Beyond Havana: Four Other Cuban Cities Worth Visiting

Havana may be the center of attention, but Cuba's lesser-known cities are the heart and soul of the island. From the very first village founded on the island to the city home to Cuba's largest underwater cave, we take a journey through Cuban cities that offer a different kind of charm - steeped in history, culture and untouched beauty.

Escape the relentless pace of Cuba's major cities and let Gibara, a charming coastal town, enchant you with its tranquil bay and mountain landscape. Imagine breathing in that salty sea air mingling with the aroma of Cuba's finest seafood - think mouthwatering crab enchiladas and other crab dishes so famous they are literally on the city's welcome sign!

Before diving into the culinary delights of Gibara, dive into Tanque Azul. This isn't just a stunning natural pool, this jade wonder is your gateway to one of the oldest underwater caves in the world - a 20-million-year-old water labyrinth waiting to be explored. And let's face it, snorkeling here might be the closest you'll get to traveling back in time!

Gibara isn't just serene, it's festive, too! Home to the Pobre de Gibara International Film Festival, where you can see cutting-edge Latin American cinema without the budget of a blockbuster.

Want to stay like a local? Hostels and Airbnbs in Gibara, such as the charming Casa Luz del Norte, offer a taste of authenticity. Built in 1874, this beautiful colonial-style property overlooks the bay with its Mudejar flair. You can even rent locally made bamboo bicycles to travel at your own pace.

The ultra-popular crystal clear waters of Varadero may be the crown jewel of Cuban beaches, but just down the road lies the Cuban town of Cardenas, a beacon of history. It boasts a combination of 19th century splendor and modern charm. Imagine: streets lined with rainbow colonial houses, towering columns and ceilings that tell a thousand stories.

As you stroll the streets, don't miss the towering parish church of the Immaculate Conception, where a 9-foot tribute to Christopher Columbus claims fame as the first of its kind in the Americas.

Step into the Oscar Maria de Rojas Museum, the second oldest in Cuba, for a glimpse into the past. Founded in 1900, this national monument houses a fascinating collection that ranges from pre-Columbian artifacts to extensive entomological exhibits, including Cuba's largest collection of butterflies. Open Monday through Sunday, a tour in English will cost you about 15 Cuban pesos.

And for those craving the beach? The pristine sands of Varadero are just a stone's throw away, with plenty of hotels to choose from. So why not combine a beach holiday with the colorful history of Cardenas?

Have you ever dreamed of escaping to where the mountains whisper and the palm trees sway to their own rhythm? Tucked away in the western province of Artemisa, near the Sierra del Rosario mountain range, Comunidad Las Terrazas is a rural oasis that captivates with its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Art lovers will be drawn to the gallery and studio of renowned Cuban artist Lester Campa, where the local landscape is beautifully captured in stunning paintings.

In this explorer's paradise, you'll discover the ruins of the first coffee plantation Cuba, Cafetal Buenavista, dating from 1801. The nearby Cafetal Buenavista restaurant offers authentic Cuban cuisine, including the famous congri rice, tender pork and fresh vegetables. The restaurant is open until 5 p.m. and offers a delicious lunch for about $20.

For a quiet night, consider Villa Bella Vista, a hostel that stands out for its affordability and quality. Here, every room is a front-row seat to nature's majesty, and the cool mountain breeze is your lullaby. With comfortable beds made from local cedar and a relaxed atmosphere, prices start at just $35.

As the first Spanish settlement on the island, Baracoa offers a unique combination of historical roots and pristine natural landscapes. Located in the province of Guantanamo Bay, this Cuban city is surrounded by pristine jungle teeming with extraordinary bird life and endemic species. In Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, you'll be captivated by the tocororo (Cuban trogon) and almiki (Cuban snaptooth) that thrive among tall pines and mahogany trees, with a forest floor covered in ferns.

Fiesta de las Aguas, from August 10 to 15, celebrates Baracoa's anniversary with a combination of dance, traditional music and local cuisine. The city comes alive with festivities, especially along Baracoa Boulevard and the Malecón. A culinary highlight is the savory bacan, a local favorite that combines green banana, coconut milk and pork, wrapped in a style reminiscent of a corn tamale.

Relax at the historic Hotel El Castillo, a former 18th-century fortress . Its hilltop location provides breathtaking views of the city and a large swimming pool, ideal for a refreshing swim. Combining historical significance with modern comfort, the hotel is the perfect way to end your day, with rooms available from €53. In Baracoa, you won't just visit a new corner of Cuba; you will walk into a living, breathing piece of Cuban heritage.

Written by Teresita Padrón.