Cuba, a Caribbean island imbued with timeless charm, will enchant you in more ways than one. Whether it’s the county’s idyllic beaches, colourful cities or intoxicating music scene, Cuba promises a one-off trip where past and present are harmoniously entwined.

The magic of Cuba’s cities, from Havana to Trinidad

The number one destination on any trip to Cuba, Havana, the island nation’s vibrant capital, is an alluring mosaic of cultures. Take a relaxing stroll along the Malecón, the sea-fronting promenade frequented by locals, where the rolling waves practically touch the period colonial buildings. Get willingly lost in the narrow streets of Habana Vieja, the capital’s historic centre inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, and marvel at its pretty-as-a-picture squares and exquisite baroque churches. But there’s far more to Cuba than its capital. Trinidad and Camagüey are open-air museums for colonial architecture. Meanwhile Santiago de Cuba, where the Cuban Revolution first went down, beats to its own Cuban drum: in its streets and bars, music is everywhere you go, beckoning you in to dance a salsa cubana to its furious tempo.

Idyllic beaches, hikes galore and spectacular landscapes

The white sand beaches in Cuba rank among the most stunning in the world. Caya Largo del Sur is a paradise for both active water-sports enthusiasts or less active sun worshippers with its turquoise waters and pink flamingos. Yet Cuba boasts an array of other natural beauty spots that will take your breath away, not least the Viñales Valley, famed for its mogotes, rock formations unlike any other on the planet, and its tobacco plantations. On the Guanahacabibes Peninsula and around Cienfuegos, explore the Cuban nature reserves to get a full immersion in the island’s rich biodiversity. Not far from Trinidad, the Escambray Mountains harbour caves, falls and low mountains, perfect for hiking in cool air and making unforgettable memories in the province of Sancti Spiritus.