What can travelers expect in Cuba?
At around 111,000 km², Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, with a good 6,000 km of coastline, colonial cities, and sugarcane and tobacco fields inland. Power outages and supply shortages are part of everyday life; check the current advisories of the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA before booking. Anyone planning a trip should pay in cash and stay flexible.
Havana, Varadero and Trinidad form the backbone of a route for most travelers, joined by the tobacco valley of Viñales in the west and Santiago de Cuba in the east. Several hours of driving on sometimes poor roads often separate the stops, and according to the Federal Foreign Office, petrol is only available on a rationed basis in some areas.
Cuba is organized along socialist lines; private accommodation (casas particulares) and private restaurants (paladares) now account for a large share of tourism and are often more reliable than state-run establishments.
Sources: Cuba Travel (Ministerio de Turismo) · Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Switzerland · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria
How is Cuba structured as a travel destination?
The island stretches roughly 1,200 km from west to east, mostly flat to hilly, with the Sierra Maestra in the southeast as its highest mountain range. Havana in the northwest is the starting point for most trips, and Santiago de Cuba in the southeast is its cultural counterweight. In between lie colonial cities, sugarcane valleys, and offshore sandbank archipelagos such as Jardines del Rey.
Havana, Varadero and Santiago de Cuba each have their own international airport; anyone wanting to see several regions combines a domestic flight, bus or rental car. The state bus company Víazul serves the main tourist routes but is slow and, according to travel forums, often fully booked.
Offshore cays such as Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa María and Cayo Largo are resort areas reached via causeways, with their own distinct character: cut off from the rest of Cuba, mostly all-inclusive, and heavily developed for tourism.
According to the Federal Foreign Office, electricity, water and fuel are scarce; outages also affect hotels. Travelers who stay flexible and build in reserves for delays generally get through fine.
Sources: Cuba Travel (Ministerio de Turismo) · Federal Foreign Office, Germany · FlightConnections
Which regions are worth visiting in Cuba?
The classic route connects Havana, Viñales, Trinidad and Varadero; anyone with more time adds Santiago de Cuba or the cays in the north. Havana's old town has been UNESCO World Heritage since 1982, Trinidad since 1988, and the tobacco valley of Viñales since 1999.
Havana
La Habana Vieja, the old town, is World Heritage according to UNESCO for its unique collection of Spanish colonial buildings spanning four centuries; squares such as the Plaza Vieja and the Plaza de la Catedral have been restored. In the evening, half of Havana gathers along the Malecón, the roughly 8 km waterfront promenade.
Vintage cars from the 1950s drive among the colonial buildings, many of them working as taxis. The Museo de la Revolución, in the former presidential palace, tells the story of the 1959 Cuban Revolution.
Varadero
The Hicacos peninsula north of Matanzas carries a roughly 20 km stretch of fine sandy beach and is considered the Caribbean's largest beach resort destination, with dense hotel development. Its own airport, Juan Gualberto Gómez (VRA), lies just a few minutes' drive away.
Trinidad and the Valle de los Ingenios
Trinidad was founded in 1514 and, because of its remote location, remained almost unchanged for centuries; its cobblestone lanes and colonial palaces around the Plaza Mayor have been World Heritage since 1988, together with the adjoining Valle de los Ingenios, the valley of the sugar mills. From the Torre Manaca Iznaga, you look out over the former plantations.
Viñales
The valley west of Havana is known for its mogotes, steep limestone cone hills, between which tobacco for Cuban cigars grows; UNESCO World Heritage since 1999. At the fincas, you can see the cultivation and rolling of cigars.
Santiago de Cuba
Cuba's second-largest city lies in the southeast on a sheltered bay, guarded by the Castillo del Morro. Santiago is considered the country's musical centre, with the roots of son and trova, and is the starting point for the Sierra Maestra.
Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa María and Cayo Largo
The offshore sandbank islands north of the provinces of Ciego de Ávila and Villa Clara are reachable via artificial causeways and built up almost exclusively with all-inclusive resorts; anyone seeking pure beach time without long drives finds white beaches here, free of the mainland's infrastructure problems.
Ciénaga de Zapata
The Caribbean's largest wetland, south of Matanzas, is home to crocodiles, flamingos and the rare Cuban emerald hummingbird; on the bay lies Playa Girón, the site of the failed 1961 invasion.
Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Cuba Travel (Ministerio de Turismo) · Cuba Travel (Ministerio de Turismo) · FlightConnections · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
When is the best time to visit Cuba?
The dry season from December to April, with little rain and milder temperatures, is the most popular time to travel. From June to November, according to NOAA/NHC, the Atlantic hurricane season runs, peaking between mid-August and mid-October; anyone traveling then should book a flexible return flight and carry travel insurance with a storm clause.
In Havana and Varadero, daily highs stay between roughly 27 °C in January and 33 °C in July/August year-round, and nights rarely cool below 16 °C. The most rain falls from June to October, the least from December to April.
Havana and Varadero across the year
| Havanna | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 27 | 28 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 30 | 29 | 27 |
| Low °C | 16 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 17 |
| Rainfall mm | 30 | 29 | 23 | 33 | 64 | 108 | 83 | 108 | 102 | 87 | 45 | 30 |
| Varadero | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 27 | 28 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 30 | 28 | 28 |
| Low °C | 18 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 18 |
| Rainfall mm | 16 | 20 | 12 | 23 | 65 | 76 | 68 | 77 | 78 | 70 | 34 | 20 |
Average daily highs and lows, and monthly rainfall. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station JOSE MARTI INTL (17 km, 64 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station JUAN GUALBERTO GOMEZ INTL (19 km, 64 m), auf 4 m umgerechnet. Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020.
According to NOAA/NHC, the official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30; hurricanes can further weaken the already fragile infrastructure. The carnival season in Santiago de Cuba in July/August falls right in the middle of the most active storm period.
| Period | Characteristics | Note |
|---|---|---|
| December–April | dry season, milder nights | high season, higher prices for casas and flights |
| May | transition, rising humidity | still outside hurricane season |
| June–November | hurricane season (NOAA/NHC) | peaks mid-August to mid-October |
| July–August | hot, humid, Cuban holiday season | carnival in Santiago in late July |
Sources: NOAA National Hurricane Center · Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Switzerland · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
What do I need to enter Cuba?
For tourist stays, Swiss, German and Austrian nationals arriving by air need an electronic e-visa; the old paper tourist card is no longer accepted by airlines and now applies only to cruise passengers. In addition, the online D'Viajeros form must be completed, due within a few days before departure. According to the Federal Foreign Office, the passport must still be valid for at least six months on entry. Travel health insurance valid for Cuba is mandatory and checked on entry (as of September 2026).
- e-visa (mandatory for air travel, replaces the former tourist card): for stays of up to 90 days, extendable once by a further 90 days; issuance is at the discretion of the Cuban authorities. Cruise passengers still obtain the green paper tourist card from the Cuban consulate.
- D'Viajeros: mandatory online form with entry and customs information that, according to the Federal Foreign Office, must be submitted before check-in; without the QR code from the form, check-in is not possible.
- Health insurance: according to the Federal Foreign Office, it must be valid for Cuba; without a recognized policy or a credit-card advance payment, foreigner clinics will not provide treatment.
- Passport: valid for at least six months; a national ID card is not sufficient.
- Other nationalities: separate rules apply; the Cuban immigration authority or the relevant consulate in the country of residence is authoritative.
Cuban authorities are authoritative; the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA summarize their rules, which can change at short notice (as of September 20, 2026).
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria · Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Switzerland
What vaccinations and precautions are needed for Cuba?
