Santiago de Cuba

This major city offers the international traveller a wide array of surprises from architectural jewels, to battle grounds, colonial fortresses, sunken ships, mountain trails and the best of traditional music.

There are no left-feet dancers among those choosing to spend time in Santiago de Cuba, for the magic of this Caribbean province will lead even the clumsiest of people through the steps and twists of rumba, conga, salsa, and son.

Amongst the many city highlights are the Parque Céspedes, in the heart of the city, surrounded by some of Cuba’s most beautiful and historic buildings, including Casa de Diego Velázquez, Museo de la Catedral, the Old City Council and Casa Granda Hotel, as well as the Museo Municipal Emilio Bacardí Moreau.

Santiago boasts one of most significant religious sites in Cuba, the church dedicated to Cuba’s most important saint, Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre (Our Lady of Charity), located in the small mining town of El Cobre.

The Baconao aquarium is specialised in Caribbean marine flora and fauna. Here you’ll encounter species of snappers, corals and sea lions and there is also the opportunity to swim with bottle-nosed dolphins.