Consider visiting the French architecturally-inspired city of Cienfuegos on your Cuba holiday. Cienfuegos, on the southern coast of Cuba, is widely referred to as ‘The Pearl of the South’.
What can you do in Ceinfuegos?
Cienfuegos is a charming city. The most picturesque and charming part of the city is the UNESCO-protected historical centre and the main road down towards the port. Here, in the historical quarter, you can watch the locals going about their daily business or playing dominos under the shade of the trees in the Parque Jose Marti. There is also a beautiul colonial church and stunning colonial architecture, and in the evenings the port area becomes popular with locals who dine on fresh fish and sip Cuban beers as the sun sets; young teens are cavorting and diving off the platforms, while the elders of the community play and listen to the local musicians. This is a quintessentially Cuban port, where Cubans, and not many tourists, come to holiday.
Nearby, you can visit the botanical gardens, take a day trip to the historical site of the Bay of Pigs, or head out on a catamaran and relax in the waters.
Cienfuegos is the real Cuba.
Where to stay in Cienfuegos
It is all about location! There are a handful of hotels located around the port area where you will find resturants and enjoy pleasant evening walks. There are a couple of larger, decent enough options to rest your head and a couple of small converted mansions. All of the accommodation in Cienfuegos is simple, a little outdated and generally just somewhere to sleep after a day's exploring.
Why we love Cienfuegos
Visiting Cienfuegos on your Cuba Holiday is a great way to get an insight into traditional Cuba. It is a beautiful city with an interesting history; for those with an interest in history and exploring local beaches, then this is a good stop off.