Are you thinking about a holiday to Cuba? Here is one Caribbean island where you would not want to spend all your time on the beach. The people are extremely friendly and welcoming. The heritage of Cuba is so rich as are the monuments and palaces throughout the country. Cuban Holidays are without a doubt one to consider.

These are just some of the facts to consider and places and things you should not miss in your holidays to Cuba.

Pinares del Mayari: Due south of Guardalavaca, pleasant mountain chalet accommodation has been built up on the high plateau cattle pastures of Altiplanicie de Nipe, alt. 600 m (1,968 ft). Ecotourism is gradually being developed here, and it’s a perfect destination for hikes through the pine forests as a change of pace from the beaches.

Isla de Ia Juventud: Part of the Canarreos archipelago, the island lies at the southern mouth of the Golfo de Bataban, 100 km (60 miles) from the main land and a 40-minute flight from Havana. Covering an area of 3020 sq km (1,165 sq miles), it has variously been a refuge for Siboney Indians, who left some of the finest cave-paintings in the Caribbean, hideout for pirates and penitentiary for political prisoners. It derives its modern name, Island of Youth, from Castro’s ambitious programme in the 60s and 70s to bring thousands of young Cubans-and foreigners -to study and work the citrus plantations. Columbus called it El Evangelista. For Scottish nov elist Robert Louis Stevenson, inspired by stories of Francis Drake, John Hawkins and Henry Morgan who moored their pirate ships along the west coast, it became Treasure Island. The Spanish colonists knew it as Isla de Pinos (Isle of Pines). Both Jos Marti and Fidel Castro were imprisoned here.

Tropicana in Havana: This huge nightclub, open-air in fair weather, is certainly the most famous in Cuba and perhaps in the whole Caribbean. A national institution since its opening in 1939, it is located at the south end of Vedado, quite far out in the city’s western outskirts, but is served by shuttle-buses stopping at the major hotels. Prices may seem steep, including transportation and one cocktail, but you get your money’s worth. The floorshow is truly spectacular, with scores of gorgeous, extravagantly costumed dancers, male and female, strutting their stuff on the stage and snaking their way among the tables in an exotic setting of tropical vegetation. The atmosphere is quite as intoxicating as the freely flowing rum, tempting the most staid custurners to get up on their chairs and dance.

Diving: At Havana, Marina Hemingway, 20km (12 miles) west of the city centre, provides good facilities and training courses for sCuba diving, as do most of the major resorts. Aficionados home in on Cayo Coco and MarIa La Gorda. For exploring underwater caves, try Varadero and Playa Girn. Both Varadero (through Cubancan Nautica near the Kawama hotel) and Havana’s Marina Hemingway rent out yachts for day trips or for overnight with lobster meals and drinks galore.

There is a lot more to see and do in Cuba other than this few interesting places. Hundreds of beautiful beach and city locations can not be put in just one article. Stay tune to this article directory as there will be more useful information about Cuba coming soon.