Cuba

Sandy, palm-fringed shores washed by crystal-clear waters and cooled by breezes carrying the scent of orchids, jasmine, orange and guava. This is the picture-postcard of Cuba, by far the largest island in the Caribbean. Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba on his way back to Spain after his second voyage to the New World in 1492 and was the first European to remark on its beauty. Today, despite continued US sanctions, the island state is starting to exploit its glorious attractions and offers visitors an alternative Caribbean holiday.

Cuba is so large that it allegedly confused Columbus, who thought he had discovered a continent and not an island. It sits at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico; the main island is 746 miles (1,200km) long with an irregular coastline that offers hundreds of bays and beaches. The years of political isolation have protected Cuba from mass tourism; the main towns and villages retain a crumbling colonial charm and are generally devoid of resorts that blight some of its neighbouring islands. And the locals still genuinely welcome visitors and are sincerely friendly - even to Americans who manage to skirt the blockade.

With its Spanish colonial history and great choice of natural attractions Cuba has much to offer. Eco-tourists come for the exotic flora and fauna and the wild scenery attracts hikers. For most tourists, however, Cuba is famous more for its classic American cars, fat cigars, rum, fun and sun.

Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com