Finding a holiday destination that suits the whole family is no easy feat, especially when, as parents, you’re seeking culture and cuisine, while the youngsters want fun beach activities, water sports, and a resort packed with entertainment – so they can escape mum and dad for an hour or two! It may not be the first destination that springs to mind, but family-friendly holidays in Cuba are a total crowd-pleaser when it comes to catering to those with different tastes.
Think about it, you’ve got the capital of Havana – steeped in rich history, its cobbled streets are an urban paradise lined with classic Cadillac’s every colour of the rainbow, fascinating architecture, famous squares, plus a clutch of traditional rum bars and cigar shops. While on the other hand, the beautiful white beaches of Varadero offer a tropical slice of this Caribbean Isle, with translucent waters full of exotic fish, spectacular beachfront hotels, and lazy swaying palms.
If you need any more persuasion (yeah, right) we’ve rounded up a few reasons why we think Cuba is one of the best destinations for family holidays below…
Family-friendly holidays in Cuba: Safety
We’ve spent the last 18 months wondering if, and when, we’ll ever feel our toes sink into the soft sands of the Caribbean again. Since Coronavirus first hit, many holiday dreams were cancelled or cut unexpectedly short – but there is finally light at the end of the tunnel and with all things considered, Cuba is coming up trumps as one of the safest holiday destinations to escape to this year. Hailed for having managed the pandemic far better than other Latin American and Caribbean neighbours, Cuba is officially a coronavirus-free zone and continues to closely monitor the situation – so much so that this pocket-sized nation has even gone to the lengths of developing its own vaccine! Pandemic aside, this socialist country is also crowned for having one of the lowest crime rates in the world with very little destitution, meaning you can whisk off to this sunshine isle with total confidence.
Discover more about Cuba’s safety.
Family-friendly holidays in Cuba: Hotels
You’ll have no trouble finding somewhere to stay during your holiday, since Cuba has a clutch of spectacular hotels and beachfront resorts fit for the whole family. You’ll feel as though you’ve touched down in heaven when you check into the isle’s all-inclusive hotels which sprawl along the powdery sand, with Iberostar Selection Varadero being a firm favourite. This 4-star pad features three spectacular swimming pools, the main one complete with a swim up bar (fantastic for little splashers who need a refreshment or when Pina Colada o’clock hits for thirsty parents!), five stunning restaurants, a kids Star Camp, opulent guest rooms, plus a host of sporting activities fit for all ages – from salsa dancing to kayaking – all surrounded by thick tropical greenery. We’ve highlighted a few of our favourite hotels below, so you can snap up the one that best suits your squad:
We can’t discuss the best things to see and do in Cuba without mentioning the beaches, of course. And yes, they’re everything you imagine them to be – and then some! A tourist favourite is undoubtedly Varadero, with its powder-white sands stretching for 20km along a shallow strip of the Atlantic coastline. It’s lively, it’s a stone’s throw from a handful of the resort’s luxury hotels, and it has a host of activities the whole family will love – whether you want to snorkel, learn to scuba dive, or try your hand at kayaking. Nestled on the northern shore is Playa Jibacoa, a slightly more off-the-beaten-path stretch that looks as though it’s been dropped from a height in the middle of the scenic countryside, making it a great spot for nature lovers to sunbathe a while. Better still, if you head to the island of Cayo Coco you’ll find over 22km of blissful beaches to roam, with everything from soft sands to exotic mangroves to discover – so there’s sure to be a stretch of sand for everyone.
We’ve listed some of our favourite beaches in Cuba if you’re seeking beach inspo.
Family-friendly holidays in Cuba: They’re Educational
You may be wondering what we mean by this, but a holiday to Cuba is unlike a flight and flop to those close-to-home destinations such as Spain. There’s a completely different way of life waiting to be discovered here, one where tradition takes centre stage above everything else.
Cuba’s deep-rooted culture can be witnessed in every direction you look, from its laid-back approach to, well, life in general (nothing is rushed here) to its educational system that teaches youngsters about local culture and how their generation can – and should – maintain it. As a small nation, Cuban’s have always had a knack for clubbing together and simply making things work, so you’re highly likely to see the local doctor using his car as a taxi to make some extra cash, neighbours sharing food, or strangers lending one another a helping hand. It’s a spectacular place to visit with children, providing them with a whole new perspective to take home and perhaps implement into their daily life. Whatever your reasons for wanting to visit this unique destination, you can guarantee there’s something that every member of the family will enjoy here.
