CubaPLUS Magazine

Among my most cherished childhood memories—perhaps the fondest of all—is my father taking me on vacation to Varadero several decades ago. One detail I will never forget is the jingle that played whenever anyone spoke of the "Blue Beach": Varadero, now and always, a true delight.

The territorial delegation of the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur), the Ecotur travel agency, and the Provincial Sports Directorate of Santiago de Cuba officially announced the inaugural "Fichas de Oro" International Dominoes Tournament this Wednesday. According to Karina Marcheco, institutional communications officer for the Provincial Sports Directorate, the event will celebrate dominoes as a significant sporting, cultural, and social expression from June 5 to 8.

While Cuba is world-renowned for iconic beaches such as Varadero, Playa Pilar, Sirena, Ancón, Santa Lucía, and Guardalavaca, the shores of Punta Arena and La Palma are equally captivating. Located on Cayo Levisa—a spectacular islet nestled in the Gulf of Mexico off the northern coast of western Pinar del Río province—these beaches remain true hidden gems.

The "Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara" Nickel Company is currently spearheading the installation of a new sedimentation tank utilizing Chinese technology, a key step in modernizing the technological workflow of Holguín’s mining industry.

Playas del Este stand as a premier natural and tourist destination for the Cuban capital. They offer visitors the perfect opportunity to enjoy the splendor of the Caribbean Sea while exploring the "Wonder City" of Havana.

Since its inception, fostering cultural exchange between the people of the United States and Cuba has been a cornerstone of the Minnesota Cuban Film Festival. Now in its 17th year, the annual event recently returned to the city of Minneapolis.

The Varadero Golf Club is set to host four exclusive golf tournaments this year, organized by the Spanish hotel group Meliá. The announcement was shared via the official social media channels of the Ministry of Tourism’s (Mintur) Information Center.

The 44th edition of the International Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2026—the island’s premier professional event for the hospitality and leisure industry—will be held from May 7 to 9 in a hybrid format, the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) announced this Friday.

Pet owners who often forgo vacations to avoid leaving their companions behind now have a new alternative in Cuba. The Spanish hotel group Meliá has officially launched its "Pet Friendly" program at two of its premier properties on the island, allowing guests to enjoy a well-deserved break alongside their pets. This comprehensive initiative—the first of its kind in Cuba—offers a tailored stay experience designed specifically for those who consider their pets an integral part of the family.

Meliá Trinidad Península—located on María Aguilar Beach within the Ancón Peninsula—alongside Meliá Las Américas and Paradisus Princesa del Mar in Varadero, and Sol Río de Luna y Mares at Esmeralda Beach in Holguín, have been granted the HolidayCheck Award 2026. This distinction ranks them among the premier choices for travelers from German-speaking countries. According to a press release issued by Meliá Cuba this Thursday, the recognition is based on user reviews submitted to the HolidayCheck platform between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025, reflecting guests' authentic travel experiences.

Situated on Cuba’s northern coast in the western province of Mayabeque, Playa Jibacoa stands as one of the island's most remarkable tourist destinations, celebrated for its pristine natural beauty and privileged setting.

If there is one truly paradisiacal destination in Cuba, it is undoubtedly the Jardines del Rey archipelago. This island chain is famed for its exquisite beaches, where crystal-clear waters at refreshingly pleasant temperatures invite swimming and bathing throughout the entire year.

Havana, the resilient capital of Cuba, rises each day not only for its people but for the myriad travelers arriving from every corner of the globe. Its tourism sector remains indispensable—an inevitable force that flourishes despite the persistent economic challenges noted by the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) and local travel guides.

This past Sunday, the Casa del Caribe (Caribbean House) from Santiago de Cuba promoted the 45th edition of the Fiesta del Fuego (Festival of Fire) at the National School of Higher Studies, part of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Morelia campus.

Located in the province of Camagüey, Santa Lucía is one of Cuba’s most idyllic and tranquil coastal escapes. Situated approximately 110 kilometers north of the provincial capital, this destination boasts 20 kilometers of coastline defined by translucent jade waters and powdery white sands lined with coconut palms.

Nature tourism continues to gain momentum in Cuba, and one of the most significant landmarks in this sector is the Havana Forest, an essential destination for any traveler.

Located in the eastern province of Holguín, Guardalavaca beach is one of the most famous in Cuba, celebrated for its unique beauty and tranquil atmosphere that make it an ideal destination for both sea lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The beach features a stretch of sand approximately 40 meters wide and over 1,300 meters long, with a name that captures the attention of every vacationer who visits. According to local legends, there are two stories regarding its name: the first attributes it to the activities of pirates in the Caribbean between the 16th and 18th centuries, as this was a favored hideout for buccaneers to stash their loot (also referred to as "vacas"). Another, perhaps more realistic, connects the name to the alerts issued by the indigenous people in response to the approach of marauders coming by sea, where the cry of "Guarda la Vaca" served to warn everyone of the impending danger. Guardalavaca is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, adding a vibrant touch of green to the stunning views of the sea. Its waters are generally calm, making them perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Among its attractions is its proximity to various historical and natural sites, such as the Bahía de Naranjo Natural Park, where visitors can engage in water activities and explore the rich marine biodiversity. The area boasts several resorts and hotels, many of which are all-inclusive, offering high-quality service with all necessary amenities, including direct beach access. Local restaurants present an excellent variety of traditional Cuban dishes, featuring sought-after fresh seafood and regional specialties. In essence, Guardalavaca is a coastal paradise that blends the beauty of nature with the warmth of Cuban culture, providing a unique vacation experience by the sea, surrounded by breathtaking scenery that makes this destination truly unparalleled.

Cuba possesses untapped landscapes that are currently revitalizing its travel industry through diversity in nature, adventure, and rural tourism. This perspective is shared by professional guides and the Ecotur Travel Agency, which specializes in organizing nature-oriented excursions.

If there is a crown jewel among Cuba’s natural wonders, it is undoubtedly Cayo Saetía. Perched at the entrance of Nipe Bay, just off the coast of Holguín province, this sanctuary is so accessible that a small bridge connects it to the mainland, allowing visitors to cross over into a different world.

Located approximately 15 kilometers east of the historic city of Santiago de Cuba, Playa Daiquirí stands as one of the most captivating coastal escapes on the island.