Connect with us

Other

Outdoor Activities in Cuba – Adventure Guide

Published

on

Outdoor Activities in Cuba - UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Trinidad

Prior to 1959, Cuba used to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Hundreds of thousands of people would visit Cuba each year to enjoy its world class beaches, sample its excellent cuisine, and meet its friendly locals. The 1959 revolution changed things.

Fidel Castro and his communist regime effectively killed off Cuba’s tourist trade, and people stopped visiting the island.

Again things changed in the 1990’s. The Cuban government changed their policies and started accepting tourists from all over the world, including the US. Since then, the numbers of tourists visiting Cuba have risen steadily each year.

Today, Cuba is an interesting place filled with things to see and do. This adventure guide highlights the top 5 outdoor activities in Cuba that you can try on your next holiday.

Outdoor Activities in Cuba – Adventure Guide

Mountain Treks in Viñales

Cuba has some of the most stunning and unspoilt mountain scenery in the Caribbean, particularly in its national parks.

Outdoor Activities in Cuba - Hiking in Vinales

Outdoor Activities in Cuba – Hiking in Vinales – Photo by Romtomtom

Of Cuba’s many national parks, Viñales, a national park in the Pinar del Rio province, is arguably the best park to visit as it has a number of tourist facilities set up to make it easier to get around the park.

Viñales is full of interesting things to see and do. Its mountains are perfect for trekking and its countryside is full of caves and tobacco plantations growing some of the finest tobacco in the world. Viñales’ locals are friendly and inviting, too, and they’re more than happy to tell their story to interested visitors.

A local guide is essential for seeing and experiencing all Viñales has to offer. As well as guiding you around the valley and its mountains, they’ll be able to take you to hidden hotspots that most visitors to the area will miss. Guides can be found near the main bus stations in Viñales.

Surfing

Outdoor Activities in Cuba - Surfing

Outdoor Activities in Cuba – Surfing – Photo by Ahisgett

Cuba’s eastern Guantanamo province is the best place to catch some waves, especially during the months between September and December. While Guantanamo’s waves won’t be big enough to satisfy expert surfers, novice and intermediate surfers will feel at home.

A number of surf schools and surf camps can be found in the Guantanamo province, complete with instructors that can teach the basics of the sport. Boards can also be rented from these schools and camps for a modest sum of money.

Scuba diving in Jardines de la Reina

With warm, clear waters, unspoilt underwater scenery, and a rich and varied marine life, Cuba is one of the best diving spots in the Caribbean.

Of Cuba’s many diving hotspots, Jardines de la Reina, a small archipelago and marine reserve located south of Cuba, has some of the best diving Cuba has to offer.

Jardines de la Reina is full of perfectly preserved coral reefs, vertical walls, underwater caverns, and more. The archipelago’s waters are also remarkably clear with perfect visibility up to 25m. Jardines de la Reina is also home to hundreds of different species of marine life, including dozens of species of fish, rays, eels, giant turtles, and more.

The waters surrounding Jardines de la Reina are also home to seven different species of sharks, including whale sharks and hammerhead sharks, making Jardines de la Reina one of the best places in the world to try shark diving.

Outdoor Activities in Cuba - Diving

Outdoor Activities in Cuba – Diving – Photo by U.S. Navy

Take a bike tour through Cuba

Cuba is one of the most beautiful countries on Earth.

Its colourful bird life is spectacular and varied, its mountains and national parks are stunningly beautiful, and its many towns and villages have rich and storied histories.

One of the best ways to explore Cuba’s natural beauty is to take a bike tour through the country. You’ll be able to see the best of what Cuba has to offer while travelling at your own pace.

Bikes can be rented from Havana, the capital of Cuba, at a relatively low cost. Local bike tour guides can be hired in Havana, too.

Explore Cuba’s many UNESCO world heritage sites

Cuba’s nine UNESCO heritage sites are some of the best places to visit in Cuba. Each is full of interesting sights to see and exciting things to do.

For lovers of architecture and history, the UNESCO Heritage Site of Old Havana is a must-see in Cuba. The old city is home to a number of architectural landmarks, including cathedrals, churches, and theatres built in the classical Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Every all inclusive holidays to Cuba should include a visit to this beautiful place.

Outdoor Activities in Cuba - UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Trinidad

Outdoor Activities in Cuba – UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Trinidad – Photo by Justin Otto

Other recommended UNESCO Heritage sites in Cuba include the city of Trinidad, a historic city filled with cane sugar mills and tobacco plantations, San Pedro de la Roca Castle, a large and well preserved fort built to protect the port of Santiago de Cuba, and the Historic Centre of Camagüey, a small village built by the original Spanish settlers to Cuba.

