Santiago de Cuba is the capital of Cuba's southeastern Santiago de Cuba Province, facing a bay off the Caribbean Sea. Founded by the Spanish in 1515, it's known for colonial architecture and revolutionary history. The city's distinctive Afro-Cuban cultural influences are on display during July's Carnaval, a festival with drum-beating parades featuring colorful costumes and son dancing, a precursor to salsa.
Santiago de Cuba is a historical and cultural treasure. The city is often regarded as the root of the Cuban Revolution, and the many museums here retrace key events from this important period of Cuba's history.
Santiago de Cuba has its own international airport although only a few international flights land there. Holguin airport is the second closest international airport to Santiago de Cuba and has more regular international flights and a transfer time of approximately 2.5 hours.
Beaches
If you're staying for a few days in Santiago de Cuba, it is worth a swim and a sunbathe in any of the beaches of its Caribbean coast. Have a great day in the Cazonal Beach, considered the best public beach in the area.
Top sights
Castillo del Morro - Storied 17th-century coastal fortress
Cementerio de Santa Ifigenia - Sizable cemetery with notable graves
Céspedes Park - Lively plaza with colonial architecture
Museo de Historia 26 de Julio - Exhibits on Cuba's revolutionary history
Baconao - Reserve with dinosaur sculptures
Padre Pico Steps
