CubaPLUS Magazine

Cuba boasts many renowned coastal destinations with exceptional qualities for nature and ocean lovers, including Punta Perdiz and several spots along Playa Girón.

Today, Havana’s Teatro Martí captivates audiences with its renewed artistic and architectural brilliance.

Havana boasts countless charms—historic streets, picturesque corners, grand architecture, and lush parks that delight photographers and travelers alike.

A wide range of books chronicling the life and work of Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro was presented today at the Havana International Book Fair as part of tributes marking the centennial of his birth.

Though he has long passed, a local legend known as "Bigote Gato" continues to enrich Cuban tourism with his stories and enduring legacy in the capital city of Havana. Bigote Gato was a prominent figure in Cuba’s hospitality and nightlife scene. Full of flair, style, and sharp wit, he founded a famous Havana bar and an exclusive club for night owls. Naturally, his nickname—meaning "Cat’s Mustache"—came from his striking, upturned handlebar mustache. He was also known for his signature red beret. Born in Asturias, Spain, this colorful character was someone I had the privilege of interviewing in 2001 when he was 91 years old, just two years before his passing.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, joined by senior cabinet officials, presided over the opening of the Havana International Book Fair on Monday. This year’s edition is dedicated to Russia and the centennial of the birth of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. In his opening remarks, Juan Rodríguez, President of the Cuban Book Institute, condemned the current backdrop of imperialist war threats facing the island, highlighting the exceptional role culture plays in this context. Since the 1980s, this fair has served as a forum for the exchange of knowledge, and it continues to be a vital cultural bastion, he emphasized.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel attended today's opening of the 1st International Colloquium “Fidel: Legacy and Future,” dedicated to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution. René Barrios, Director of the Fidel Castro Studies Center, noted that the event comes amidst a particularly complex global backdrop, making it ever more vital to revisit the Commander-in-Chief's ideas and principles.

Nestled deep in the Sierra Maestra, adventurers and mountaineers exploring Cuba find a vital shelter along their trek: La Aguada de Joaquín. This mountain rest camp serves as a key staging point on the trail to Pico Turquino—also known as Real del Turquino—which stands as the highest peak in the Cuban archipelago at 1,974 meters (6,476 feet) above sea level. Beyond its strategic location, the surrounding wilderness captivates visitors with its untouched nature and the deeply rooted traditions of local mountain farmers and muleteers (arrieros).

Cuba is taking part in the 15th International Festival of Arts, Cultures, and Gastronomy of Our Peoples, continuing today in Nicaragua as a platform to foster unity and solidarity among nations. The event, celebrating its second and final day this Sunday, brings together artists, entrepreneurs, cultural promoters, and representatives from nearly 40 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as 12 international organizations.

The eastern province of Camagüey continues to strengthen its presence along the popular itineraries travelers choose when exploring the island. As Cuba’s largest province, Camagüey stands out as a destination of captivating contrasts, where colonial history blends effortlessly with dreamlike landscapes. Promoted by Cuba's Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) as a highly diverse hub, its comprehensive offerings range from the cultural heritage of its provincial capital to the pristine beaches of its outlying cays. The crowning jewel of the city of Camagüey is its Historic Center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. Spanning 54 hectares, this historic core is famous for its unique urban layout within the Caribbean—a labyrinth of winding streets, narrow alleyways, and irregular squares designed, according to legend, to confuse the pirates who once raided the settlement. More reminiscent of an Arab medina than a typical Spanish colonial town, this layout represents an exceptional example of European medieval urban planning transplanted to the Americas. A stroll along its cobblestone streets reveals a harmonious architectural ensemble where Neoclassical, Eclectic, Art Deco, and Neocolonial structures stand alongside imposing Baroque churches, such as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria—the city’s most important landmark—and the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, renowned for its catacombs. Squares like Plaza de los Trabajadores, Plaza del Carmen, and Plaza de San Juan de Dios are essential stops for soaking in everyday life and local art. Indeed, Plaza del Carmen is home to the workshop of acclaimed artist Martha Jiménez, famous for her life-sized bronze sculptures of local figures, including Las Cotorras ("The Gossips"). Beyond its urban charm, Camagüey serves as the gateway to two of Cuba’s principal archipelagos: Sabana-Camagüey (known as Jardines del Rey) to the north, and Jardines de la Reina to the south. Its primary beach destinations are Playa Santa Lucía, near Cayo Sabinal, and Cayo Cruz, both drawing visitors with their crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. These destinations—together with the natural landscapes of the Sierra del Chorrillo and the historic town of Guáimaro, where Cuba’s first constitution was signed—round out a diverse offering tailored to sun-and-sand vacationers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts alike. With hospitality roots dating back to 19th-century inns that took off with the development of Santa Lucía Beach in the 1970s, Camagüey stands as a destination that seamlessly adapts to the demands of international travel while preserving its authentic Cuban soul. (Taken from Prensa Latina)

