Page 136 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

134  CUBA REGION B Y REGION

Cuba at a Glance

The lovely palm-fringed beaches of Cuba, such as those at
Varadero and on Cayo Largo, are famous throughout the
world, and justly so. But the interior of the island also offers
a variety of unexpected experiences, from mountainous
scenery to marshland and freshwater lagoons. The towns
are full of interest, often with well-preserved architecture.
Cuba really has two capitals. Havana is monumental and
maritime, modern and colonial, and represents the most
European spirit of the country. The second, Santiago,
embodies the Caribbean soul of Cuba. For the purposes of Varadero (see pp166–7), known for
its clear sea, is a popular holiday
this guide, the island is divided into five regions – Havana, resort with sports centres and parks
Western Cuba, Central Cuba – West, Central Cuba – East and such as the Parque Josone.
Eastern Cuba. Each area is colour coded as shown here.

Havana Varadero
Mariel Matanzas
Sagua
WESTERN CUBA Batabanó la Grande
(see pp136–157) CENTRAL CUBA – WEST
(see pp158–181)
Jagüey Grande Cayo
Pinar del Río Golfo de Coco
Batabanó Playa Larga Santa
Isabel Rubio Clara Chambas
Cienfuegos
Nueva Gerona Sancti Ciego de
Spíritus
María Trinidad Ávila
La Gorda
Júcaro Nuevitas
Camagüey
Manatí
CENTRAL CUBA – EAST
(see pp182–211)
Las Tunas
The Valle de Viñales Santa Cruz Holguín
(see pp146–7) has del Sur
spectacular natural Moa
scenery with unique EASTERN CUBA
outcrops called Manzanillo Bayamo (see pp212–249) Baracoa
mogotes and many
cave formations. Guantánamo
The most significant Santiago
cave is the Cueva de Pilón de Cuba
Santo Tomás.

Trinidad (see pp186–94)
is a beautifully preserved
and restored city noted for
its colonial architecture.
The pastel-washed bell
Cayo Largo del tower of the former Iglesia
Sur (see pp156–7), a de San Francisco is the
small island with symbol of the city.
stunning white
sand beaches on
the shores of the
Caribbean Sea, is a
holiday paradise.
Looking over the tiled roofs of Trinidad

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