About the cities of Cuba

Wonderful !

Закинтос, остров в Греции 🇬🇷 #греция

Nueva Gerona, city, capital of Isla de la Juventud municipio especial (special municipality), western Cuba, located on Juventud Island just south of the Cuban mainland in the Caribbean Sea. The city is on the western bank of the Las Casas River about 6 miles (10 km) above its mouth on the north coast of the island.

For three centuries the island was the haunt of pirates of many nationalities, and it was not until 1830 that the city of Nueva Gerona was founded by Francisco Dionisio Vives. A museum and planetarium just south of the city contain archaeological exhibits of the island’s history.

The city and its harbour are the principal market and export centre for the agricultural products of the island: citrus fruits (grapefruit, oranges, tangerines), mangoes, melons, and other tropical fruits. Marble dimension stone and kaolin, used in the making of porcelain, are produced locally as well. Pop. (2002) 46,923; (2011 est.) 47,070.

Puerto Padre (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈpweɾto paðɾe]) is a municipality and town in the Las Tunas Province of Cuba. It is located on the northern coastal region of the province, in an estuary (Estero El Españolito) that opens into the Puerto Padre Bay.
History
Known popularly as the City of Mills, Puerto Padre has a history dating back into the 16th century. In the mid-19th century (1851), the city began its transformation from a small town into an industrial centre with the construction of its first sugarcane mill. The town played a large role in Cuba's wars of independence, and today is something of a tourist centre. The founders were Criollo (Creole) landowners of Castilian ancestry and Catalan merchants.

Columbus' arrival point theory
During the 2nd half of the 20th century a group of archaeologists brought forward a theory which disputes the current version of Columbus' landfall site. They claim that Puerto Padre bay was indeed the first spot in which Columbus landed in Cuba. The commonly accepted site is Bariay bay which is located further east in the province of Holguín. There are several sites which are disputed of being the first landing spot of Columbus and his crew: Puerto Padre and Manatí, both in the province of Las Tunas; and Gibara and Bariay in the province of Holguín).
Overview
The city is located at the bottom corner of the bay which bears the same name. At least two rivers lead into Puerto Padre Bay. The small islet of Cayo Juan Claro is located towards the eastern center side of the bay, the Puerto Carupano port is located in this islet which is connected to the mainland by a man-made road, a railroad connects the islet with the now defunct sugar factory in the nearby town of Delicias. The terrain is mainly formed of flat-land although the city itself seats on a small hill which rolls nicely into the sea. The immediate terrain nearby the town is swampy with a thick mangrove forest.
Prior to the 1959 revolution, the municipality was divided into the barrios of Chaparra, Delicias, Estrada Palma, La Lima, La Yaya, Los Alfonsos, Maniabón, Norte, San Manuel, Santa María, Sur, Vázquez, Vedado and Yarey. These toponyms are still in use today though the pre-1959 municipality's borders no longer include Delicias (Antonio Guiteras) or Chaparra (Jesús Menéndez), named for their respective sugar mills, which as of 2012 are no longer operational.

Cienfuegos
Cuba
Cienfuegos, city and port, central Cuba. One of the country’s chief ports, it stands on a broad, level peninsula opposite the narrow entrance to the sheltered Cienfuegos Bay on the Caribbean Sea.

The bay was visited by Christopher Columbus in 1494 but attracted no permanent settlement until 1738; the Castillo (castle) de Jagua fortress was completed in 1745 at the entrance to the bay as protection against pirates. The city was founded in 1819 as Fernandina de Jagua by French colonists. After it was destroyed by a storm in 1825, it was rebuilt and renamed in honour of a participant in its founding.

Cienfuegos is built on a rectangular pattern with wide streets, numerous parks and promenades, and attractive buildings. The historic city centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.

