Varadero

Some of the best snorkeling in the area is to be had at Coral Beach (some 20km west of Varadero), where the underwater world stuns with color and variety. Diving would require you to take about an hour-long boat trip out to one of the many sites around the peninsula. Some reputable local dive centers include: Barracuda Dive Center Retiro Josone, calle 59 y Playa in Varadero (near Arenas Blancas Hotel) +53 45 613481 Acua Diving Center Ave. Kawama 201 (between 2 and 3 Street from Varadero, near Kawama Hotel) +53 45 668063

One of the areas central to Varadero's town life, the recently re-discovered Parque Central (bordering on another park - Parque de las Taquilas) is perfectly fit for a refreshing stroll through the greenery in the peak of tropical Cuban heat. Nearby lies the small colonial-era church Iglesia de Santa Elvira.

Those interested in learning more about the production process of Cuba's iconic liquor are more than welcome to join a tour of Varadero's House of Rum, during which visitors will get the chance to savour the iconic drink in its many varieties - from the classic dark and light to chocolate and vanilla-flavoured types.

Mansion Xanadu is a refined hotel that sits next to a vast, 18-hole golf course. The building itself was once commissioned by a moneyed American entrepreneur, who ordered it be built with the use of top-notch quality materials, such as marble. The mansion was later expropriated by the government, only to become known as the single lavish, Spanish colonial-style hotel in the area.