Santiago De Cuba is often overlooked by travellers of Cuba, with tourists flocking to explore the capital of Havana instead. While Havana is absolutely worth the visit, Cuba’s second-largest city (and former capital) deserves a share of the spotlight for its spectacular history and culture.
We’ve rounded up a few of the reasons why Santiago De Cuba should be on your must visit list:
1. Its rich history
Did you know that Santiago De Cuba plays a huge role in Cuban history? It’s the place where Fidel Castro launched his rebel movement which later became the Cuban Revolution, where almost every traditional Cuban music genre was birthed (more on this later), where José Marty was buried, and where Don Facundo Bacardí invented and developed his now world-famous rum brand? That’s a whole lot of history for one city.
Founded in 1514 by Diego Velázquez de Cuellar (the first governor of Cuba) Santiago De Cuba features significant spaces that have witnessed important historical events since the times of the Spanish colonisation, which are reflected in preserved landmarks, architecture, art, and more. Located next to the popular Cespedes Park is the Museum of the Historical Cuban Atmosphere, where history buffs can learn about the city’s past.
The Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca Castle, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is a notable 17th-century landmark worth visiting while you’re here. Also known as Castle of Morro, this fascinating fortress boasts ornate architecture by famous Giovanni Battista Antonelli, a museum with five exhibition halls inside the main building, and magnificent views over the Bay of Santiago.
Travel back to The Cuban Revolution when you visit the Plaza de la Revolution Square or the Frank and Josué House Museum, where facts and exhibitions surrounding this period can be learned. Or, if you’re interested in the religion side of things, there are plenty of beautiful churches and temples to admire across the city, including the Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Cathedral and the Iglesia de San Francisco Church.
A wander through the historical centre (casco historico) highlights the essence of this Caribbean city. Its cobbled streets are bursting with life, music, dancing, architecture, and stories of times gone by.
2. The music
This atmospheric city certainly brings the noise. Crowned as one of the most Caribbean influenced parts of Cuba, its African roots encourage laid-back vibes, music, rhythm, and a spirituality that shines through and captures the heart and souls of residents and visitors alike. Pretty much every single traditional Cuban music genre was born in Santiago De Cuba, from salsa to son, plus a unique colonial-era style of drumming (which arose from Afro-Haitian culture) called Tumba Francesca – which has UNESCO heritage status and is performed only by a small number of groups.
Ramble the colourful streets at your leisure and you’ll hear music pulsating from open windows and musicians cheerfully playing on street corners, encouraging passers-by to bust a move to the hypnotic beats – or even get involved in the action! Play an instrument? You’ll soon learn that it’s totally normal to jump in with the musicians and play along – so feel free to fully immerse yourself.
Live music venues are also a fantastic way to soak up the Caribbean atmosphere and enjoy traditional Cuban music and dancing. Casa de la Trova and Casa de las Tradiciones are among the top places to head to for local band performances and late-night dancing with a backdrop of the historical centre.
A perfect example of the region’s music scene can be experienced at the famous Santiago De Cuba festival, a national holiday held every July 26th.
3. Plenty to explore
If you’re the sightseeing type, there’s plenty to discover in this diverse city besides its obvious, awe-inspiring architecture. Natural beauty is in abundance here, with lush pockets of green and pretty flora and fauna to admire that contrast with the beige colonial style streets – perfect for mixing up your itinerary.
If you have a sense of adventure, Gran Piedra (Jardin Botanico) is an absolute must. Grab your walking shoes and begin the challenging hike up to this volcanic rock’s highest peak at over 1200m, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city below. The main route starts from the main coastal road in Parque Baconao, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve fringed by cloaked mountains, scenic trails, and sandy beaches. Similarly, Gran Parque Natural Baconao is another beautiful corner of countryside you should visit, approximately 40 minutes from the exciting city.
Another mesmerising place to visit is The Pico Turquino National Park, set within the Sierra Maestra Mountain Range which runs along southeastern Cuba. Home to the highest mountain in Cuba, Pico Turquino (1,974m tall), thrill-seekers can venture to this vast, remote park to meander the dense forests, scenic terrain, and hike the tall peaks – passing several rural communities as you go. Nature enthusiasts can spot up to 100 species of endemic plants here, such as orchids, ferns, bromeliads and beyond – and if you squint, you might even spot the smallest bird in the world – the bee hummingbird.
4. The neighbourhoods
Santiago De Cuba has a handful of idyllic neighbourhoods that are well worth visiting, the most beguiling (in our opinion) being Barrio el Tivoli. This quiet, hilly neighbourhood located in the heart of the city is fringed by old wooden houses, postcard-worthy staircases, and a whole heap of charm. Stroll through the cobbled streets and you’ll feel as though you’re a character in a movie, passing kids playing cheerfully and old men sat all-hours of the day playing dominoes on the steps.
The famous Padre Pico steps are almost a century old and lead to the Tivoli neighbourhood and Museo de la Lucha Clandestina (Museum of the Underground Struggle), should you wish to frequent it for an hour or so and learn of the November 1956 attack on this former police headquarters.
Just south of Parque Céspedes, this is the type of place you can wander for hours and soak up its spirit.
5. The Rum
Now, we’re not suggesting that anyone visits this city for the rum alone (although there’ll be zero judgement if you do), but we certainly believe it to be a contributing factor. As previously mentioned, Santiago De Cuba plays host to the original Bacardi factory, founded in 1862, and it happens to be one of the oldest and most popular in the city.
The factory itself bottles up a whopping nine million litres of rum per year, 70% of which is exported. Be sure to visit Barrita de Ron, a tourist bar attached to the factory for tastings.
You can also visit the museum, where you’ll not only learn about the history and culture of the drink but can browse a collection of vintage weapons and artifacts from the Bacardí family’s travels, too.
So, if traditional music that lifts the soul, rich history, naturally beautiful spaces, and a dash of rum sounds like a holiday to you, get in touch with our travel specialists at Love Cuba to plan your Santiago De Cuba stay, today.
Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist. Click here for more info on Cuba holidays, Multi Centre Cuba Holidays or Tailor Made Cuba Holidays please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba holiday specialists on 0207 071 3636 or email enquiries@lovecuba.com
