The music. The dance. The heat. The old cars shuddering along the Malecón as the waves crash along the shore. The daiquiris, the mojitos, sipped in Hemingway’s old haunts. The cigars and colourful dresses and crumbling architecture and constant sunshine. Old Havana – Habana Vieja – is a film set, a step into the past, a sensory overload of colour and rhythm and taste, and however long you spend here, it will never quite be enough.

Aside from its visual beauty, Havana is a whole city full of poets and musicians. Theatres, book stalls, jazz concerts, poetry readings, stalls selling maracas and claves, the Casa de la Música, the National Ballet, the Theatre, art openings on every street corner, open studios along the Malecón – the art, literature and performing arts here are overwhelming.

Don’t come all this way and forget you’re in the Caribbean!

 

Away from the sleek, characterless all-inclusive resorts of the north coast - most notably Varadero, there are fantastic tropical beaches and uninhabited islands, ringed by reefs, and with the odd beachside cafe for your fresh piña colada – or maybe just a local fisherman who’ll catch and cook your lunch over an open fire. The water is balmy year-round, and some beaches have sheltered swimming spots which are ideal for families.

Many islands can actually be reached along causeways by bus or private vehicle - making them an easy daytrip. Others have bungalow-style accommodation for longer stays - but be careful, you might just be reluctant to return to the real world afterwards.