Cuba is a beautiful country filled with lots of things to see and do. Make sure to try the best outdoor activities in Cuba when you are on your next travel adventure. You won’t be disappointed.

This is a featured article by Joey Ferrer, world traveller and lover of all things adventurous in Cuba.

Have you travelled to Cuba before? What are your favourite outdoor activities in Cuba?

Cole is one half of New Zealand's leading adventure travel blogging couple who have been wearing out their jandals around the world since 2009. He loves any adventure activities and anything to do with the water whether it is Surfing, Diving, Swimming, Snorkeling or just lounging nearby on the beach. You can follow Cole on Google+. Or consider following us via RSS Feed, Twitter, Facebook and subscribe to our Newsletter.

Continue Reading

Other

Top 5 Historical Landmarks of Portugal

Top 5 Historical Landmarks of Portugal

Published

on

portugaljeepsafari

Portugal is a hive of culture, history, and architecture and is home to fifteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you plan a holiday to Portugal to discover some of its glorious histories, look through our top five Portuguese historical landmarks.

Alcobaça Monastery

This beautiful monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça is a prime example of early Gothic architecture. The sanctuary is home to the ornate tombs of Ines de Castro and King Pedro I. There is a tragic love story associated with the burials. Ines de Castro was assassinated in 1355, and the king ordered his tomb to be placed next to hers so that he could face the woman he loved on the day of resurrection. They are considered to be the most beautiful medieval tombs in Portugal. There are also living quarters, including a refectory, dormitory, kitchen, and cloisters that have been inhabited by monks for 800 years.

Convent of Christ

The Convent of Christ is a beautiful roman catholic building located in Tomar. It was initially a stronghold for the Order of the Knights Templar. The building houses impressive art and examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architecture. The walls inside are exquisitely decorated with paintings, carved stone sculptures, and a window depicting symbols and motifs. This site has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.

Évora

Évora is a Portuguese city home to several historical sights, some over two thousand years old. The Cathedral of Évora is considered one of Portugal’s most important gothic monuments. Moorish palaces and courtyards, a renaissance fountain built-in 1559, and a one-of-a-kind Roman temple have become the city’s most famous landmarks. It is not surprising that Évorahas is classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Belém Tower

Belém Tower was built to be a fortress in 1515 to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. The tower is constructed from lioz limestone that is local to Lisbon. It is considered one of the prominent examples of the late gothic Manueline style. There is a drawbridge, spaces for cannons, turrets, and arches that have been decorated with images of animals, plants, and royal coats of arms. Inside there are statues, pillars, and gargoyle facets. UNESCO has listed the tower as a World Heritage monument. 



Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery is considered one of the most beautiful monasteries in Portugal and Europe. Located in Lisbon, the monastery has various entrances that have been decorated with carved figures, gables, and pinnacles. There is a 16th Century Portuguese sculpture of Our Lady of Belém in the central doorway, a figure of Prince Henry the Navigator in the center of the monastery, and a statue of King Manuel I. The monastery has been classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

We hope this has inspired you to start planning your trip to Portugal today.

Continue Reading

Other

Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Find out why Sand boarding, Diving and Safaris through the desert are included in the Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar.

Published

on

Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Qatar is a country of reinvention. Shimmering towerblocks rise against a desert horizon, and maze-like souks thrive next to 21st-century shopping palaces. It’s also one of the more accessible countries of the Arab Gulf, with a welcoming reputation towards visitors and plenty of attractions to keep them coming. Some of the best holiday activities you’ll find in Qatar are the adventurous kind. And these are the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar.

Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Sunset in Qatar – Photo by wj2012

Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Diving expeditions

The Gulf Sea is famed for its crystal waters and the exuberant marine life which lurks just beneath the surface. Messaid is a good jumping-off point where you’ll find angelfish and barracuda, while those intrigued by underwater wrecks will love the Hall Island dive site at Al-Sharqi, where bright clownfish circle the abandoned boat.

Sand Adventures

Many of the sports here have been adapted from colder climates, so instead of skiing down a mountain piste, try Khor Al Adaid beach to glide down the impressive dunes on a sand-board. Alternatively, race your blo-kart along the sands of Al Wakrah, south of capital Doha, to experience the thrill of wind-sailing on dry land.

Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Sand Boarding – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by ground zero

Al Jassasiya

The ancient carvings of Al Jassasiya lie to the north near Al Shamal, amid a truly remote landscape of village ruins and limestone. Hire a 4×4 of your own and make the journey to see the 900 petroglyphs which riddle the rocks here. The carvings denote flowers, animals, fleets of shows, or traditional Arab boats, and to this day, their origins remain a mystery.

