The Cuban archipelago, full of natural attractions for tourism, complements its leisure options with elements related to the traditions, culture and history of the country.

In this sense, architecture and traditions are combined thus providing added value to the recreational sun and beach options.

The privileged geographical position of the island, in the center of the Caribbean Sea and of the most important marine routes, led to the need of developing a large network of defensive fortifications.

This situation brought about the royal order to build a fortress system capable of protecting the interests of the crown, and dissuading attackers from invading the island, mainly its capital city.

In this environment, the Santa Dorotea de la Luna de la Chorrera Fort, currently known as Torreón de la Chorrera and founded in 1646, stands out.

Meanwhile, in the eastern area of the country, in the city of Santiago de Cuba, the first capital city of Cuba from 1515 to 1607, the San Pedro de la Roca Castle –also known as the Santiago de Cuba’s Morro- was built in order to compose a defensive system but, of minimal impact since the construction took dozens of years to be completed.

In the western province of Matanzas, the San Severino Castle stands out; it is the oldest construction in the territory and it housed the command headquarters of the city’s defense system.

In addition, elements of history and culture complement the tourism in the main Cuban cities, in which the country’s capital, with an attractive historic heart, stands out as the most important leisure destination in the island.

Havana’s historic heart preserves numerous museums, churches, cultural institutions and constructions dating back to colonial times, including 33,000 buildings which were constructed during the 18th and the 19th centuries.

Traditional tourist options have been lately complemented by environment-oriented options, including programs offering actual adventures for those who bet on the island.

The mountain ecosystems also contribute to the dynamic growth of the sector, and many options already comprise tours and stays in these areas.

The Ancón peninsula, in the central area of Cuba, has the best Cuban beaches of the southern coast, with a sea bottom of steep relief and abundant presence of black coral.

Meanwhile, Santa María key, in Villa Clara, comprises in nearly 13 kilometers of wide sand strips and almost virgin beaches, leisure options for the most demanding tastes.