Cienfuegos serves as a trading centre for the fertile lands of southern Cuba, and it has become one of the country’s most prosperous and modern cities. A major part of Cuba’s shrimp-trawling industry operates out of Cienfuegos, and the port handles the bulk of the country’s sugar exports.
In addition to large quantities of sugarcane, the hinterland produces significant amounts of coffee, to***co, henequen, rice, fruit, and livestock. The main industries in the city are coffee- and to***co-processing plants, distilleries, and fish canneries. Cienfuegos also has a fertilizer factory and a thermoelectric plant. The area is the site of a Soviet-built oil refinery that closed in 1991 when Soviet support dried up following the collapse of the U.S.S.R. The refinery was renovated in the early 21st century with financial aid from the Venezuelan government, and it has the capacity to refine hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil daily. Cienfuegos is well served by railways, highways, and domestic airlines. Pop. (2002) 140,734; (2011 est.) 144,207.

Varadero, Cuba
Visit Varadero on your trip to Cuba and enjoy one of the best beaches in the Caribbean during your vacation
Varadero, located 36 km from the city of Matanzas, in the Península de Hicacos, is the closest point in Cuba to the United States.
With a length of about 30 kilometers, of which 22 kilometers are beaches, Varadero is considered, because of its perennial tropical light, its exotic and exuberant vegetation, and the quality of its waters, one of the main attractions for travelers from all over the world. Playa de Varadero (Varadero Beach) or Playa Azul (Blue Beach), a beautiful enclave of pink and white sand and crystal-clear water, is one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Undoubtedly, Playa de Varadero is the most beautiful beach in Cuba.

The tourist area of Varadero is somewhat different from the general Cuban style; it rather resembles the Californian summer resort areas and, to a lesser extent, the Canary Islands. The main chains have built luxurious all-inclusive hotels on the beach, equipped to satisfy any desire you may have. This makes this destination the ideal setting for those seeking a well-deserved rest where the beach, cocktails and nightlife dominate. But Varadero is much more than that, if you are looking to rest surrounded by exuberant and untouched nature, Cayo Blanco or the Cuevas de Bellamar (Bellamar Caves) are just what you are looking for.

In recent years, there has also been a proliferation of accommodation in casas particulares (private accommodation or houses), which allows you to enjoy a holiday in Cuba from a different point of view. You can experience life as the Cubans do, while enjoying a holiday in an idyllic environment.

Varadero started to become known in the 19th century, when Cuba's wealthiest families discovered its natural beauty and potential as a vacation spot. This potentiality was recognized in the 1950s by American tourists after the coup d'état led by Fulgencio Batista

The Best Places to See in Varadero, Cuba
Even during the winter months, a considerable number of visitors come to enjoy the wonders of this Cuban enclave, fleeing from the cold weather of different parts of the world, since the climate here is exceptional virtually all year round.

In addition to its incredible white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, which are considered among the best beaches in Cuba and the world, Varadero has many attractions that make it a very attractive destination for spending unforgettable days of relaxation and fun.

A good example is the Parque Josone (Josone Park), ideal for enjoying a relaxing day out with family, taking refuge on a sunny summer day and admiring a taste of the stunning local nature. There is also the amazing Mansión Xanadú, an elegant building with incredible views from the rooftop, which is also now a restaurant and hotel; the amazing Cuevas de Bellamar (Bellamar Caves), considered one of Cuba's best natural treasures; or the Cueva Saturno (Saturn Cave) and its amazing interior lagoon, which boasts enviable aquatic fauna.

Although some people talk about Varadero's lack of Cuban flavor and its scarce cultural life, the truth is that the city has some very enriching places to visit. A good example of this is the Fondo de Bienes Culturales (Fund of Cultural Assets) a division within the Ministry of Culture , where you will see the best visual works by local artists from Matanzas, as well as paintings by renowned Cuban painters such as Roberto Fabelo or Zaida del Río.

Another fascinating collection of art, history and archaeology can be found at the Museo Municipal (Municipal Museum), where you can discover the skeletal remains of one of the first settlers of the island of Cuba.

The Best Plans to Make in Varadero
This destination is famous for the diverse of activities it offers, especially water sports. It is an ideal place to practice diving or snorkeling, since it has an amazing sea bed with a lot of species all over the Varadero beach area. Multicolored fish, coral reefs and mollusks are some of the marvels you will find if you decide to explore the possibilities Varadero offers to the lovers of this sport.

