A time capsule of the 1950s — Havana's decaying colonial grandeur and rolling vintage cars, the tobacco valleys of Viñales, white-sand beaches backed by untouched coral reefs.
- Capital
- Havana
- Population
- 9,748,007
- Area
- 110,860 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- Cuban peso
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Ropa vieja, Moros y cristianos
Annual visitors
1,086,000 (2020)
Safety
Moderate (4.46/100k)
Avg temp
25.8°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 26811 · Ambulance 26811 · Fire 26811
Travel guide
Cuba is the largest Caribbean island. The country has nine World Heritage Sites, as well as beaches, colonial architecture and distinct cultural history. It has had a communist government since the Cuban Revolution in 1959 and has been under a US embargo ever since.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Cuba
Best time to visit
November–April is the dry season and the best time to visit. December–March is peak season for beach resorts. May–October is rainy and humid. Hurricane season runs June–November.
Visa
Most nationalities need a Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) — obtainable through airlines or Cuban consulates. US citizens face significant restrictions under US law and require a license for travel.
Highlights
Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish. By the 17th century, it had become one of the Caribbean's main centres for ship-building. Although it is today a sprawling metropolis of 2 million inhabitants, its old centre retains an interesting mix of Baroque and neoclassical monuments, and a homogeneous ensemble of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates and internal courtyards.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (12)
Book your trip to Cuba
We may earn a commission when you book through these links.