Sunset Cruise

When the time comes for a more relaxed excursion, you can do no better than a sunset cruise onboard a wooden dhow as you drift past the super-modern Doha seafront of Al-Corniche and the old harbor at Al Khor. If you’re still hankering after some adventure, rent a smaller vessel and go for a fishing trip the following day.

Desert Safaris

Much of the inland desert in Qatar remains inaccessible on foot, but fortunately, that’s where a 4×4 comes in very handy for a safari trip you won’t easily forget. There are numerous options available from Doha, including day-long excursions, bumping, and rolling to the inland sea at Khor Al Adaid. Or make the trip at dusk for a spot of star-gazing before you settle in Bedouin-style tents for the night.

Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Desert Safari – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by robertpaulyoung

Most activities can be arranged via a tour company. Although cash has been the predominant payment method in Qatar, this is beginning to change, which is good news for tourists since  HSBC offers protection against loss or theft. If you’re planning on taking part in several activities, it can be handy to have some plastic on you to avoid expensive traveler’s cheques, plus credit cards from HSBC and other familiar providers also enable easy access to money at the ATMs. However, it’s wise to exercise caution, using only official bank machines here and sticking with local currency at the market and in smaller shops.

There’s no doubt that Qatar offers some world-class cultural attractions beyond the more energetic highlights, and while you’re in the country, set aside some time for the historic Al Zubarah fort or browse the recreated 19th-century Souk-Waqif, in Doha.

This country has been undervalued in the past but is now coming to the world’s attention. With its desert adventures, ancient sites, and thriving culture, this attention is thoroughly deserved.

This is a travel feature by world traveler, Jose Capelo. He loves exploring the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar and has spent many trips exploring the wild deserts of Qatar.

Continue Reading

Other

Boys will be Boys – Essential Stag Guide to Barcelona

Essential Stag Guide to Barcelona

Published

on

Splurging on chocolate in Quebec City

Barcelona has a lot to offer to the quintessential all-boys travel group for a stag weekend in Barcelona. This sunny Spanish city is known for its gorgeous Mediterranean beaches complemented by turquoise waters. In addition to this, this city offers the ideal environment for an all-male party hotspot, considering its vibrant nightlife, football culture, flamenco dance clubs, tattoo parlors, and its delicious sangrias and tapas.

Paella cooking class Barcelona

Barcelona is a widespread consideration for a quick all-boys getaway during the summer. With a variety of heart-thumping activities that can make your trip a memorable one, make sure you take out time to pursue the following –

  • LTW Tattoo:

    If you are looking for a real adventure that will stick with you all your life, there is no better way to commemorate this epic trip than heading to Barcelona’s best tattoo parlor.

  • Barna Paintball:

    Take on your best buddies in a battle of agility by visiting the Barna Paintball. With four thematic areas to choose from, your experience here can be genuinely adventurous.

  • Bar Crawl Barcelona:

    Considered one of the most famous pub crawls globally and the biggest in Europe, the original Bar Crawl Barcelona is a great way to explore the city in its nocturnal state. You and your buddies can visit four bars and then finish at one of the best clubs in Barcelona. Complete with some of the craziest drinking games, this memorable experience costs all but 15 Euros.

  • FC’s Camp Nou:

    If you are a group of football fans visiting the city, you cannot leave without making a trip to Camp Nou, the city’s football ground. With a ticket for the stadium tour, you will have access to the changing rooms, benches, press rooms, and stands. If you are fortunate enough to have a match coinciding with your travel dates, make sure you book your tickets for the game well in advance.

  • Circuit de Catalunya Racing Track:
    If you and your crew are into racing, consider heading to the Circuit de Catalunya, host to various Formula 1 and Moto GP races. Here, you can get a detailed tour of the briefing room, pits, and podium.
  • Comedy Nights:

    Comedy nights are often an option that everybody loves. Especially as a group of single boys, you may love to attend an event organized by the Giggling Guiri program that consists of English-speaking shows.

  • Al Fresco Drinking on Las Ramblas:

    The heart of tourist activity in Barcelona, Las Ramblas, offers unique casual outdoor ambiances for groups of boys to spend hours finishing pitchers of sangria or chugging down buckets of beer bottles. Vibrant as ever, this street located off the Gothic Quarters is a great place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Essential Stag Guide to Barcelona

As a group of boys, you can also research options for day trips to beaches outside of Barcelona that offers relaxing and laid-back environments for your holiday. Many options are available in Barcelona for hiring a car to explore this scenic and exciting city with your friends, such as Thrifty Car Rentals. So when you are in Barcelona with your amigos, nothing stops you from having a great time!

Continue Reading

Meet Cole and Adela

Cole and AdelaWe have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...

New on Four Jandals

What Are You Looking For?

See Our Favorite Topics