With more than 4,000 km of coastline, Cuba offers a multitude of beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, from Varadero to dream islands like Cayo Largo or Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco. But Cuba is also a country with a fascinating history, just like its cities, whose colonial heritage is really well preserved. The district of La Habana Vieja in Havana, the cities of Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba and the Vinales Valley are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of their countless architectural treasures. It is also the country of the Revolution led by world-famous historical figures such as Che Guevara or Fidel Castro... Beyond the postcard image, Cuba is actually more complex than it seems and to really get to know the crocodile island, the ideal is to stay as close as possible to the Cuban population by choosing to sleep in a "special casa" for example, while following the instructions of the tourist guide on Cuba which will be very useful to you
The best time to go to Cuba is from March to June, it is the high season. However, from December to January, the weather in Cuba is already very good and prices rise with the end of the year celebrations. In July and August, temperatures remain hot and humid, it is the low season and prices are much more affordable than the rest of the year. It is also the summer holiday period for Cubans and most tourists. So there is a large crowd on the beaches of Cuba, in Santiago de Cuba and in Havana where the carnival takes place. In general, avoid leaving when the risk of hurricanes is highest, in October. The island is regularly hit by hurricanes and everyone still remembers Irma in 2017
Cuba has a humid subtropical climate with 300 days of sunshine per year and an average temperature of 25°C, varying between 18°C and 35°C. The ideal weather conditions for a stay in Cuba are met from March to June, a period equivalent to the high season. The low season runs from July to November.
Cuba is not a cheap destination, especially if you opt for all-inclusive hotels in seaside resorts. The most economical solution is to stay in a private home where comfort is of a good level. In Cuba, two currencies are used but only the CUC allows you to make valuable purchases while the national peso is worth almost nothing; so avoid changing on the street, scams guaranteed. Payments are mainly made in cash. Tips are not mandatory..
No visa is required to travel to Cuba, you need a valid passport and a tourist card. The latter is issued by Cuban consular authorities in Europe or by airlines in the United States. Plan 22 € in Europe, but via the United States, it is much more expensive (up to 100 € depending on the airlines). You will need to show them your passport and flight ticket. A certificate of reservation for the first two nights in a hotel or a particular casa may also be required
No specific vaccines are required in Cuba except for updating conventional vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis). Vaccines against hepatitis A, B and typhoid are recommended. The absence of malaria does not mean that you should not protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved clothing (best impregnated with an insecticide), applying repellents to exposed skin and using insecticides in the room. As for dengue fever, the risk is low outside epidemic periods, more to be feared during and after the rainy season, between June and October. Finally, in the event of a health problem, doctors are well trained in Cuba and the rates applied to tourists are more or less the same as in France. Be careful, the water is not drinkable in Cuba, you have to buy water bottles and check that they are well sealed.
Many tour operators and incoming agencies offer stays in Cuba. They are mainly done by bus and in groups. Autotours allow you to travel all over the country in a fortnight for a good price-quality ratio. It is possible to make thematic stays combining seaside resorts and colonial cities with more cultural visits, and not only idleness.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationIt is easy and safe to travel alone to Cuba, which is one of the safest destinations in Latin America, including for women travelling alone. However, it is advisable to be cautious in large cities such as Havana or Santiago where snatching may occur, but this is still rare. You can move around the country without any problems and organize your trips once in Cuba, no area is not inadvisable.
The best way to get around Cuba is by bus from the national Viazul company. Comfortable, they serve the country's main cities. However, due to the condition of some roads and stops, the trips can be very long, up to 4pm between Havana and Santiago de Cuba! To go to more remote areas, it is recommended to rent the services of a private driver in the city. Trains, which are very slow, should be avoided and domestic flights are not very safe.
Suggested by Petit Futé
7 days
Suggested by Petit Futé
13 days
Suggested by Petit Futé
13 days
The best time to go to Cuba is from March to June, it is the high season. However, from December to January, the weat...
Read more about it
Cuba has a humid subtropical climate with 300 days of sunshine per year and an average temperature of 25°C, varying...
Read more about it
Cuba is not a cheap destination, especially if you opt for all-inclusive hotels in seaside resorts. The most economic...
Read more about it
No visa is required to travel to Cuba, you need a valid passport and a tourist card. The latter is issued by Cuban co...
Read more about it
No specific vaccines are required in Cuba except for updating conventional vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelit...
Read more about it
It is easy and safe to travel alone to Cuba, which is one of the safest destinations in Latin America, including for...
Read more about it
Many tour operators and incoming agencies offer stays in Cuba. They are mainly done by bus and in groups. Autotours a...
Read more about it
The best way to get around Cuba is by bus from the national Viazul company. Comfortable, they serve the country's mai...
Read more about it
The cold is coming and we're housebound. But we can still keep thinking very hard about these destinations that we will soon find again and which we will make the most of! All these places that allow us to escape the grey winter, to bask in the sun and to indulge in a few swimming sessions in a warm and translucent sea. Petit Futé offers you a selection of 10 idyllic destinations that we can continue to dream about from our sofa, enough to ...
A true myth, Havana is a must for anyone visiting Cuba. In November 2019, the city celebrates its 500th anniversary, this is a great opportunity to discover the sublime Cuban capital! Both rooted in the past, but always ready to renew itself, Havana is truly a fascinating city of which here is a short guided tour. A historic centre listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Endowed with a very rich history, the old town, La Habana Vieja as a ...
A true myth, Havana is a must for anyone visiting Cuba. In November 2019, the city celebrates its 500th anniversary, this is a great opportunity to discover the sublime Cuban capital! Both rooted in the past, but always ready to renew itself, Havana is truly a fascinating city of which here is a short guided tour. We stay at the Iberostar Grand Packard Hotel, which is closely linked to the history of Packard cars in Cuba. Inaugurated in ...
If for many, Christmas rhymes with a snowman and a fireplace fire, know that in some faraway and sunny places, Santa Claus goes around in his bathing suit! So why not change the decor this year and spend Christmas in the sun? From Brazil to Australia to South Africa, the destinations we have chosen all guarantee a summery climate with twelve strokes of midnight. Trade your Christmas log for a refreshing sorbet, this year you will open your ...