The eastern Cuban province of Holguín guards many treasures today, waiting to be discovered by those who visit the region. Located in the northern part of the island’s eastern region, the province of Holguín has established itself as Cuba’s third most important tourism destination—and for good reason. Its offerings combine dreamlike beaches, lush nature, ancient history, and a vibrant cultural life, making it a truly unique place. Holguín’s primary magnet is its stunning coastline. With over 41 beaches stretching across its 350 kilometers of northern shoreline, the province boasts some of the whitest sands and clearest waters in the Caribbean.

Nestled in the picturesque town of San Luis, in the western province of Pinar del Río, the former home of Cuban singer-songwriter Polo Montañez—affectionately known as “El Guajiro Natural” (The Natural Countryman)—is dedicated to honoring his life and work. Montañez gained fame for a distinctive musical style that seamlessly blended traditional rural roots with contemporary influences. The house where Montañez once lived has been transformed into a museum to preserve his legacy and offer visitors an intimate look into his life, artistic trajectory, and enduring impact on Cuban culture.

Cuba is seeking to jointly develop its railway transport sector with Russia, the island nation’s First Deputy Minister of Transportation, Luis Roberto Roces, stated today in an interview with the news outlet Prime.ru. “Seventy percent of our country’s rolling stock is of Russian origin, and we are deeply interested in carrying out various projects with the Eurasian nation,” Roces explained. Attending the International Transport Summit hosted in Moscow, the official underscored the critical priority Cuba places on advancing its rail network, particularly amid current conditions marked by the intensification of the U.S. economic blockade against the island.

On August 5, the Cubanacan Hotel Group marks its 39th anniversary, taking pride in having created unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking to discover the true essence of Cuba, according to a statement released on the company's official Facebook page. “For nearly four decades, we have offered the finest way to experience Cuba, delivering hospitality, authenticity, and unique moments at every destination,” the post reads. To maintain its service of excellence for nearly 40 years, the group has relied on a highly skilled team of professionals who spare no effort in ensuring guests enjoy exceptional vacations. This dedication has earned Cubanacan the lasting trust of travelers, travel agents, and tour operators alike.

The 34th edition of the Havana International Book Fair will run from August 10 to 16, with preparations already complete at its main venue, the Línea y 18 Cultural Center in Havana’s Vedado neighborhood. At a press conference on Thursday, Juan Rodríguez Cabrera, President of the Cuban Book Institute, alongside Vice President Jessica Arteaga, unveiled the upcoming event’s program. This year’s fair features Russia as the Guest of Honor and is dedicated to the centennial of the birth of Cuba's historical leader, Fidel Castro.

Inaugurated in 1967, the primary mission of the Museum of the Revolution is to chronicle the pre-1959 revolutionary struggle that culminated in the overthrow of dictator Fulgencio Batista and Fidel Castro’s rise to power. Through a curated series of exhibits, documents, photographs, and historical artifacts, visitors can explore the key events leading to the revolutionary victory, as well as the influential figures who played a pivotal role in the movement, including Ernesto "Che" Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos, and other leaders.

Marabana 2026, one of the most highly anticipated events on Cuba's sports calendar, is set to take place on November 15 in Havana, welcoming both local and international runners to the starting line.

Following press reports regarding the exit of Meliá and other hotel chains from Cuba, José Antonio Aguilera, the Tourism Counselor for the Southern Cone, reassured that "hotels on the island remain open, and the destination continues to operate normally."

While every museum holds its own appeal, one in particular stands out: the Napoleonic Museum. It houses a extraordinary collection of artifacts associated with the legendary military genius and first emperor of France.

Located in the central province of Cienfuegos, the Martín Infierno cavern system continues to captivate visitors and specialists alike with its majestic stalactite and stalagmite formations—a subterranean journey that unveils the island's millennia-old geology.