Horseback riding or cycling are good ways to enjoy the idyllic surroundings of the area. They allow you to get to know the treasures that await you from a different perspective and one that is extremely respectful of the environment.

One of the best known events in the area is the golf tournament held at the Casa Club Campo de Golf (Golfing Country Club), which is attended by golf lovers from all corners of the world.
Another of the natural jewels of this area is the Zapata Peninsula, an exotic swamp area that today is one of the most outstanding natural reserves in the country. This reserve, along with Guamá, with its Aldea Taína (Taino Village), its Crocodile Farm and the Laguna del Tesoro (Lake) make up a getaway you can't miss.

One of the most fascinating caves that you can find in Varadero is the Cueva de los Musulmanes, in the Reserva Ecológica Varahicacos (Varahicacos Ecological Reserve), where there are prehistoric remains of the first inhabitants of the island. You will also find fascinating indigenous wall paintings in the Cueva Ambrosio (Ambrosio Cave). Although, without a doubt, the most fascinating caves are the Cuevas de Bellamar, in Matanzas, with its more than 20 kilometres of galleries, its impressive stalagmites and stalactites have become one of the most popular attractions in Cuba.
The Best Beaches in Varadero, Cuba
Varadero is one of Cuba's most internationally recognized destinations, largely because of its incredible fine sand beach and warm, crystal-clear waters, making it one of the best beaches in the world. The best known beach is Playa de Varadero, also known as Playa Azul, which is 20 kilometers long.

It also boasts an infinite number of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From exploring the local fauna, like unique starfish, to enjoying a quiet boat ride. Of course, if you are a scuba diving or snorkeling lover you can't miss the wonders that this beach possesses, namely its coral reefs or exotic colored fish.

Other beaches nearby are Playa Coral, a quiet beach with a spectacular sea bed formed by abundant corals; Playa La Caleta and Playa Calaveras.

Santiago de Cuba
Cuba
Santiago de Cuba, city, eastern Cuba. The second largest city in the country, it nestles in a valley of the Sierra Maestra that is pierced by a pouch-shaped bay on the Caribbean Sea. The bay’s entrance, cutting into high bluffs that rise from the sea, is nearly invisible offshore. The chief bluff, about 200 feet (60 metres) high, is El Morro, crowned by a colonial fortress, Morro Castle.

Santiago de Cuba was founded in 1514 by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, first governor of Cuba; it was moved a few miles to the present site in 1522. The settlement commanded a strategic location on the northern Caribbean in the early colonial period, and it served as the capital of Cuba until 1553. With its development as a fortified city, along with a shift of population toward the western end of the island, Santiago de Cuba lost its leading position to Havana. The conquistador Hernán Cortés was the first mayor of Santiago de Cuba, and it was from there that he set out in 1518 on the expedition that culminated in the conquest of Mexico.

Santiago de Cuba was a focal point of the Spanish-American War, and many reminders of that conflict are found in the area. Decisive engagements were fought near the city on the hills of El Viso (in the village of El Caney) and San Juan. The harbour was partially blocked by the scuttled collier Merrimac, and the principal naval action of the war was fought along the coast near the port on July 3, 1898.

On July 26, 1953, the revolutionary leader Fidel Castro led an attack against the Moncada Barracks in the city. The attack was repulsed by government troops, but the name the 26th of July Movement became attached to Castro’s cause. In 1956, after his release from prison, he led a small group of supporters back into the Sierra Maestra. Although they isolated the city from the rest of the island, it remained in government hands until Castro’s final victory in 1959. During the next two decades the city experienced a rapid growth of population and services.
Santiago de Cuba is the centre of an agricultural and mining region. The city exports copper, iron, manganese, sugar, and fruit, and it is the southern terminus of the country’s Central Highway and Cuba’s major railway. The University of Oriente (founded 1947), a medical school, a sports stadium, a cathedral, and several museums are located in the city, which is a cultural and tourism centre. The city has a multiethnic population and is home to the largest number of descendants of Africans in Cuba. It hosts one of the oldest and most authentic street carnivals in Latin America.
A short drive from Santiago de Cuba is Cobre, an old copper-mining town that houses Cuba’s most important shrine—dedicated to the Virgen de la Caridad (Virgin of Charity), proclaimed to be the protectress of Cuba. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors per year seeking blessings and healings. Pop. (2002) 423,392; (2011 est.) 425,851.

