A quarter of the island is mountainous, with flat, open land separating the mountain ranges, and two hundred rivers meander to the coast, irrigating the land as they go. Narrow inlets cut into the coastline, forming natural harbours for sailors and fishermen, and rocky coves and stunning beaches abound. With miles of idyllic, white sand beaches, it's easy to understand why Varadero, on the north coast, has become Cuba's holiday playground. Off the coastline, divers make a beeline for the many reefs near the shore, and there are over four thousand islands and coral cays, mostly uninhabited.

The population has grown rapidly over recent decades, and now numbers 11 million. Many of the young have moved to the cities, to escape the rigours of agricultural life, and more than one million have fled to Florida, often on makeshift rafts, in protest at the difficult economic conditions. However, despite economic hardships, health and education are in good shape, thanks to Castro's ideals. A quarter of the budget goes on education, every child over five goes to school, and children all spend some time working in the fields to bridge the social gap between manual and non-manual occupations. An excellent, free health system offers the lowest doctor to patient ratio in the world.

The climate has two seasons. It's hot, rainy and humid from May to October, with torrential showers and sunny spells, and dry and cooler from November to April. The coolest month is January, with temperatures down to 23°C, and the hottest temperatures of around 30°C come in July. December to March is the best time to visit. Hurricanes have caused massive damage over the years, and usually arrive between September and November. Thankfully, there's an excellent early warning system.

Cuban Holiday Destinations

Looking for holidays in Cuba? Our Cuban holiday destinations include Cuba