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Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba

Few cities in the world boast a more bustling and exhilarating ambience than sultry Santiago de Cuba. This colourful, cultural and charismatic city is one of the most rhythmic regions in the world with everything moving to a lively salsa beat. Between the Sierra Maestro Mountain Range and the picturesque Caribbean - this city prides itself on exquisite beauty, urban charm and a vivacious atmosphere that will get you moving to a whole new world of music.

Not only does this city boast a whole lot of culture and charm but combined with its spectacular scenery and intriguing history - Santiago is the city that will captivate you from the moment you arrive.

The history of Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba was founded by the Spanish Conquistador Diego Velàsquez de Cuèllar in the July of 1515. At the time it was the fifth village founded by the same man, but tragedy shook the settlement the following year when Santiago was burnt to the ground. The city was soon rebuilt and experienced a flood of British and French immigrants which continued to contribute to Santiago’s eclectic mix of cultures.

While the city’s development is something to note, the importance of Santiago in Cuba’s revolution cannot be ignored. The city served as the backdrop for a number of battles and triumphs including the collaboration of Paìs and Castro, in their efforts to over throw the government and on the 1st of January in 1959 Castro took the stage and proclaimed the victory of the Cuban Revolution from the balcony of Santiago de Cuba’s city hall.

Accomodation in Santiago de Cuba

The city may be alive with energy and charisma but there is no shortage of relaxing accommodations to call home while you enjoy a once in a lifetime vacation. So whether you want to be in the middle of the excitement, or would prefer a coastal resort with shimmering pools and luxurious amenities then this is the ideal place for you. With a variety of hotels, backpacking lodges, resorts and homestay bed and breakfasts - Santiago will make sure you feel right at home in Cuba’s spectacular city.

What to do and see in Santiago de Cuba

This vibrant city is always on the move so make sure you have plenty of energy to sustain you for an experience that you will never forget. If you want to discover the history of the city in the number of museums, then be sure to visit the Diego Velàzquez Museum, as well as the Emilio Bacardi Moreau Museum and the many other monuments and landmarks which are spread throughout the city.

While the history of the region is extremely intriguing, the natural beauty of the region is quite simply exquisite. With the Sierra Maestro Mountain Range on the one side and the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean on the other, this city is the perfect destination for land and sea lovers. If you are looking forward to basking in the Cuban sun with the waves lapping onto the shore, or you would rather be working up a sweat hiking up into the hills - there is undeniably a destination that will enchant you. For those of you who would like to combine history with nature, then why not enjoy a climb up the hill to view the Monumento al Cimarron and embrace the wonderful views at your fingertips.

When history, nature and culture combine so seamlessly, there is bound to be an endless number of opportunities for adventure, and in Santiago these are simply amplified when the sun sets. The city is alive with lively night clubs, trendy bars and eclectic restaurants, making you feel revitalised by the sheer abundance of energy colouring the night skies.