Healthytravel.ch recommends hepatitis A for all travelers, and rabies and hepatitis B depending on the type of trip. Malaria has not occurred in Cuba for decades, but dengue, chikungunya and Zika are transmitted by mosquitoes. The Federal Foreign Office additionally warns that, due to shortages of medication and supplies, reliable emergency medical care cannot be guaranteed.
For chikungunya, healthytravel.ch recommends vaccination from age 12 in Cuba; a dengue vaccination, according to healthytravel.ch, is suitable only for people who have already had the infection. Consistent, round-the-clock mosquito protection applies to all travelers.
The Federal Foreign Office advises people with pre-existing conditions to weigh a trip very carefully, since clinics themselves state they cannot guarantee emergency care due to power and supply shortages. Travel health insurance with repatriation coverage is therefore mandatory and should be explicitly recognized by Cuban authorities.
Sources: healthytravel.ch (Swiss Society of Tropical Medicine and Travel Health) · CDC Travelers' Health · Federal Foreign Office, Germany
How safe is Cuba for travelers?
Structural risks are an overloaded power grid with long outages, fuel shortages, and crime including pickpocketing, robbery and burglary. Check the current advice from the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA before booking.
The Federal Foreign Office cites theft on beaches and in Havana's old town, armed robberies, and fuel theft via drilled tanks; the BMEIA additionally warns of fraud and theft in crowded places. Sexual assaults on women traveling alone occur, according to the Federal Foreign Office.
Current advisories: FDFA, Federal Foreign Office, BMEIA.
Sources: Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA, Switzerland · Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria
How do you get to Cuba and travel around the country?
The main arrival airport is Havana José Martí (HAV), with nonstop flights to around 26 destinations in 14 countries, alongside Varadero (VRA) for beach holidays and Santiago de Cuba (SCU) in the east. Airlines fly nonstop to Havana from, among others, Madrid, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome and Istanbul, as well as from Mexico City, Cancún, Panama City and Miami.
| Region | Example destinations with nonstop to Havana |
|---|---|
| Europe | Madrid, Frankfurt, Milan, Rome, Istanbul |
| North America | Miami, Tampa |
| Central America, Mexico | Mexico City, Cancún, Mérida, Monterrey, Panama City |
| Caribbean | Nassau, Providenciales, Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Port of Spain |
| South America | Bogotá |
Varadero and Santiago de Cuba have their own international airports with charter connections mainly from Europe and Canada; anyone who just wants a beach holiday saves the long drive from Havana that way. US cruises to Cuba have been banned since 2019, and US sanctions weigh on Cuba's tourism sector.
Domestic flights, the state long-distance bus company Víazul on the main tourist routes, and shared taxis connect the regions. According to the Federal Foreign Office, fuel shortages cause delays and cancellations; anyone taking a rental car should plan for spare fuel canisters on long routes.
Sources: FlightConnections · Federal Foreign Office, Germany · amerika21
What should you know about money and costs in Cuba?
The official currency is the Cuban peso (CUP), but Visa and Mastercard payments in Cuba generally do not work because of US sanctions. Travelers get by practically only with cash in euros, national prepaid cards, or Mir and UnionPay cards, so a generous cash reserve for the whole trip is advisable (as of September 2026).
It's recommended to bring enough cash in euros and exchange it locally; according to ADAC, the rate is around 28 CUP per euro. ATMs are unreliable and, if they work at all, dispense only CUP.
At casas particulares and paladares, payment is often made directly in euros or US dollars. For excursions, entrance fees and transfers, it's worth roughly planning cash needs for the whole trip in advance, since topping up along the way is not guaranteed.
Where do you stay overnight in Cuba?
Alongside state-run hotels, mainly in Varadero and the cays, private casas particulares shape the picture: rooms or apartments with private hosts, often including breakfast and personal contact with the hosts. In Trinidad and Viñales, casas are the norm, while large hotel chains dominate the all-inclusive resorts on Cayo Coco or Cayo Santa María.
Casas particulares are usually paid directly on-site in cash; many hosts also help arrange the next accommodation on the route. In Havana, the best locations are in the old town or in the Vedado district near the Malecón.
