Cuba Travel Guide

"The most beautiful thing I have ever seen," proclaimed Christopher Columbus when he first laid eyes on the island of Cuba, and few would argue with him. This forbidden temptress combines beauty, intrigue, history and excitement in her unmistakably tropical lair.

Poet and diplomat alike have been seduced by Cuba's unique allure, while travelers from all over the world have dreamed of her abundant sunshine and white beaches. With the Cuban government's recent formation of its Ministry of Tourism and the development of numerous new hotels and resorts, Cuba seems determined to deliver in full.

Just 90 miles off the coast of Key West, Cuba is undeniably America's most famous neighbor, with a bounty of attractions geared to the adventurous spirit. The island's nerve center is its capital city of Havana, whose legend is as colorful and sturdy as the historic quarter that bred and inspired it. A laid-back city, its scores of restaurants, cabarets, museums and national landmarks attract intellects, artists and amateur historians.

The island's west side boasts some of its best accommodations for those looking for a more typical Caribbean vacation. There you'll enjoy a variety of landscapes including hidden beaches, thick forests and the world's most famous tobacco fields. Its rival sibling is the east coast whose famous bay (discovered by a certain Spaniard tourist) is peppered with more than 35 beaches and secluded islands.

For anyone looking for a classic Caribbean tryst, Cuba is ready to deliver. Golf, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and horseback riding abound at the numerous resorts that are emerging. Cuba is poised to continue her rise as a major tourism destination with her daring, romantic appeal.