8 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TRINIDAD, CUBA: ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE PLACES IN THE WORLD
1. A Dance of Seduction
While many Latin dances are seductive, there’s none more so than the rumba. If you’ve seen skilled rumba dancers strutting their stuff, you will have noticed that much of the dance is in the hips, and it can in fact be quite saucy. A huge number of African slaves once called Trinidad home, and at one point in the late 18th century there were more than 30,000 of them. One of the key facts about Trinidad is that the rumba as we now know it evolved from dances that these slaves performed as part of a courtship ritual – a dance designed to seduce their intended partner.

2. Mountains of Rebels
Trinidad is surrounded by the Escambray Mountains, a beautiful low mountain range covered in lush foliage. Much of the mountains are a protected nature reserve, and the peaks around the town (as well as Trinidad itself) have in fact been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. Nowadays you could spend weeks happily hiking the mountains surrounding Trinidad, but these peaceful peaks were once home to much danger and turmoil. After Fidel Castro took control of Cuba in 1959, a number of insurgents opposed to his rule took to the hills. Many of these rebels sheltered in the mountains as they battled with the new Cuban government. The insurgency was ultimately unsuccessful, and defeat was declared in 1965.

3. Truly Sweet Facts About Trinidad
One of the most interesting facts about Trinidad is perhaps its sweet history. On the outskirts of the town you’ll find Valle de los Ingenios, or the Valley of the Sugar Mills. Trinidad was once the largest producer of sugar in the region, and there were more than 70 operational sugar mills in the area. They are no longer in operation, and in many instances only the ruins remain. The whole Valle de los Ingenios is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an unforgettable experience to take a tour of the mills and imagine how they once were, bustling with life as slaves and later, Cuban workers toiled around the clock.

4. An Outdoor Museum
Walking around Trinidad can feel like taking a stroll through an outdoor museum. The sugar industry in the town declined during the mid 19th century, reducing Trinidad’s importance as an industrial centre. Certain parts of the town fell into disrepair, although the beautiful homes on and around Plaza Mayor (the town’s central square) were lovingly maintained. Due to a lack of funds, and the fact that Trinidad was no longer seen as a major town, very few new buildings have been erected in the central town since then. Walking around the Plaza Mayor is an excellent showcase of the stunning colonial architecture – like taking a step back in time.

5. Happy 500!
Founded by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar in 1514, Trinidad recently celebrated its 500th anniversary. To commemorate this momentous event, many of the buildings in central Trinidad were updated and repaired, making them even more lovely than before. An interesting fact about Trinidad, and in particular the Plaza Mayor, is that many of the old homes are now in fact museums, and two more joined their ranks to celebrate hitting the big 500. While little has changed in the layout of Trinidad over the centuries, a scale model of the historic town allows visitors to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the town, taking in the landscape of the town before going outside and exploring for themselves. The scale model is located inside Casa Frias, just off the Plaza Mayor.

6. One of Seven
Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar was in fact an industrious settler of Cuba. Depending on your interpretation of history, he was either an explorer or a conqueror. Trinidad was just one of the seven cities in Cuba that were established by Spanish born Velázquez de Cuéllar. He first visited the Americas as a member of the second voyage of Christopher Columbus and was tasked with forming Cuba into a Spanish territory. He was instrumental in the capture and importation of African slaves, which when coupled with favourable growing conditions for sugarcane, means that he was largely responsible for Trinidad’s subsequent sugar industry.

7. Creole Influence
Nowhere is the African influence on Cuba more evident than in Trinidad, and the African and Latin cultures can best be explored with your stomach. The town has an abundance of delicious creole food, which is arguably more diversive than much of the fare on offer in the rest of the country. Trinidad’s proximity to the ocean means that succulent seafood is readily available, so try the swordfish at 1514 (restaurant, located at Simón Bolívar 515). For a more casual dining experience, try the local cuisine at Mesón del Regidor (Simón Bolívar 424) where Trinidadian musicians play as diners enjoy their food.

