 Despite its being one of the last remaining Communist countries, visitors to Cuba are greeted with salsa beats, exotic food and a carnival atmosphere. It is a true assault on the senses.
Cuba is still experiencing a dramatic transformation since it first opened its doors to tourists after almost 30 years of isolation. Most significant are the ever-growing choices of resorts and hotels that are opening in towns throughout the country. The best hotels can be found in Havana, Trinidad, Cayo Coco and at the beach resort of Varadero. In general, the hotels are clean, well-designed and efficiently managed. There are a number of higher ranked hotels opening up that offer luxury, top-quality service and a wide range of facilities. In addition, internal flights have helped to open up what were once inaccessible corners of the country.
 Much of the island's striking natural beauty is still left undiscovered; although eco-tourism is on the rise and tours to the mountains, national parks and surrounding countryside are getting increasingly popular. For sea-lovers, you will find crystal clear waters lapping up the golden sandy beaches of Varadero as well as the popular islands of Cayos Largo and Coco. If you enjoy fishing, you will find blue marlin and barracuda available to catch, while for divers there are wrecks to be explored along with reefs, fish and other fascinating sea life. For those who prefer to stay on the surface, there are ample chances to swim with dolphins, the more popular venue being at Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park. The tobacco-growing area of Viñales are fascinating to visit while the rugged mountainous area of Sierra Maestra will ensure dramatic photo and climbing opportunities.
 Cuba's rich history can be seen in the impressive colonial architecture found in major towns such as Havana and Santiago de Cuba. The cultural heritage has been kept alive, despite the often oppressive aspects of Communism. It is a fascinating country to visit with a wholly cosmopolitan attitude and locals who, despite all of the odds, have a really positive outlook on life.
Weather
 Cuba has two clearly defined seasons; the dry season from November to April and the rainy season, from May until October. The island experiences a tropical trade-wind climate which is balanced by the surrounding waters. The temperature in the coastal areas is slightly cooler than it is inland, although the entire island experiences year-round good weather. The average annual temperature in Havana is 25 °C.
The coldest months of the year are January and February, which see an annual temperature of approximately 22°C. As this is better than many countries’ summers; the months of December and January are some of the busiest with regards to tourists, seeing many holiday makers from Europe and the US take advantage of this winter sun. On very rare occasions during the winter months, a cold air mass from the north shifts southward, giving north-eastern Cuba near-freezing temperatures. This is rarely seen, however, but you should be aware of it if you are thinking of visiting during winter.
 The warmest month of the year is usually July, which generally sees temperatures in excess of 28°C. Humidity during the summer months is generally less than would be expected for a tropical climate which is largely due to the sea breezes. This low humidity often makes the temperatures seem cooler than the actually are and also distorts the perceived strength of the sun. The summer sees the largest amount of rainfall, so bring your raincoats if you are thinking of travelling during this time.
History
 The first people to settle on the island of Cuba were an Amerindian tribe known as the Taíno and Ciboney. They lived here without interruption until Christopher Columbus sighted the island on 27 October 1492. It was not long before he had claimed it for Spain and Cuba became a Spanish colony, ruled by a Spanish governor in Havana.
A number of revolts were staged during the 19th century, but each one failed in their task to end Spanish rule. Tensions began to mount between Spain and the Untied States and this culminated in Spanish-American War which finally led to Spanish withdrawal from Cuba. Cuba gained independence in 1902.
 In the first half of the 20th century, American trade dominated the island, allowing it to develop, but also ensuring that the US had a strong influence over the country. In 1959, Fulgencio Batista, the country’s leader, was ousted by a revolutionary group led by Fidel Castro. This in turn led to Cuba's alliance with the Soviet Union and the transformation of Cuba into a declared socialist republic.
 Fidel Castro became Cuba’s Prime Minister in February 1959. He has managed to hold onto his power ever since, making him the world’s longest-ruling current head of government. He was a constitutional nationalist and his victory was generally welcomed both in Cuba and America. Throughout his first year in power, Castro carried out a number of popular measures such as land reform, nationalising public utilities and suppressing corruption.
Unbeknown to the general public, Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara, an Argentinean Marxist and one of Castro’s closest advisers, was gaining political respect and forming a close alliance with Castro’s brother, Raul. Together, Che and Raul managed to persuade Castro to side with the Communists and consequently with the Soviet Union. Guevara also managed to manipulate the Cuban Communist leader Blas Roca Calderío into working to gain control over the revolutionary government and winning Castro over. The Soviets were incredibly pleased with this news and promised unlimited aid if Castro declared himself and his country for Communism.
Although Castro himself had not changed his alliance, the US was being informed about the role of Guevara and the increasing relations between Castro and the Cuban Communists. The US became increasingly adverse towards Castro, leading him only further towards the Communists.
 In March 1960, the Soviet Union signed the first aid agreements with Cuba. The US was forced to make plans to remove Castro from power. Later on that year, a trade embargo was imposed which prompted Castro in May 1961 to declare Cuba a socialist republic. Guevara left Cuba in 1965 and was later executed by the Bolivian Army in La Higuera on 9 October 1967.
When the Soviet Union fell in 1991, Cuba felt the economic loss considerably. Castro’s popularity was severely tested and Cuba’s aid was cut. By the late 1990s, the situation had stabilised and Cuba began working at economic relations with most Latin American countries and had improved relations with the European Union. China emerged as a new source of aid and support and Cuba also found new allies in Venezuela and Bolivia.
On July 31 2006, Fidel Castro delegated many of his duties temporarily to his brother Raúl Castro. This was due to Castro recovering from surgery. He was, however, too ill to attend the nationwide commemoration of the 50th anniversary on 2 December 2006, which were also meant to be belated 80th birthday celebrations. This no-show has led to reports that he has terminal stomach cancer and is refusing treatment. Cuban officials have not commented on how serious his condition is.
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