Cuba for 10day

Caryatnid

Anyone been to Cuba?

Just looking for advice.
I can choose between the 10days package, or flights + 2first days and then figure out the rest of the 8 days myself.

Am planning on going over with the boyf - we like the beach but also want to rent a car and see Cuba. So basically just wondering if anyone has been-there-done-that, and if you have any advice or must-dos.

Thanks!

kellyr4

I was in Cuba approx 3 years ago for 2 weeks. Stayed in an all inclusive resort at Varadero. Beautiful beach and hotel was great.

Havana is great to see the historical sights on a daytrip.

However, the main thing I didnt like about the holiday was the lack of a promenade or strip of restaurants or bars. The hotels are like big compounds designed so you will not leave them on your holiday. They provide direct access to the beach, have many swimmings pools, water sports, restaurants, bars and entertainment. Whereas in Spain you can walk down the town and take in all the restaurants, shops and bars, in Cuba if you walk out of your hotel you are on the equivalent of the side of the M50!

zoemax

Cuba is a fantastic place - great weather, amazing architecture and friendly people, was on honeymoon there 3 years ago. Havanna is amazing but you can probably see the whole lot in 2-3 days. The central part and along the sea front is worth seeing along with some museums (if thats your thing;) )and restaurants (La Floridita:) ) but outside these areas the city can be pretty grim. Hotel food wasn't great either when we were there, even in the 5 star ones. The whole resort thing in Cuba is not like in Europe, the food tends to be a bit dodgy (it was in Beaches resort) but I hear that the Sandals resort is much better. As kellyr4 said it can be a long walk from your resort compund to the centre of Varerderro. If I were to go back (and I hope to some day) I would stay in a private house and eat there - we met some people on the plane home who did this and had a great time with great food for very little cash. It really depends what you are looking for. If you want a bland sun holiday being waited on hand and foot then go to the Bahamas; if you want a sun holiday in a country stuck in a 1950's time warp that at times will be a little rough and ready (don't get my wife started about the toilets in some bars:eek: ) then go to Cuba - you will not regret it.

Poncherello

Agree with Zoemax...good advice
We were there last November(5 lads) on way back from Mexico. We only did havanna as had only 5 nights. varaderro is the place to go for the beach thing from what I know. There is a beach about 20mins drive outside Havanna but its nothing special..mind you there is some fair amount of flesh on display !!
There is plenty to do in havana if you are in to your culture etc. There is a class market that is by the waterfront as you approach the 'old town'. It doesnt open every day so check. Buy some artwork. The colonial architechture is very impressive but at the same time such a pity that its so run down.
We stayed in the private houses. They are called 'Casa Particular' or simply casas. I would also recommend staying in these. They are essentially B&Bs, cost in region of $30 per night, breakfast is extra .. $2 ! They are very clean and people are lovely. You really will experience something different if you stay in these. If you do book from a guide book.
One last thing go for a walk through Centro Habanna it is a jaw dropping experience.