8. Discovering Ancon
While most of the town is unique, another interesting fact about Trinidad is the sand on its beach. While most beaches in Cuba feature that postcard perfect white sand, the sands of Ancon Beach are a beautiful yellow. This is mostly due to erosion from the Escambray Mountains and make the beach stand out from its Cuban counterparts. Bring a towel and relax in the sun, and then just wait for a vendor to walk past, offering a fresh coconut. The top of the coconut is hacked off with an impressively large knife and then you drink the sweet milk with a straw. There’s really no better way to relax.

Santa Clara
Cuba
Santa Clara, city, central Cuba. It lies at 367 feet (112 metres) above sea level amid hills of coral rock, about 30 miles (50 km) north-northwest of Sancti Spíritus.
Santa Clara was founded in 1689 by families fleeing constant pirate threats in coastal Remedios. It occupies the site of the ancient Indian town of Cubanacán, which, according to some authorities, Christopher Columbus mistook for the headquarters of the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan. Initially, the settlement depended on livestock raising and associated industries, but by the mid-20th century the city was flourishing on sugar and to***co. The Santa Clara Steel Combine makes finished steel products and parts. The Central University of Las Villas was founded in Santa Clara in 1952. The city is situated near the geographic centre of the island, on the country’s Central Highway, and is the junction point of Cuba’s main rail lines. Pop. (2002) 210,220; (2011 est.) 205,812.

incredible )

Чефалу – небольшая коммуна на северо-востоке провинции Палермо региона Сицилия, известная как морской курорт и один из самых красивых малых городов Италии. Чефалу расположен в живописном месте – на берегу Тирренского моря у подножия необычной отвесной скалы Рокка-ди-Чефалу. Древняя история, культура и ряд достопримечательностей делают этот приморский городок очень привлекательным для путешественников.

unbelievable )

Закат в Индонезии 🇮🇩 #индонезия

Top 10 Facts about Old Havana in Cuba
This city was founded in southern Cuba in 1514 but was moved to its current location next to what was called Puerto de Carenas. Old Havana was a busy trading port because of its natural bay.

It makes up one of the 15 municipalities in Havana. This is the second-highest populated city and is the core of Havana. Its walls are the current boundaries of Old Havana.

Havana is so full of life, colourful, bright and always graced with sunshine. All these good vibes are courtesy of the locals who are warm and friendly.

The other side of Old Havana is it is laid back and has so much to offer, historical buildings, street performers and charming streets.

Here are the top facts about Old Havana.

1. It more than 500 years old
Havana was founded by the Spanish in November 1519 along the natural harbour of the Bay of Havana. The Spanish would stop here whenever they travelled between the New World and the Old World.

It became a shipbuilding centre in the 17th century. This led to the construction of baroque and neoclassical styled buildings.

Unfortunately, most of the buildings got ruined in the 20th century. Some of the buildings have been restored. There are several buildings along the quaint narrow streets in Old Havana.

It is approximated that there are about 3,000 buildings in this part of town. The official centre of Old Havana is Plaza de Armas.

Different types of people passed through Old Havana such as explorers, entertainers, indigenous people and buccaneers.

2. The architecture in Old Havana is similar to that in Spain
Old Havana bears a resemblance to Cadiz and Tenerife in Spain. This is because the Spanish used the same architectural designs like those found in Spain.

These buildings were referred to as the columns since it has some ancient monuments, forts, convents, palaces and churches. The alleys and arcades are quite serene too.

The Cuban government has done extensive work in preserving and restoring the city. The renovation fully transformed Old Havana into a tourist attraction. This city is also known as Old Havana’s de facto Mayor.

3. The city is a UNESCO Heritage site
Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is defined by its Rumba riffs, quaint cobbled squares and streets, vintage cars, historic forts, museums, and beautifully restored architectural gems.

This historical city is accessible by foot and has several tourist attractions and colourful old buildings. The narrow lanes are picturesque, walking through them while mingling with the locals.

