCO World Heritage Site status - and for good reason. Cobbled streets, pastel houses, and charming plazas characterise this captivating city, plus its close proximity to the Escambray Mountains and Ancon beach make it a diverse destination to visit.
Another city worth adding to the list on your Cuba multi-centre holidays is Cienfuegos. Known as the “Pearl of the South”, Cienfuegos is a beautiful city offering French colonial architecture, a lively seafront promenade, and the impressive Palacio de Valle - an outstanding historic villa built by Italian architect Alfredo Colli from 1913 - 1917 and reminiscent of Moorish architecture. It’s also the gateway to the Escambray Mountains and the Guanaroca Lagoon - a popular attraction for boat trips, where you can admire native flamingos and pelicans.
Imagine the allure of intertwining a beach retreat with a cultural city exploration. You can be strolling along along the sun-drenched beaches of Varadero or Jibacoa during the day and delving into the historic wonders of Havana, Trinidad or Cienfuegos as the sun sets.
In essence, a twin-centre or multi-centre holiday to Cuba ensures a rich, varied, and fulfilling experience (a once-in-a-lifetime experience, if you will) making the most out of your travel time and offering a deeper connection with this extraordinary destination.
Love Cuba are the UK’s#1 Cuba holiday specialists, our friendly and dedicated team are on hand to talk you through each destination and can assist you in creating a Cuba tailor made holiday that’s totally unique to you. Not sure where to start? Why not opt for one of our spectacular ready-made and expertly chosen multi-centre holiday pairings, instead? Browse our list of destinations below or give us a call on 020 8038 9959 to start building your itinerary, today.