Cuba is a country full of colors, rhythms and amazing landscapes. Although many tourists head to famous places such as Havana, Viñales, Trinidad or Varadero, the real treasures of this island often remain in the shadows. In our latest entry, we discover 5 hidden gems of Cuba that deserve your attention! We invite you to a journey together, which we will start from Baracoa – a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and an extraordinary ecosystem, where you will learn about the unique history and local flavors. Then we will move to Cayo Coco – one of the most beautiful Cuban islands, known for its stunning beaches and exotic fauna. The next stop will be Cayo Saetía, a paradise for nature lovers, offering unique views and proximity to wild animals. The route will also include Santiago de Cuba, the cultural capital of the island, where musical and dance traditions intertwine with a fascinating history. The last place on our journey will be Camagüey – a city famous for its winding streets and beautiful colonial buildings.
If you dream of discovering unique corners of Cuba that will amaze you with their authenticity, this article is for you! See why it is worth going off the beaten track and discovering these lesser-known but no less beautiful places. Are you ready for this exciting journey? Read on!
1. Baracoa – the hidden pearl of Cuba, which you have probably heard little about.
If you dream of the real Cuba – wild, green and not so touristy – Baracoa should be on your list. This oldest town in Cuba, founded in 1511, is located in the very east of the island, hidden between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Isolated for years, today it remains one of the most authentic places in Cuba. No big hotels, no crowds – just nature, history and Cuban hospitality.
Mountains and jungles: This is where you’ll find Alexander Humboldt National Park – tropical rainforests, waterfalls and trekking trails that will take your breath away.
A cuisine unlike any other in Cuba: Locals cook with coconut, cocoa and spices – be sure to try the cucurucho (coconut jam wrapped in palm leaves)!
Yumuri River and its canyon boat trip – a peaceful, magical place where time slows down.
Virgine beaches – Playa Maguana or Playa Duaba are a paradise without the crowds.
2. Cayo Coco – a paradise in Cuba that often gets overlooked… what a pity!
Many people, when planning a trip to Cuba, focus on Havana, Viñales or Trinidad – and rightly so, because these places are magical. But if after intensive sightseeing you dream of total relaxation in paradise… Cayo Coco is an ideal place. It is an island connected to the mainland by a causeway, known for its white sand, turquoise water and luxurious all-inclusive hotels that offer everything you need for a complete reset. Importantly – despite its exclusive character, Cayo Coco still has the atmosphere of Caribbean peace, without crowds and noise.
Why choose Cayo Coco for your vacation?
The perfect ending to a Cuban adventure: after days full of excitement – colonial towns, music and trekking – Cayo Coco allows you to catch your breath.
Postcard beaches: Playa Flamenco or Playa Prohibida are places where you can truly feel like you are at the end of the world.
Peace and quiet and luxury: the perfect place to spend 2-3 days doing nothing – with a cocktail in your hand and the sound of the waves in the background.Cayo Coco will show you a different image of Cuba, the luxurious and premium one, a perfect counterpoint to the rest of your trip. And after all the sightseeing… sometimes it’s just worth stopping and resting.
3. Cayo Saetía – safari in Cuba? Yes, it’s possible!
Cayo Saetía is one of the most surprising places in Cuba – an exotic island where sunbathing meets… a wild African-style adventure. Located in the east of the country, at the entrance to Nipe Bay, the island was „created” from a peninsula – separated by a canal, so that it could once serve as an exclusive resort for the party elite. Today, it is open to tourists, but still conceals an aura of mystery and… extraordinary nature.
What makes it unique?
A safari without leaving the Caribbean – wild animals brought from various parts of the world roam the island: zebras, buffaloes, ostriches, antelopes, gazelles and even… a giraffe.
Instead of hunting – cameras – hunting safaris were once organised here, today tourists only hunt for the best shots.
Pristine beaches – white sand and crystal clear water create ideal conditions for relaxation and sunbathing.
Buceo y snorkel – los arrecifes de coral y la fauna submarina deleitan con su diversidad. Diving and snorkeling – coral reefs and underwater fauna delight with their diversity.
Cayo Saetía is the perfect place if you are looking for something completely different in Cuba – a combination of nature, relaxation and a touch of exoticism.
4. Santiago de Cuba – the heart, soul and rhythm of Cuba.
If you want to feel the most authentic and hot atmosphere of the island, Santiago de Cuba is a place you simply must see. It is the second largest city in Cuba, but for many – the first in terms of emotions, music and history. Situated between the Sierra Maestra mountains and the Caribbean Sea, Santiago has something special – it is more African and more energetic than the rest of the island.
Why should you go to Santiago de Cuba?
The cradle of Cuban music – this is where son, trova and Afro-Cuban rhythms come from. Every evening is a feast of sounds: from street drums to ambiental clubs like Casa de la Trova.
A city of history and revolution – this is where the revolution began, here is the fortress of El Morro, as well as the graves of José Martí and Fidel Castro.
Afro-Cuban Culture – Santiago is the spiritual center of santería and a place strongly connected to Afro-Caribbean traditions.
A fiesta like no other – in July the famous Santiago Carnival takes place here – the most colourful and wild in all of Cuba.
5.Camagüey – a city of labyrinths, art and colonial charm.
In the heart of Cuba, far from the beaches and crowds, lies Camagüey – one of the most underrated and fascinating cities on the island. It’s a place with soul, full of winding streets, colorful houses and hidden squares that make you feel like you’re in a colonial labyrinth. But that’s no coincidence – the city was designed to confuse the pirates who used to regularly raid it!
Why visit Camagüey?
Unique architecture – a city on the UNESCO list; walking around it, you can feel like you’re in another era.
The maze of streets – this is no joke – it’s really easy to get lost here (and that’s the point!). But in this chaos there’s charm and plenty of surprises.
A city of art and theatre – the famous Ballet of Camagüey is located here, and numerous galleries and murals show the artistic side of Cuba.
Intimate atmosphere – fewer tourists, more local life. The perfect place to relax from the hustle and bustle of larger cities and soak up the atmosphere.
So, are you coming with us on this extraordinary journey?
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