Beyond its sunny beaches, Cuba is home to a rich history in its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the most of any other Caribbean nation. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are places that represent the unique cultural or natural heritage of a region. Step back in time and discover a different side of this island paradise with a visit to one of these historic sites.

Enjoy urban and natural beauty in Trinidad

Located in the central province of Sancti Spiritus and named after the Holy Trinity, Trinidad flourished in the late 18th and 19th centuries in thanks to the sugar industry in town and nearby Valley de los Ingenios. Now, it’s a living museum to Cuban sugar production waiting to be explored with 75 former sugar mills, plantation houses and barracks. In the heart of Trinidad is Plaza Mayor, overlooked by the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco and flanked by the regal Palacio Brunet and Palacio Cantero.

Discover the rolling hills of Viñales Valley

Near the western end of Cuba, surrounded by mountains and dotted with caves, fissures, underground streams and dome-like limestone outcroppings known locally as mogotes, you’ll find Viñales Valley. The fertile soil once offered the perfect conditions for raising livestock and growing food crops in the 19th century. Today traditional agriculture practices survive in the valley, specifically the growing of tobacco which you may know as one of Cuba’s largest exports. These traditions even extend to the small structures scattered across the valley, built with local and natural materials.

San Pedro de la Roca Castle, Santiago de Cuba

Tour a historic fortress in Santiago de Cuba

Overlooking Santiago de Cuba Bay on the south-eastern shore, San Pedro de la Roca Castle marks a period of fierce commercial and political rivalries during the 17th and 18th centuries. This multi-level stone fortress sitting on a rocky outcrop once defended the bay’s entrance and is now a remarkable example of Renaissance military engineering that was adapted for European colonial powers. An impressive piece of Cuba’s history, the fort is a testament to the island’s history and represents the European influences throughout the Caribbean. The castle is near the city of Santiago de Cuba within a national park.

Take in French and Spanish influences in Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos was established in 1819 on Cuba’s Caribbean coast as a Spanish territory, with many of the first settlers being of French origin. Located in the heart of an agricultural region that produced sugarcane, mango, tobacco and coffee, Cienfuegos grew in popularity during the 19th century sugar boom. Cienfuegos’ historic city centre was modelled after the typical neoclassical style but grew to a more eclectic visage with other European influences. Notable landmarks worthy of a visit include the Parque José Marti, the Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Purisima Conceptión and the Teatro Tomás Terry.o

Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Havana

Established in 1519, Havana has grown into a city of over two million residents with Old Havana, marked by its former city walls, holding the magic of years gone by. With its original city design still intact, five plazas stand strong with their own unique architectural identity, including Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco, Plaza del Cristo and Plaza de la Catedral. You’ll also find a host of historic buildings and monuments among the baroque and neoclassical architecture from cathedrals to private houses and more.

Sunny beaches, rich history, friendly people - Cuba has it all!

Ready to step back in time?