Cuba is a beautiful country full of character, history and culture. Salsa music, fine cigars, rum, white sanded beaches and fabulous people. Go and explore this amazing island travelling around to some it’s most known spots, or get off the beaten track to discover even more.

Recommended places are: Havana, Las Terrazas, Vinales, Cayo Levisa, Maria La Gorda, Playa Larga, Giron, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Escambray Mountains, Santa Clara, Cayo Santa Maria, Varadero, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo del Sur, Camaguey, Holguin, Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa are just a few places worth mentioning. 

Cuba Travel

The largest of all the Caribbean Islands, Cuba has a bit for everyone. Whether you like to explore what Cuba has to offer or relax by the white sanded Caribbean beaches, you will find it here.

If you like to make the most of your Cuba Holiday, you must visit Havana. We have quite a few beach resort areas, ranging from the famous Varadero region to the quiet Cayo Santa Maria, or the beautiful Cayo Largo del Sur.

What to expect?

When travelling to Cuba, you certainly will expect authenticity all the way through, from its colonial street, its music, its people.

When should you travel?

Anytime. Rainy season starts at the end of June to November. However, September and October are considered hurricane season.

Fortunately, enough rainy season in Cuba and the Caribbean means that it rains, but not for days none stop. So you should still be able to enjoy its warm waters and ready to explore its cities.

What airlines travel to Cuba?

From the UK, we have Virgin Atlantic flying a direct route twice a week from London Gatwick, on Mondays and Thursdays. Some months have an extra return flight on Wednesdays.

As scheduled flights, we also have Air France, via Paris, flying almost every day of the week. Air Europa does also fly most days of the week to Cuba, via Madrid, similar to Iberia / British Airways.

Other like charter flights are also available, flying mainly to All Inclusive destinations like Varadero, Cayo Coco, and Holguin.

Our packages are adaptable for whichever airline you chose to fly. Contact us for more information.

Do I need a Visa to enter Cuba?

Yes, you do. All holidaymakers from the UK need a Cuban Tourist Card. The actual Cuba Tourist Card is valid for 30 days from your arrival date.

Note that if you wish to visit the USA, it will be best to do so after Cuba. Travelling directly from the USA to Cuba is still a bit more difficult than if you fly from anywhere else in the world to Cuba. Direct USA to Cuba travel requires a “Pink Tourist Card” that you can only get in the USA, airline providers and cruise companies should be able to help you get one of this tourist cards, and you can not get them in the UK.

All Cuba package holidays with Travelfab include Tourist Cards, so please check with us before purchasing it online or at the Cuban Consulate.

Where to Stay?

Mainly two choices: Hotel and Private Homes (Casa Particular). We recommend if possible to have a bit of mix of both. While if you are going to the beach an All Inclusive Resort will be the best value for money, and in Havana, you could stay in on of the many boutique Hotels, you could have some night at a Casa Particular in Vinales or Trinidad. You know yourself best if you prefer a Hotel then please go with what you like.

After the revolution, two business were left untouched, Casa Particulares = Private Homes and Paladares = Privately owned restaurants.

We recommend a mixture of both if necessary; there are some places which a Casa is possibly the best option, so don’t be afraid to use either a  Hotel or a Casa.

Where to eat in Cuba?

Paladares or Small Private Restaurants are on the rise, and for a good reason, with more chic, stylish and most importantly serving fantastic food.

Hotel restaurants are OK for breakfast. However, it depends on where you are, and as a general rule, you will eat out at “Paladares”.

Naturally, All inclusive’s will have their restaurants, some, who offer A la carte restaurants require pre-booking when you at the resort.

How do I move around while in Cuba?

Renting a Car in Cuba is a great alternative to discover Cuba at your own pace. However, there are bus services through main routes on the Island or the local Viazul bus, which is an ISO standard bus.

Driving is great as long as you drive during daytime hours. Driving at nights is not a good idea. There are secured car parks and parking guards mostly everywhere, 1 CUC approx is what you pay for the 1-night parking.

Petrol is available without any problems, and a good AtoZ map (Guia de Carreteras) will tell you about every petrol station in Cuba, plus other exciting places. For more info check our page for Car hire in Cuba.

What about Money in Cuba?

Currently taking your British Pound, Euros, Canadian Dollars are the best currencies to carry to Cuba. USD have a penalty of 10 % surcharge due to the US embargo.

You can exchange your currency (Pound Sterling or Euros) into CUC (Cuban Convertible pesos) or CUP (Cuban Pesos) however the first (CUC) is the one that you should get. To be brief if you like to know the Rate of Exchange, 1 CUC = 1 USD approx. Currently is best to avoid taking USD to Cuba, for a reason mentioned above.

CADECA (Casa de Cambio = Bureau of Exchange) or at any local bank, are the places for you to take exchange your cash. Avoid Hotels as their rate of exchange is less.

Using Plastic in Cuba works mostly OK, as long as you do have a VISA debit/credit card not issued by a US bank, you will find they work at the few ATM’s available throughout the island. Mastercard doesn’t work well in Cuba. Currently, Amex cards or any US bank card will not work in Cuba.

If you are travelling to the countryside or small towns, it will be best to take cash in advance.

Travellers cheques are not common and almost none usable in Cuba.

Quick tip: if you go to the countryside, and you need to take cash from the bank, walk into the cashier with your Credit/debit card, your passport and the copy of your Tourist, you will be able to take money out of your card in this way.

General Safety in Cuba:

Cuba is one of the safest places in the western hemisphere, with virtually no gun-related crime. We do recommend, however, observing some general guidelines/regulations.

Health advises for Cuba:
No vaccinations are compulsory for your travel to Cuba, however, recommended Vaccinations/Certificates for British Citizens are: Hepatitis A, Rabies, and Typhoid. Please note that Passport, Visa, Health & Foreign Office information is for British citizens only. Foreign nationals should check with their consulate which travel documents are required for departure and return to the UK.