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The largest Caribbean island is Cuba, which lies between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Its is relatively close to Key West, a situation that has resulted in numerous attempts by Cuban refugees to cross the water to enter the US.

Cuba’s climate is tropical, with a dry winter and rainy summer. Cuba has tree-covered mountains and broad flat valleys, lush tropical bays, beaches and caves. The rollicking city of Havana tugs at the soul of the tourist who craves nights of music and romance. The famous Tropicana Nightclub has been lighting up Havana nights since 1939, with famous artists like Nat King Cole stopping by to contribute to the cacophony. Its cabaret is the stuff of legend. Old Havana is riddled with historic buildings and museums. Outside the city one can hike to the remote Comandancia de la Plata, a spot in the Sierra Maestra Mountains that was base camp of Fidel Castro’s rebels while they fought Batista’s dictatorship. In Santiago de Cuba an annual carnival rumbas through the streets. Locals dance in outrageous costumes and celebrate the true Afro-Cuban spirit of the city. Beach bums will relish Cuba’s plethora of white sandy spaces at Playa Paraíso and Playa Siren, or in the resort area of Varadero.