Page 119 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

FUR THER AFIELD  117

that this area is also a popular
haunt of jineteros (see p292),
though in places security
guards have been drafted
in to deter them.
Arriving from central Havana,
the first beach is Bacuranao,
a peaceful spot and a favourite
with families. However, the
loveliest place on the riviera
is Santa María del Mar. It has
the best beach, lined with pine
The 17th-century fort at Cojímar and coconut trees, as well as
some hotels and sport facilities,
drink rum while listening to 9 Playas del Este and is therefore very popular
their stories. He made this Havana. with tourists. Guanabo is more
village the setting for his famous traditional, with small houses,
novel The Old Man and the Sea. Havana is one of the few cities restaurants and shops; at
In the small square named in the world to have sizable weekends this is the liveliest
after Hemingway there is a beaches only a 20-minute drive place along the coast when
monument featuring a bust of from the city centre. The Playas Habaneros arrive by the
the author – a faithful copy of del Este consist of a stretch of hundred. The Bajo de las
the one in El Floridita (see p76). about 10 km (6 miles) of fine Lavanderas, close to the
It is here thanks to the author’s sand and crystal-clear water, shore, is a delight for scuba
fishermen friends, who donated easy to reach via a good, fast and skin divers, and deep-sea
anchors, hooks and tools to pay road, with hotels, villages and fishing trips can be arranged
for the casting. tourist facilities. The beaches at the Marlin Punto Náutico
Nearby, on the seafront, is a can offer a good compromise kiosks on the beaches.
small fort, which was built as for people who want to spend A small island, Mi Cayito,
the easternmost defence point some of their holiday at the lies at the mouth of the Itabo
of Havana in 1646. It was seaside during their visit to river. There are fine views
designed by Giovanni Bautista Havana. Bear in mind, however, from Mirador Bellomonte.
Antonelli, architect of the
Castillo del Morro (see p114).
Cojímar is also the home of
Hemingway’s favourite restau-
rant, La Terraza (see p272). It
makes much of its connection
with the author, and photos of
him adorn the walls. However,
the restaurant is as elegant
and well-run as it was during
Hemingway’s time. The cocktail
lounge has a splendid wooden
bar and is an ideal spot to
enjoy a drink. One of the Playas del Este beaches popular with Havana residents
Playas del Este 0 kilometres 1.5 Key
Playa 0 miles 1.5 Major road
Tarará Playa El Mégano
Mirador
Playa Santa María del Mar Bellomonte Marina
Playa Boca Ciega
Mi Cayito Veneciana
Playa Guanabo

Havana
Via Blanca
Itabo
Via Blanca
Barreras
Minas Campo Florido

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