There are coffee shops at the plazas where the Cuban Baroque style meets Art Nouveau.

4. The French army burnt the city but the Spanish rebuilt it
In 1555, Old Havana was destroyed by Frenchman known as corsair Jacques de Sores. He had taken over the city by overpowering the defenders.

Jacques destroyed the city and burnt it down to the ground. He, unfortunately, did not get any treasures he hoped he would get before plundering.

He was overpowered and thrown away. The Spanish army was brought in to rebuild the city walls and protect them.

Construction of Castillo de la Real Fuerza began in 1558. This was the first fortress built and was supervised by engineer Bartolomé Sanchez.

Most of the buildings here are of baroque and neoclassical architectural designs. Its official centre is the Plaza de Armas.

5. Culture in Havana is diverse
Havana is a hub of a rich and diverse cultural environment. It is made up of the Spanish, Europeans, Africans and other native Indian tribes.

The original native Indian tribe that lived here was displaced during the first contact with the Spanish. Following the colonial years, a huge number of black slaves were brought from Africa.

After abolishing slavery in the 19th century, they moved to Havana where they mixed with White Spanish, Black ethnic groups, and the mulatto strains.

There is a park in Old Havana that is named in honour of John Lennon. Fidel Castro was a big fan of the Beatles, he also ensured that there is a life-size statue sitting on a bench in the park.

The statue’s glasses were stolen by vandals several times so that the management opted to not have them replaced.

6. There used to be walls that protected the city from invaders
After Jacques’s ruined the city, the Spanish brought their armies to repair the city. One addition to the city was the construction of walls to protect it from invaders.

As the city grew, the borders of Old Havan extended beyond the original walls. Since the southern and eastern were already stretched, the city was later expanded to the east through the construction of tunnels.

This led to the development of suburbs like La Habana del Este. There are other several broad avenues and boulevards across the city.

The Malecon is a beautiful boulevard that stretches to the southwest along the port entrance of Almendares river. The tunnel under the port connects to Miramar.

7. The city has beautiful historic buildings
The modern Havana is divided into three cities: Old Havana, Vedado, and the newer suburban districts.

Old Havana, just as its name suggests, is characterised by narrow streets and overhanging balconies. It was the traditional business central district where most of the city’s commerce and entertainment activities took place.

The city has residential areas too. Most of the buildings are historic and a true representation of the 16th and 19th architectural designs.

Old Havana covers 3 square miles not to add the harbour. The Spanish colonial structures, baroque churches and neoclassical styled buildings.

This part of the city is known for its lush parks and cobbled plazas. The locals love to hang out at Habanero, because of its trees and green spaces.

8. Vedado attracted many American tourists
Close to Old Havana is Vedado. Most of the buildings here were built in the 20th century. They are beautiful and attractive homes, modern tall apartments.

This part of the city is defined by modern office parks, wide avenues and tree-lined boulevards. There are several hotels in this part of town from luxury hotels to boutique hotels.

Several American tourists loved to frequent this part of town in the 1950s. It is also known as central Havana and it makes up the shopping district of Havana.

Some top attractions in this part of town are the Colon cemetery named after the explorer Christopher Columbus.

9. Plaza Vieja was used for military exercises
Plaza Vieja in Old Havana is a historical location. Several incarnations have taken place in this part of town. It is one of the most popular spots in Havana that attracts both locals and tourists.

The foundation of the Square was laid in the 16th century and was used for military exercises. It was later turned into a market place.

As the city developed fast and soon the plaza was turned into an underground car park. Havana’s people and the government worked on restoring the square, turning it into the popular gathering spot it is today.

There is a mix of both historical and baroque styled buildings. The square has a small 18th-century fountain. The highlight of this Square is the 18th century Casa del Conde Jaruco.

10. Callejon de Hamel has beautiful murals
For beautiful life-size murals, Callejon de Hamel is where to go. The homes and shops here have grand-sized murals on their walls.

On Sundays, you will find dancers from the Santeria faith dancing to rumba rhythms. For a true sense of Afro-Cuban culture, this alley is the place to go to. There are several cafés and shops selling art as well as live music sessions.