Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba is the second largest town of Cuba. It was founded in 1514 by the conquistador spanish Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, it was the first capital city on the island.

Santiago de Cuba has a central role under the politico-military point of view. In the past it was often attacked by the pirates, this is why a well-appointed port and many fortifications were built. Castello of San Pedro de la Roca is one of the most beautiful of these fortresses, it is now in the UNESCO's List of World Heritage Site.

The city shows several architectonical styles, as the Castillo del Morro, another World Heritage Site of UNESCO, the colonial-era house of Parque Céspendes, in the suggestive historical centre, and the beautiful  Basílica Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre, it is the holiest pilgrimage site on Cuba.

Not so far from the city you will find the suggestive and enchanting Baconao Biosphere Reserve, where it is possible to admire the old coffee plantations.

Santiago de Cuba is also well known to be the cradle of son and guaguancó, some musical genres.

Santiago de Cuba will also fascinate you with its beautiful beaches, as Playa Cazonal, characterized by warm crystal clear water and a lush vegetation, that offers many shady sites; Playa Caletón Blanco, a white sandy beach and Playa Siboney.