CubaPLUS Magazine

It has been years since I first visited this beach, yet the image remains vivid in my mind. The sight of its fine, jet-black sand is truly breathtaking, especially for those encountering such a phenomenon for the first time.

Cuba’s magnificent Varadero beach has once again secured its place among the Caribbean’s top coastal destinations, according to the annual rankings by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel platform.

There is an old adage that says: "To each their own colors, and for colors, the flowers." I would venture a modification: to each their own beaches, and for beaches, Sirena—for in the eyes of the many travelers who have graced its shores, it is undeniably one of Cuba’s most extraordinary coastal wonders.

Nestled in the iconic Cayo Largo del Sur, a hallmark of Cuban tourism, Playa Paraíso truly lives up to its name. Its powdery white sands and translucent turquoise waters—which remain pleasantly warm even during the winter months—combined with an atmosphere of profound seclusion, make this beach a singular destination. This spectacular stretch of coastline is a favorite among travelers visiting Cayo Largo, offering the perfect setting for an idyllic day in calm, shallow waters. Just one kilometer away lies the small islet of Cayo de los Monos, a distance easily covered by experienced swimmers. The islet serves as an excellent spot for water sports, particularly snorkeling, amidst its pristine surroundings.

While global travel offers a diverse array of categories—ranging from nature and culture to history, sports, adventure, and gastronomy—the "Sun and Beach" segment remains one of the most consistently popular among international travelers, particularly in Caribbean destinations. Cuba stands out as a premier Sun and Beach destination within the region. Beyond its near-perpetual summer climate, with average temperatures hovering between 26 and 28°C (79–82°F), the island boasts one of the most extensive coastlines in the Caribbean.

Cuba is currently at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through pioneering projects spearheaded by the University of Camagüey (UC). These programs, which include strategic international partnerships with Hebei University in China, have now expanded into an unprecedented editorial project designed for children.

The National Museum of Fine Arts of Cuba (MNBA) invites the public to discover the oldest artifacts in its collection—true masterpieces that bridge the gap between modern audiences and the millennia-old history of humanity.

The largest solo exhibition by virtuoso Cuban artist Roberto Fabelo, titled Medula (Marrow), is one of the highlights of the Cuban Art Building at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Havana.

Soroa, a highly sought-after destination for nature lovers visiting Cuba, is one of those places that captivates through its natural wonders. Chief among them is the Orchidarium, a Botanical Garden of national significance located in the municipality of Candelaria, in the western province of Artemisa.

The Organizing Committee of the premier global event for Cuban cigars has announced the postponement of the XXVI Habanos Festival, which was originally scheduled to take place from February 23 to 27. According to the official statement, the decision to postpone this upcoming edition aims to uphold the highest standards of quality, excellence, and premium experience for which the international event is renowned. This measure reflects a commitment to providing participants with an optimal environment for the full development of all activities, presentations, and networking opportunities that define this prestigious gathering.

Love and Friendship Day—more widely known around the world as Valentine's Day—has become a near-mandatory celebration. After all, who doesn't have a partner or a dear friend to toast to? One could argue it is practically impossible not to. In Cuba, these festivities are held in such high regard they are considered almost "sacred," making February 14 one of the most eagerly anticipated days of the year. Historical records show that Valentine’s Day has been celebrated in Cuba since February 14, 1841. On that day, the Tacón Theater (now the Gran Teatro de La Habana “Alicia Alonso”) premiered the contradanza “La Valentina” by Tomás Buelta y Flores.

Canadian hotel group Blue Diamond Resorts has issued an official statement emphasizing that “Cuba remains open to the world, welcoming those who choose the island for its beaches, its culture, and above all, its people.” Amid the country’s current circumstances and as part of a national operational realignment, certain hotel facilities have been temporarily closed to consolidate operations within properties that remain open and fully functional, the document explains.

Standing today as a significant tourist and photographic draw, Cuba’s Spanish colonial cannons are meticulously preserved, particularly in the island’s capital, Havana. These pieces constitute an open-air museum that remains remarkably relevant. Indeed, following a long-standing tradition, one of these cannons is fired every night at 9:00 PM local time from the La Cabaña Fortress, much to the delight of the crowds of tourists who gather for the ceremony.

Chinese New Year holds a singular significance in Cuba today, rooted in the island’s profound history of Chinese migration—a legacy that invariably carries a notable impact on tourism.

"One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences" is the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) official slogan for 2026, a campaign designed to project a message of regional unity and safety amidst global challenges.

The 2026 Havana International Book Fair, which was set to feature Russia as the Guest of Honor, has been postponed due to the challenging situation currently facing Cuba, announced the island’s Minister of Culture, Alpidio Alonso.

Located on the well-known Paseo del Prado avenue, the Gran Teatro de La Habana “Alicia Alonso” stands as an undisputed bastion of the country’s arts—not only because it is one of the oldest and most emblematic theaters in Latin America, but also because its history is closely tied to the cultural evolution of the capital and to the development of the national ballet.

In 2025, Canada retained its position as the leading source of tourists to Cuba, with 754,010 visitors, reflecting an 87.6% increase compared to 2024, according to statistics from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI). Despite the decline in Canadian vacationers, the North American market continued to lead, followed by the Cuban community abroad, which contributed 228,091 visitors, representing 77.4% of the total for 2024.

Approaching its 12th anniversary, the Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) remains one of Havana’s — and arguably the country’s — most appealing cultural centers, bringing together a wide range of cultural expressions suitable for all generations.

A work of collective artistry and a symbol of distilling expertise, the newly redesigned Havana Club Selección de Maestros bottle was officially unveiled this Friday by company executives.