Why Cuba
The largest island in the Caribbean, twelve hundred kilometres west to east, and a country unlike any other in the region. Havana with its World Heritage old town, Trinidad and its cobbled streets, Viñales and its limestone mogotes, Santiago at the far end with its music.
The colonial architecture is intact because nothing was demolished, and decayed for the same reason.
December to April: dry, warm without excess, outside hurricane season. From June to November it is wetter and it is the hurricane period.
Entry and stay
Requirements depend on nationality. Check yours with the local authorities before booking.
No duration is quoted here, for want of an official source verified at the time of writing — 22 September 2026.
Two points apply to everyone: medical insurance is required on entry and may be checked, and most travellers enter on a tourist card distinct from a visa, issued by consulates or airlines.
Getting around
The Víazul network serves the cities with air-conditioned coaches, booking recommended — it is the structuring mode for a visitor.
The train exists but remains slow and unreliable. Shared taxis, often a 1950s American car, link medium-sized towns at a negotiated price.
Car hire is expensive, scarce, and must be booked far ahead. Petrol stations can run out of fuel.
Money
This is the trickiest part of the trip. Cuba's monetary system has been through several reforms and the official exchange rate coexists with others. Cards issued by American banks do not work.
So you need to arrive with cash, in a currency accepted at the official rate, and to allow plenty: withdrawals are not guaranteed.
Rates and rules move quickly. No figure is given here; check with the Cuban consulate shortly before departure.
Health
No vaccination required from Europe. Tap water is not drinkable.
Common medicines are missing from pharmacies: bringing your own kit, including painkillers, anti-diarrhoeals and dressings, is not excessive caution.
Before you go
Casas particulares, licensed rooms in private homes, are the most interesting and most widespread form of accommodation outside the large hotels.
Internet access is limited, chargeable, and goes through prepaid cards or a local SIM. Expect not to be constantly reachable.
Shortages affect food, fuel and electricity, with scheduled power cuts. This is not incidental and it has to be planned for.