Camaguey

Camagüey, the third-largest city in Cuba, was originally founded in 1514 as Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe on the northern coast before being moved to its current inland location in 1528. The city is renowned for its extraordinary labyrinth of narrow, winding streets and irregular plazas, a layout deliberately designed to confuse pirates and facilitate defense during the 16th century. This unique urban configuration distinguishes Camagüey from the standard grid pattern typical of most Spanish colonial settlements in the Americas. The historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, featuring numerous ancient churches, Baroque facades, and welcoming interior courtyards. A signature symbol of the city is the "tinajón," a large clay pot originally used to collect rainwater, which can now be found throughout the city as a token of local heritage. Camagüey is also a prominent cultural hub, particularly famous for its professional ballet company and animated contemporary art scene. The surrounding province is traditionally the center of Cuba's cattle ranching industry, which significantly influences both the local economy and the region's culinary traditions.

Nearby cities

Havana

The capital of Cuba, known for its colonial architecture and vintage cars.

Santiago de Cuba

The second largest city in Cuba with rich Afro-Caribbean culture.

Holguin

Known as the 'City of Parks', surrounded by hills and mountains.

Cienfuegos

Known as the 'Pearl of the South', featuring French colonial architecture.

Trinidad

A well-preserved colonial town and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Viñales

A small town in the west known for its tobacco plantations.

Varadero

Popular resort town on the Hicacos Peninsula with beautiful sandy beaches.

Playa Ancón

Playa Ancón is widely considered the best beach on Cuba's southern coast, offering pristine white sands just a short distance from Trinidad.

Varahicacos Ecological Reserve

Varahicacos is an ecological reserve situated at the tip of the Varadero peninsula, protecting a remnant of the region's original coastal…

María la Gorda

An internationally acclaimed diving center situated at the westernmost tip of Cuba, offering rich biodiversity.

History & landmarks

El Cobre

El Cobre is a small mountain town known for its historic copper mines and the revered minor basilica housing Cuba's patron saint.

Topes de Collantes

A nature reserve park in the Escambray Mountains with waterfalls and trails.

Baconao Park

A large biosphere reserve featuring a prehistoric valley and museums.

Playa Paraíso

Beautiful beach on Cayo Largo del Sur with white sand.

Zapata Swamp

A large wetland area on the Zapata Peninsula, home to crocodiles.

Havana Club Rum Museum

A museum in Havana showcasing the history of Cuban rum.

Plaza de la Revolución

A huge public square in Havana known for political rallies.

Isle of Youth

The second largest Cuban island, known for its pine forests and beaches.

Nature

Leche Lagoon

The largest natural lake in Cuba, known for its milky appearance.

Cauto River

The longest river in Cuba, flowing through the eastern provinces.

More places

Gulf of Guacanayabo

The largest bay on the southern coast of Cuba, where the country's longest river, the Cauto River, flows.

Cayo Coco

An idyllic island known for its all-inclusive resorts.

Pico Turquino

The highest mountain in Cuba, located in the Sierra Maestra.

Che Guevara Mausoleum

Resting place of revolutionary leader Che Guevara in Santa Clara.

Escambray Mountains

A major mountain range in central Cuba with diverse plant life.

Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca

A well-preserved fortress in Santiago de Cuba designed to protect the bay.

Strait of Florida

The strait that separates Cuba from Florida and connects the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

Historic Baracoa

The oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba, located on the eastern tip.