Cuba

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike get their money's worth in the Valle de Viñales. The hikes through the green landscapes require a good level of fitness, but you will always be rewarded with marvellous views. Whether you are travelling on foot, by bike, mountain bike or on horseback - the green hills, tobacco, sugar cane and banana plantations as well as the imposing karst cliffs are something that everyone is likely to see. The numerous gorges amidst the rock formations, the Cueva Cabeza de la Vaca and the climbing garden at Mogote are particularly popular with climbers.

Havana, the capital of Cuba, is a place of contrasts. While the historic old town with the Plaza Vieja, the Plaza de la Catedral or the Capitol is magnificent and almost majestic, the nearby alleyways are often characterised by dust, noise and great decay. But it is precisely these extremes that characterise the image of this lively Cuban metropolis. The best way to see for yourself is to take a stroll through this historic city of two million people.

Things are a little more leisurely in Trinidad. The colourful colonial city is located on the south coast of Cuba and stands for pure joie de vivre. Almost every day, tourists and locals gather at the famous staircase by the Casa de la Musica to end the evening with original Cuban music and a glass of mojito. During a relaxed stroll through the colourful alleyways, the Spanish buildings in the centre of Trinidad, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, are particularly striking.

Other worthwhile city trips in Cuba include Cienfuegos, the original capital Santiago de Cuba and Santa Clara, where the monumental mausoleum for the fallen of the communist revolution and Ché Guevara's grave are located.