Honeymoon like Royalty in Cuba. Cuba might not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about romantic honeymoon destinations. But there is a reason Prince Harry and Meghan Markle honeymooned in Cuba: this colourful, welcoming and exotic destination has all the ingredients for a romantic start to married life. It may not be a traditional luxury honeymoon destination, but the combination of history, culture, nature and beaches makes Cuba the ideal destination for newlyweds who want to combine exploration with relaxation.
In Cuba, newlyweds can relax on white sandy beaches, experience the vibrant local culture or visit one of the World Heritage Sites. A visit to the capital Havana is of course a must, but there are many other locations that are perfect to spend your honeymoon.
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Havana
Havana is a one-of-a-kind city. You come face to face with history at every corner in the countless different architectural styles and the somewhat ramshackle but enchanting appearances of the buildings. Havana has quaint Art-Deco theatres and of course the classic 1950s American cars you see in just about every photo taken in Cuba. The Cubans themselves are laid back and hospitable, making you feel right at home. Instead of staying in luxury resorts, it is recommended staying at a “casa particular” (typical Cuban B&B) in Havana. For couples with flexible hips and loose feet, a salsa lesson or two is a must. During breaks, you can enjoy a nice mojito, daiquiri or Cuba Libre.
Pinar del Río and Artemisa
If the noise and bustle of Havana gets a bit too much, you can spend some time in Pinar del Río and Artemisa. These provinces are quite close to the capital, but they have a completely different atmosphere. Here, you can escape the fast pace of life and enjoy the natural beauty of sights such as the Cordillera de Guaniguanico mountain range.
Varadero
The vast majority of Cuba’s beach resorts lie along the northern coast, which runs east from Havana all the way to Guardalavaca. Varadero is the perfect destination for lovers of the sun. It boasts the finest white sand beaches in South America and is home to a growing range of luxury hotels. Varadero does not have a vibrant nightlife, but it is the ideal location for romantic beach strolls by moonlight.
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Cienfuegos and Villa Clara
Culture lovers will enjoy Cienfuegos and Villa Clara. These small towns have several theatres and atmospheric cafes where you can spend a romantic time together. The area also has picturesque beaches and breathtaking landscapes, such as the Sierra del Escambray mountains.
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Preparing for your honeymoon in Cuba and applying for your visa
Organising a honeymoon to Cuba can be a bit trickier than for other destinations. You need to be flexible, and willing to improvise. Not everything works reliably in Cuba. If you rely on public transport, plan for delays; cars and buses regularly break down, schedules change and so on. Some people consider this part of Cuba’s rustic charm. The country and its people simply try to get by on their own pace. Cuba doesn’t have universal internet access and phones don’t always work, so make sure all your reservations are made before you depart for Cuba.
Preparing for your honeymoon in Cuba includes applying for your Cuba visa. To be able to use the Cuba visa, a number of conditions must be met. First, you cannot stay in Cuba for longer than 30 days. It is possible to extend the visa in Cuba, for a stay of up to 60 days in total. Furthermore, your passport must be valid for at least 7 more months from the day you arrive in Cuba.
This visa can be applied for at the Cuban embassy, but it is much easier to arrange this online. The Cuba visa is a paper document. When you receive the visa, you have to fill in the visa card yourself. Both the right and the left parts have to be filled in. This is because you have to hand in the right part upon arrival and the left part upon departure. As it is not necessary to mention the date of arrival on the visa card, the Cuba visa can be applied for as early as you like, for instance as soon as the wedding is planned.
