Cuba | city guide | Bright lights
Jack Southan explores the delights of Cuba’s cities, from lazy days by the sea to late night dancing
TRINIDAD Standing on the hills above the blue Caribbean Sea for over 500 years, the town of Trinidad (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a Cuban icon. Founded in the days of Cortes, the town exudes history and culture. The music of Buena Vista plays out from the cafes and restaurants which line the streets, and the golden sunshine makes the brightly coloured buildings glow. It’s easy to wander the cobbled streets for hours exploring the bars and street stalls — the town is small, but bustling enough to make every street corner exciting or interesting in some way. Visit the town museum for a fascinating history lesson and climb its tower for the best view around. As evening falls, the restaurants fill up and
the streets come alive. The food is typically Cuban; however, there are many places that serve cuisine that’s a litle more sophisticated than the standard offering, so look around before setling. Only a 20-minute drive from the gorgeous Playa
Ancon, Trinidad is also a great destination for beachside relaxation.
SANTA CLARA From humble beginnings in the late 1600s, Santa Clara has blossomed into a contemporary Cuban city while retaining the indelible mark of its history. The city is prominent in the story of Che Guevara — the man who defined the world’s perception of Cuba itself — and this alone draws in both tourists and locals alike. Cubans hold it close to their hearts as a
destination of beauty and cultural significance, but mainly because it hosts the Guevara mausoleum. The imposing monument was erected as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the revolutionary mission to Bolivia, where Che eventually died. Cuba’s revolutionary iconography is especially prevalent in Santa Clara, with flags and street murals adorning the roads. Most people experience Santa Clara as an overnight stop on their way to the beaches of Varadero or Trinidad, which leaves the city feeling relaxed and untouched. It’s worth investing a litle more time here, as it has a lot to offer.
54 ABTA Magazine | April 2017
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