Sources: Cuba Travel (Ministerio de Turismo)
What do you eat in Cuba?
Cuban cuisine is based on rice, beans (congrí), pork, cassava and plantains; a classic is ropa vieja, shredded beef braised in tomato sauce. It's typically accompanied by a mojito, daiquirí, or rum neat, usually Havana Club made from local sugarcane.
Because of food shortages, what's on offer at state-run restaurants varies widely; paladares, the private restaurants, generally offer a larger and fresher selection. On the coast there is plenty of fish and lobster, while inland pork from the grill dominates.
Tap water should not be drunk; bottled water is generally available in cities and resorts, but can become scarce in remote areas.
Sources: healthytravel.ch (Swiss Society of Tropical Medicine and Travel Health)
What culture and festivals shape Cuba?
Music and dance run through daily life: son, salsa, rumba and trova have their roots in the east of the island, especially in Santiago de Cuba. The Santiago carnival in late July is the country's biggest street festival, with comparsas, drum groups and parades.
Afro-Cuban Santería, a blend of Catholic and West African elements of faith, is visibly present in daily life, for instance in newly initiated believers dressed in white. Cigars from Viñales and rum made from sugarcane are the best-known exports and, at the same time, part of everyday culture.
Political expression is restricted; according to the Federal Foreign Office, public criticism of the one-party system or participation in demonstrations can have legal consequences, even for tourists.
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany
What are the best experiences in Cuba?
Among the most memorable experiences are a walk through Havana's old town at sunset, a ride in a vintage convertible along the Malecón, a trip to the tobacco valley of Viñales, and swimming off the 20 km stretch of Varadero beach.
- Havana on foot: old town with the Plaza Vieja and cathedral, followed by live music in one of the many bars along Calle Obispo.
- Viñales: hike or horseback tour through the tobacco valley among the mogotes, visit to a cigar finca.
- Trinidad: evening stroll across the Plaza Mayor, plus a trip to the Valle de los Ingenios with the Manaca Iznaga tower.
- Ciénaga de Zapata: boat trip to see crocodiles and flamingos, snorkeling at Playa Girón.
- Santiago de Cuba: live music at the centre of son, views from the Castillo del Morro fortress over the bay.
- Varadero: catamaran trip to the reef off the Hicacos peninsula, diving at several wrecks.
Sources: Cuba Travel (Ministerio de Turismo) · UNESCO World Heritage Centre
How do you travel responsibly in Cuba?
Because water, fuel and food are scarce, it helps to deliberately stay and eat at casas particulares and paladares: the money there goes directly to families instead of the state. Using water sparingly and carrying reusable water bottles with a filter help reduce plastic consumption.
In the Ciénaga de Zapata and other natural areas, don't feed wildlife, and only enter protected areas with local guides. Tipping directly supports the often low wages in the tourism sector.
Sources: Cuba Travel (Ministerio de Turismo)
What can Cuba be combined with?
The Dominican Republic, Jamaica or the Bahamas are natural choices, all reachable with nonstop flights from Havana. Anyone wanting to compare Caribbean islands is best off combining Cuba with a second Caribbean destination rather than a long overland route, since Cuba's infrastructure offers little reserve for spontaneous changes.
The Dominican Republic and Jamaica offer more reliable beach infrastructure than Cuba and connect via nonstop flights from Havana.
Sources: FlightConnections
Who is Cuba suited for, and who less so?
Cuba suits travelers who want to experience history, music and everyday culture, who can handle cash and uncertainties around power or water calmly, and who pay attention to the foreign ministries' travel advisories. Anyone expecting reliable comfort, working card payment or spontaneous flight rebookings is less well served by Cuba.
Families are best suited to the all-inclusive resorts in Varadero or on the cays, where supply and infrastructure are more stable than in the rest of the country. Anyone wanting to travel independently through the interior needs time, patience, and a backup plan for outages.
Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany
