Discover the enchanting allure of Cuba, a land of vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking vistas. We at StrawPoll invite you to take part in our latest ranking - "What is the most beautiful part of Cuba?" From the cobblestone streets of Old Havana to the pristine beaches of Varadero, the lush Viñales Valley to the bustling city of Santiago de Cuba, the options are endless. Cast your vote now for your favorite Cuban paradise or suggest a hidden gem that deserves recognition. Unravel the tapestry of this Caribbean island's captivating beauty, and share your passion with fellow travelers and dreamers alike. Join us now and let your voice be heard, for it's time to crown the most beautiful part of Cuba!
What Is the Most Beautiful Part of Cuba? (September 2023)
The stunning natural beauty of the valley and its surrounding limestone hills make it a top tourist destination.
Description
Viñales Valley is a mesmerizing natural landscape located in the western part of Cuba. It is renowned for its stunning karst formations, lush green tobacco fields, and traditional rural villages. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors a unique glimpse into the authentic rural life of Cuba.
The white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of Varadero are unparalleled in beauty.
Description
Varadero Beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba. Located in the Hicacos Peninsula in the province of Matanzas, it stretches for 20 kilometers along the coast of the Caribbean Sea. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine white sand, Varadero Beach attracts millions of tourists every year. The beach offers a stunning tropical landscape surrounded by lush vegetation, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of Cuba.
The historic center of Havana boasts beautiful colonial architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Description
Havana Vieja (Old Havana) is the most beautiful and historic part of Cuba's capital city, Havana. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. The district is located on the western side of the Havana Harbor and is a popular tourist destination for its rich cultural heritage and lively ambiance.
Architecture: Havana Vieja showcases a diverse range of architectural styles, including Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Deco.
Cobbled Streets: The district features picturesque cobbled streets that are perfect for strolling and exploring.
Plaza de la Catedral: One of the main squares in Havana Vieja, it is dominated by the stunning Havana Cathedral.
El Capitolio: An iconic landmark reminiscent of the United States Capitol, it stands as a symbol of Cuban nationalism.
El Morro Castle: Located at the entrance of Havana Bay, the fortress offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
The colorful, cobblestone streets of Trinidad are a picturesque example of colonial architecture.
Description
Trinidad is a captivating city located on the southern coast of Cuba. It is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, which transport visitors to a bygone era of Spanish rule. With its vibrant colors, charming plazas, and lush surroundings, Trinidad exudes a unique charm that makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Cuba.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Trinidad was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, recognizing its exceptional architectural and cultural richness.
Cobblestone Streets: Trinidad is famous for its cobblestone streets, which add to its nostalgic atmosphere and carry the footsteps of history.
Colorful Colonial Architecture: The city is characterized by its well-preserved, brightly colored colonial buildings, showcasing a unique blend of Spanish and Caribbean architectural styles.
Plaza Mayor: The central Plaza Mayor is the heart of Trinidad, surrounded by grand buildings and featuring a beautiful fountain that adds to its splendor.
Museo Romántico: The Museo Romántico is a must-visit museum housed in a former mansion, displaying elegant furnishings and artwork that provide insight into Trinidad's wealthy past.
Known as the "Pearl of the South," Cienfuegos is a charming seaside city with beautiful French-inspired architecture.
Description
Cienfuegos is a stunning city located on the southern coast of Cuba, known for its elegance and architectural beauty. The city's historical center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a perfect blend of French neoclassical and Spanish colonial styles. Cienfuegos is often referred to as the 'Pearl of the South' due to its picturesque waterfront and charming atmosphere.
Location: Southern coast of Cuba
Architectural Style: French neoclassical and Spanish colonial
This beautiful beach near Trinidad offers crystal clear waters and soft white sand.
Description
Playa Ancón is a stunning beach located on the south coast of Cuba, near the city of Trinidad. It is renowned for its picturesque white sandy shores, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking natural surroundings. The beach stretches for approximately four kilometers, offering visitors a tranquil and idyllic escape from the bustling city life.
This small town is surrounded by stunning mountains and is known for its lush vegetation and beautiful beaches.
Description
Baracoa is a stunning city located on the northeastern coast of Cuba. It is known for its untouched natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural heritage. Baracoa is often referred to as the 'First City' due to its status as the oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba, founded in 1511 by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar. The city's unique blend of scenic landscapes, architectural treasures, and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in Cuba.
Natural Beauty: Baracoa is surrounded by lush rainforests, pristine rivers, and breathtaking mountains, including the iconic El Yunque peak.
Coco Route: Baracoa is famous for its abundant coconut palms, and visitors can enjoy the 'Coco Route' to explore the region's coconut plantations and taste a variety of coconut-based delicacies.
Yumurí Valley: The picturesque Yumurí Valley, located just outside Baracoa, offers stunning panoramic views, hiking trails, and opportunities to discover unique flora and fauna.
El Malecón: Baracoa boasts a scenic coastal promenade known as El Malecón, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, relax in cozy cafés, and watch local fishermen bring in their catch.
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción: Baracoa is home to the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the first and oldest cathedral in Cuba, which showcases a mix of architectural styles and houses the famous Cruz de la Parra, a wooden cross brought by Christopher Columbus.
This small island off the southern coast of Cuba offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Description
Cayo Largo del Sur is a stunning island located in the Caribbean Sea off the southern coast of Cuba. It offers visitors a true paradise with its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and lush green vegetation. The island is known for its untouched beauty and serene atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and natural scenic beauty.
Location: Caribbean Sea
Geographical features: White sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush vegetation
Accessibility: Can be reached by air or boat
Size: Approximately 37 square kilometers
Wildlife: Home to various species of birds, turtles, and marine life
This archipelago off the northern coast of Cuba boasts pristine beaches and crystal clear waters.
Description
Jardines del Rey is a stunning archipelago located off the northern coast of Cuba. It spans over 2,170 square kilometers and consists of a collection of islands, islets, and cays. The crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounding this paradise make it a popular destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts alike. The area is known for its pristine white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving.
Location: Northern coast of Cuba
Size: 2,170 square kilometers
Topography: Archipelago consisting of islands, islets, and cays
Located in the Escambray Mountains, this natural park offers stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Description
Topes de Collantes is a mesmerizing nature reserve located in the Escambray Mountains in central Cuba. This breathtaking destination is renowned for its pristine beauty, lush forests, sparkling waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.
Location: Escambray Mountains, central Cuba
Elevation: Approximately 800 to 1,000 meters above sea level
Climate: Subtropical to temperate, with cool temperatures due to the altitude
Flora: Home to over 200 species of orchids and a variety of endemic plant species
Fauna: Habitat for rare bird species, including the Cuban trogon, as well as reptiles and amphibians
Missing your favorite part?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for beautiful part
Natural beauty
Consider the landscapes, beaches, coral reefs, forests, mountains, and biodiversity of the area. This factor includes the uniqueness of plants and animals, the clarity and color of the water, the cleanliness and softness of the sand, and the presence of natural wonders like waterfalls and caves.
Historical and cultural significance
Evaluate the presence of historical buildings, monuments, and sites that showcase Cuba's rich history and culture. This can include restored colonial towns like Trinidad, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and museums detailing Cuba's struggle for independence and revolution.
Architectural beauty
Look for striking examples of architecture, which may include Spanish colonial, baroque, art deco, and modernist styles in areas like Old Havana or Cienfuegos.
Art and music scene
Consider the local art galleries, street art, live music venues, and cultural events that showcase Cuba's artistic talents and traditions.
Local charm and ambiance
Evaluate the friendly warmth and welcoming nature of the local people, the vibrancy of local culture, the food scene, and general atmosphere of the area.
Infrastructure and accessibility
Take into account how easy it is to get to the area, the availability of public transportation, and the quality of tourist facilities, including accommodations, restaurants, and visitor centers.
Safety and cleanliness
Evaluate how safe the area is for tourists and how well it is maintained, including aspects like cleanliness of streets and beach areas, and the absence of pollution.
Responsible and sustainable tourism
Consider the efforts being made to protect the environment, preserve the cultural heritage, and support the local community, including employing local people, conserving water and energy, and minimizing waste.
Outdoor activities and adventure opportunities
Check the availability of activities like hiking, birdwatching, snorkeling, diving, and exploring national parks and conservation areas that can deepen the connection with nature and local culture.
Value for money
Consider the cost of visiting the area and the quality of experiences relative to the price, ensuring that it provides a good balance of affordability and quality experiences.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful part of Cuba. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite part is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each part once every 24 hours. The rank of each part is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
Cuba is a country known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history. From the colorful streets of Havana to the lush landscapes of Viñales, there are countless beautiful parts of Cuba to explore. With a rich blend of African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences, Cuba offers a unique and diverse experience for visitors. Whether you're looking to relax on a pristine beach, explore historic landmarks, or immerse yourself in the local culture, Cuba has something for everyone. In this article, we'll be exploring some of the most beautiful parts of Cuba, as voted on by our community of StrawPoll users.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.