 Host to a great cascade of history, culture and tradition, Havana today is one of most enchanting cities in the world.
There are dozens of excellent museums and international festivals of cinema, ballet, fine arts that attract enthusiasts and experts from all over the world. The University of Havana has earned great prestige, while the city's medical and scientific institutions have attained recognition beyond the island. The charisma, hospitality and warmth confer of “Habaneros” local people is making city of Havana , that place that visitors are eager to return. Hotel related services in the city are diverse. Excursion and optional activities are on offer at the tourism desks in hotels, everything is available within the city to ensure that the visitor's stay is pleasant and enjoyable.
San Cristobal de la Habana is one of the first seven towns founded by the Spanish colonizers in Cuba. In 1519 a permanent settlement was founded beside the port of Carenas and since then the city has been an obligatory focal point. Its strategic position decided its destiny as Key to the New World. The port of Havana was the stopping place for the Spanish fleet in its crossing between Spain and Latin America, the colonist and metropolis. Galleons laden with gold and silver from Mexico and Peru gathered here and escorted by war ships which safeguarded them from corsair and pirate attacks, they set out for the high seas and Europe. The fleets of ships brought thousands of sailors to Havana every year, which had to be given food and lodging and provide with entertainment.
These were practically the first tourists. They brought with them their particular tastes and traditions, and in exchange they spread Cuban products throughout the world. Cuban cigars were among the most popular.
Europeans first become acquainted with tobacco in 1492, on the occasion of Columbus first voyage to the Americas. Havana was a continuous target for corsair and pirates who pillaged and destroyed it on more then one occasion. In 1796 city fell into the hands of the British in spite of the heroic defense mounted by its inhabitants, who caused more than 1 800 deaths. The subject of British royalty remained here for a year. Spain , with a view to recovering Havana , handed all the Florida over the Britain . At that time Havana with its 30 000 inhabitants was a city larger than Boston, Philadelphia and New York. After the departure of the British, Spain was compelled to abolish many of the privileges that the Royal Treasury in Cuba had enjoyed, and allow free trade to take place.
The economic power of the incipient bourgeoisie revived social life in the city. With its squares and places, cafes, theaters and ball rooms, Havana grew in splendor on a daily basis. Much of the progress achieved by humanity reached Cuban capitol before many European cities. This was the steam engine, railways, gas light, and telegraph among others.It is said that the first telephone was invented here. Photography arrived practically at the same time as it was invented, also cinema and radio. Havana was the first city in Latina America to have television. The territorial occupation of the province of Havana began in the 16 th century.
It is here where the oldest train station in the world may be found, and it is still in use, together with the ruins of the wealthiest coffee plantation in Cuba, scene of a torrid romance between German owner and a Haitian woman. Havana is the birthplace of the pianist Antonio Maria Romeu, painters Eduardo Abela and Domingo Ramos, ballad singer Maria Teresa Vera and singer Silvio Rodriquez. Havana's tradition have achieved national fame Charangas de Bejucal fiesta of music and color held once a year.
La Habana Vieja ( Old Havana ) The historical part of the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, mainly comprises the ancient walled area, although it also includes the system of colonial fortresses. The meticulous restoration work on streets, fortresses, squares and buildings incorporates even the smallest aspects witch contribute to the beauty of the area. Old Havana in its entirety encapsulates a philosophy, that of the being a living part of a city that attracts everyone on account of its hospitality and culture, besides its history.
The opinions of all the visitors who have come to Cuba, and those who always want to come back to enjoy once more of the good things about our island are enough reasons to have Cuba among the main sun and sand destinations in the Caribbean.
Noted by its clean condition, the Cuban coasts feature marvelous ecosystems easily notice through the high level of conservation of its more than 300 beaches.
You can add to that the wonderful weather, privileged by the geographical location of the country, the constant refreshing effect of the winds and the warm water temperature (24º -29° C)
Cuba features virgin beaches in isolated keys all along the north and south coasts. Either long or short, anonymous or unknown at all, they can be found in the Guanahacabibe Peninsula, Biosphere Reserve, in the central part of Cuba or in the peaceful Baracoa, the first villa founded in the easternmost part of the country.
But if you really want to know thr truth, visitors prefer Varadero, Guardalavaca, Esmeralda, Santa María del Mar, Santa Lucía or Ancón. When it comes to keys you must visit Cayo Coco, Guillermo, Largo del Sur, Santa María, Las Brujas or Levisa and you won’t regret your choice, whatever it is.
In the main beaches, keys or tourist destinations, the hotel infrastructure combines with the extra hotel offers: rent of jeans of transportation, nautical; marinas; diving centers; shopping; beauty offers and quality of life, as well as programs of day or night entertainment, excursions to nearby cities, medical services and special packages for families or honeymooners.
Cuba features an average of 330 sunny days a year.
(Source: Havana-Forever/ DTCuba) | 
