CubaPLUS Magazine

Known as "The Beautiful City by the Sea" and "The Pearl of the South," Cienfuegos is a colorful, clean, and maritime city, perfect for tourism. It stands as a benchmark in the south-central portion of the island of Cuba, recognized for its scenic beauty and rich cultural traditions.

As a point of curiosity, the famous Cuban singer Benny Moré (1919-1963) was born precisely in this province, where his song "Cienfuegos is the city I like the most" still resonates. It appears that many more people, not only from Cuba but also from other latitudes, share this sentiment.

Its historic center, elegant and well-preserved, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. It was recognized as the first case in Latin America that, in the early 19th century, introduced ideas of modernity, hygiene, and order in urban planning.

The city, founded in 1819 by French settlers led by Louis De Clouet, boasts interesting Neoclassical buildings, among which the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the College of San Lorenzo, the City Hall, and the Tomás Terry Theater stand out. Also notable for their architecture are the House of the Lions and the palaces of Ferrer, Blanco, and Goitizolo.

Cienfuegos is the capital city of the province of the same name, covering 4,180 square kilometers and featuring a deep-water bay, as well as a mountainous area near the city.

In the region, recreational boating, ecotourism, and adventure tourism—which authorities are actively promoting—are popular. These activities already have many followers, with beautiful spots for diving, especially in the Guajimico area.

Located approximately 254 km east of Havana, this area accumulates beauty that positions it among prominent destinations for various types of travel, particularly for active relaxation.

Tourism Future

But Cienfuegos is, above all, a modern city with a tourism development plan through 2030. Its primary objective, as stated by its directors, is to transform the territory into an integrated and strengthened recreational destination.

To achieve this, plans are in place for the Rancho Luna-Punta La Milpa region with projections up to 2027, and Punta Barrera and Playa Inglés-La Tatagua until 2028.

The list of sites to visit is extensive, but in a brief summary, one can mention the Bay of Cienfuegos, Martín Infierno Cave, and the Tomás Acea and Reina cemeteries. Adding to the list are the Botanical Garden, Rancho Luna Beach, the fortress of Our Lady of the Angels of Jagua, the Valle Palace, and the Naval History Museum, among others, in one of Cuba's most beautiful cities, which continues its upward trajectory.