Author Topic: Re: Which part of Cuba is your favorite? (Read 4522 times)

GingerTwist · « **on:** May 09, 2005, 03:32:00 PM »

Hi all,
We have been to and love Varadero. We've done day trips to Havana, and done the tourist tours around the area, but have not ventured anywhere else in Cuba. We are probably going back to Cuba in November, but want to possibly try somewhere other than Varadero.
Where are your favorite areas and how come?
:t:
Thanks in advance.
:1:

Bulldog · « **Reply #1 on:** May 09, 2005, 03:35:00 PM »

Welcome Gingertwist...

I have only been to one place..so not sure If I can help..but Cayo Coco was nice...not to much to do..but if you want to lie around and relax...I think this PLACE was great !!

Bulldog.. :D :s:

huskypup · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2005, 04:08:00 PM »

Hi Gingertwist

We are going to Playa Pesquero in November just outside of Guardalavacca, we booked it on the recommendation of a friend and Ive not read a bad review about it on any of the forums that Im registered on.

Bellagio is back at the weekend, he is quite well travelled in Cuba resort wise, or SteveYYZ is very knowledgeable about all things Cuba - he will be around here somewhere or on Debbies - he was there a while ago.

Where ever you go Im sure that it will be great.

Steve_YYZ · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2005, 04:31:00 PM »

What's my favourite part of Cuba? Wow, that's a tough one.

Fully 100% of my trips have been to, or passed through Havana. It's got to be one of my favourite places in Cuba, but mainly that's because of the great friends I have there. I also simply love to wander the many neighbourhoods and small cafe's.

Other areas I've enjoyed have been the Isla de la Juventud which has a character all of it's own. It's very quite, charming in it's own way, and a place to just totally get lost (if that's possible on a 50 x 40 kilometer island). But there are no real "resorts" per se other than the 3 star Hotel Colony which is located out in the middle o nowhere. It's a haven for Scuba divers, but beyond that you must be pretty good at amusing yourself. I have enjoyed many days simply exploring the backroads of the island on a rented scooter.

Cayo Largo was nice if you just wanted to relax and do nothing, which is exactly what I did. Nice to just head up the main island road and walk for miles, then walk back along the beaches. Very tranquil and the best beach in Cuba.

Varadero was Varadero. Somewhat Kitschy for my liking and while it's indeed in Cuba, it doesn't represent to me the real soul of Cuba. It's sort of like the difference between going to a fresh butcher's for your steak, or buying is pre-packaged, shrink wrapped, and on a styrofoam tray. Same beef but wrapped and sanitized. Not really for me.

Trinidad was a lovely place to photograph and stay for a week. No idea what the beach resorts are like in that area, but it might be worth an additional week to further expore the area. I want to rent a scooter next time to explore further afield.

Hope this answers your questions from my perspective.

Steve

flopnfly · « **Reply #4 on:** May 09, 2005, 05:30:00 PM »

So far we've only been to Varadero and we love it. We're heading to Playa Pesquero on Saturday so I'll be able to give you a comparison when we get back.

Judie · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2005, 08:46:00 PM »

We went to Holguin last year and liked it so much that we returned again this year....maybe Veradero next year,or maybe Holguin again! :7:

Gambitt · « **Reply #6 on:** May 10, 2005, 07:39:00 AM »

I've been to Jamaica twice, and the DR, but Holguin is my favorite.

My wife decided on Cuba last year, so I spoke to a Cuban friend of mine, and he reccomended the Playa Costa Verde.

So, I've been TRYING to spend a week there, ever since!
;)

Bigjohn · « **Reply #7 on:** May 10, 2005, 08:14:00 AM »

Hi Gingertwist
An area to be discovered is the south coast. We stayed at Brisas Sierra Mar in Jan this year and it is the most scenic area and least spoiled, (developed?) tourist area.
The Sierra Maestra mountain range protects the coast from the bad weather, the remoteness protects the area from the tourist syndrome that affects the Guadalavaca area.
I rented a scooter and drove to the town of Chivarico, 12 km distant, and saw 4 cars, all taxis and 12 personnel carrier dump trucks. Round trip! It is a 'poorer' section and more laid back. We will be returning there next January.
Think about it. If you are going to Cuba to see different things, why not go to where they are VERY different.
Brisas has excellent food, good beach, nice lay-out, many happy repeat guests.
Bigjohn.

GingerTwist · « **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2005, 11:14:00 PM »

Thanks everyone for your replies!
I was an avid Mexico vacationer until I went to Cuba last November. Now I see why everyone goes back time and time again! I can't wait to explore this marvelous Island. :)