| Cuba | Beyond Havana


There’s so much more to the beautiful, charismatic island of Cuba than its capital, says Jack Southan


A


fter more than half a century of a decided coolness between the USA and Cuba, diplomatic relations were


restored in 2015 — leading to an inf lux of visitors. A record four million people travelled there in 2016, with a particular increase in the number of US tourists. This has led to developments in infrastructure and facilities for visitors: while there are clear advantages to this it has, inevitably, meant huge changes, particularly in the capital. However, leaving the bustle of the city


behind and heading out into the tropical hills


of the countryside reveals such a wealth of beauty and culture that suddenly Havana seems like a secondary destination. With nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites doted around the island, there are plenty of reasons to move further afield. Economic sanctions in place for the last 60


years mean that horses and carts still make up a large portion of traffic on the highway, and towns are filled mostly with bicycle rickshaws and pedestrians. Its Caribbean pace of life, mixed with the vibrance of Cuban tradition, make for a captivating and heartily welcoming destination.


With very litle access to the outside world


(and its social influences), local creativity and culture has blossomed. There are impromptu live music sessions in the town square of Trinidad, pop-up art galleries in the tiny back streets of Santiago de Cuba, while bustling restaurants overlook the emerald plantations of Viñales. The key to geting the most out of Cuba


is to simply step beyond the capital and explore the bountiful country. With so many amazing cities, landscapes and beaches on offer, Havana is just the start of a rich and fascinating country lost in time.


countrybycountry.com | ABTA Magazine 53


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