Discover Cuba

The pulsating capital fascinates with weathered colonial façades in Havana Vieja, brightly colored American classic cars from the 1950s, and the famous Malecón, the seafront promenade. Between live music, cigar smoke and street art, you feel the city's unmistakable rhythm on every corner.

Cuba's most famous beach stretches over a good 20 kilometers of powder-white sand and turquoise Caribbean water. Numerous all-inclusive resorts make Varadero the ideal destination for relaxed beach vacations, while water sports like catamaran trips and snorkeling tours provide variety.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad is considered Cuba's best-preserved colonial city, with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses and the nearby Valle de los Ingenios, where sugar cane plantations once shaped the economy. The city feels frozen in the 19th century and ranks among the most photogenic places in the Caribbean.

Son, salsa and rumba shape everyday Cuban life, from improvised street concerts to legendary music clubs like the Buena Vista Social Club in Havana. In the Pinar del Río province and the Viñales valley, the world-famous tobacco plants grow, whose processing into hand-rolled cigars can traditionally be observed on small fincas.

Direct flights or flights with a stopover run from Zurich to Havana or Varadero, with a flight time including the stopover usually of 13 to 15 hours. Swiss citizens need a tourist card, which can be purchased with most airlines before departure or directly at the airport.

The official language is Spanish. In larger hotels and tourist centers like Havana or Varadero, English is often understood; elsewhere, at least basic Spanish is helpful.

Since the currency reform, the Cuban peso (CUP) is the official national currency. Credit cards often work only in a limited way, so travelers should bring enough cash, ideally euros for exchange.

Cuba can be traveled both cheaply and expensively: casas particulares and local restaurants are very affordable, while all-inclusive hotel resorts in Varadero reach closer to European price levels.