Cuba is a unique country. No matter how sophisticated the tourist is, this island will always remain a dream. Amazing story of this country, its location, fauna, culture - everything here captures, everything excites.
People come here with children; adventure lovers are looking for extreme here; here they stop in pairs and one at a time in order to retire, live away from civilization, in harmony with nature.
But, of course, Cuba is most attracted to modern youth. Free, noisy, funny, it is simply created for those who cannot imagine their life without stormy parties, dancing, and all kinds of entertainment.
Moreover, the myth that living costs in Cuba are higher than in other countries is slowly dissipating. The Caribbean... Having dinner at an inexpensive restaurant and renting a not the most expensive room, you can easily keep within 50 $ per day. But you will have enough impressions for a lifetime.
Capital |
Havana |
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Population |
11.5 million people |
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110 860 thousand sq. M |
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Population density |
102 inhabitants per 1 km² |
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Spanish |
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Religion |
Catholicism |
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Form of government |
parliamentary socialist republic |
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Cuban Peso (CUP) |
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Timezone |
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International dialing code |
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Domain zone on the Internet |
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Electricity |
110 / 220V / 60Hz, sockets type: A, B, C |
Climate and weather
The tropical, trade-wind climate of the island of Cuba provides reasonably high temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature here is about +25.5 ° C... Coldest month - January (+22, 5 ° C), the hottest - August (27.8 ° C)... The water near the coast remains warm practically all year round: from +22 ° C - in winter and from +28 ° C - in summer... The average annual rainfall is also quite high - about 1500 mm. Mostly these are showers. However, very dry years are not so rare in Cuba.
In general, the climatic seasons on the island are quite distinct: May-September is the rainy season, October-April is dry. The autumn-summer period is characterized by heavy rainfall, often with strong winds.
Humidity is very high all year round.
Nature
Cuba is rich in man-made sights that millions of people from different countries the world. However, natural ensembles, striking in their beauty, are no less valuable: paradise beaches tens of kilometers away, fabulous uninhabited islands with palm groves and mangroves, karst caves and low picturesque mountains.
The relief of Cuba is flat, but the bizarre forms of the highest mountain range Sierra Maestra stretching along southeast coast hundreds of kilometers, impress even experienced travelers.
Cuba is distinguished by the richest fauna and flora. Some plant species are not found anywhere else in the world. And the variety of exotic species of butterflies and birds is simply amazing!
sights
Of the cities and regions that you need to visit when traveling in Cuba, you can name:
- Havana;
- Santiago de Cuba;
- Holguin.
In the capital alone, there are about 1000 buildings of architectural value! The most famous are the Cathedral Square and Cathedral of St. Christopher(XVII century), the building of the former governor's palace Cubes, fortresses La Cabana and La Fuersa(XVI century). It is very popular among tourists Cathedral immaculate conception , as well as Ernest Hemingway House Museum... Undoubtedly, night life Cuba is also concentrated here in the capital.
Getting into Santiago de Cuba- the second largest city in Cuba - tourists usually head to the picturesque city Cespedes Park... This is perhaps one of the main attractions of the city. Moreover, Santiago de Cuba, formerly the capital, can be considered the center cultural life islands: numerous museums, theaters, cathedrals attract here those who want not only to enjoy the beauty of Cuba, but also to learn more about its history.
The most popular resort on the island is Varadero(province of Matanzas)... The local beaches are among the top three in the world, and their surroundings are ideal for leisure travelers with a wide variety of tastes and hobbies. There is also a dolphinarium - an essential attribute of any resort - where anyone can not only admire the local inhabitants, but also swim with them.
The second most important resort region - Holguin... It is here that the most beautiful in Cuba is located Playa Esmeralda beach... The region's wealth also includes six waterfalls and a rich fauna. In addition, Holguin is often called the city of squares. Walking here is not only pleasant, but also interesting: the city is very diverse in terms of architecture.
Nutrition
Cubans have a wide variety of food tastes. The traditions of Spain, Africa, the Caribbean islands are mixed in the cuisine of this country. Here they respect meat and do not do without vegetables and fruits. A separate culinary topic - bananas... Cubans have dozens of cooking options and hundreds of banana-based dishes. They are fried and baked, and used as an ingredient in sauce, and played as a dessert.
By the way, desserts in Cuba are sweet. Popular here mousses, puddings, ice cream... Tropical fruits and sugarcane make many delicious syrups.
The locals are especially honored by coffee. It is drunk very strong and sweet throughout the day. Among alcoholic drinks, the favorite among the Cubans is rum... It is customary to serve table wine for lunch and dinner.
The best food in Cuba is in restaurants located in private houses. They're called paladares... Lunch in such a restaurant will cost you about 7 $ , which is two times less than in a state restaurant. You can also grab a bite to eat in the city by purchasing a pizza or sandwich from street vendors.
In Cuba restaurants, it is customary to tip on the basis of 10% of the order value. It is better to give money to the waiter personally.
Residence
Most of the hotels located in the resorts of Cuba have a five-star status. The beaches adjacent to these hotels are usually very well equipped with everything you need to relax. Food is organized most often according to the principle buffet, less often - according to the menu. The cost of an all-inclusive room in such a hotel will be close to 100 $ ... For comparison: the same room in a state-owned middle-class hotel will cost about 35 $ , and in private - in 15-25 $ .
Almost all hotels in Cuba have a car rental department.
Entertainment and recreation
Of course, when it comes to entertainment in Cuba, first of all I want to talk about the island's nightlife. By the number of clubs, bars, discos, it is Freedom Island that takes the first place in The Caribbean... Lovers of music and dance come here simply to immerse themselves in this environment. Particularly rich nightlife in the capital. Havana is ready to meet any request. Cabarets, jazz clubs, Latin American shows - the nightlife in the Cuban capital is varied in rhythm. By the way, anyone can learn Afro-Cuban dancing: dance lessons are organized right at the hotels.
Clubs and restaurants are not the only way for Cubans and visitors to the island. Diving, fishing and hunting are extremely popular here. There is something to do here for lovers of speleology: huge karst caves captivate both professionals and simply curious tourists.
Cuba hosts many celebrations and festivals throughout the year. The Fire Festival and Carnival in Santiago de Cuba (held in summer) are especially spectacular. The island hosts the Cuban Music Festival in August.
Purchases
It is better to buy food in Cuba in supermarkets or shops. In shops INTUR tiendas you can buy clothes, food, medicines, souvenirs for currency. By the way, about souvenirs. You probably want to buy one or two bottles. Cuban rum and cigars. Rum can also be selected in the store (a bottle costs from 5 $ ), but to buy good cigars, it is better to contact Real Fabrica de Tabaco Partagas... There is a shop on the first floor of the factory that sells all types of cigars.
Surely in the first days of your stay in Cuba you will want to buy a T-shirt with the image of the symbol of all revolutions - Che Guevara... Although it will be better if you follow the example of the locals and buy shirt-guaberu, in which you can easily endure any heat.
Excellent souvenirs for friends and family can be not only rum and cigars, but also other exclusively " Cuban»Accessories: straw hats, wicker shoes, hammock. To prolong the festive mood (there is no other in Cuba!), Audio-CDs with the recording of temperamental local music bought in Havana will help.
When going shopping, do not forget that Cubans sacredly honor traditions: a four-hour rest in the afternoon is a must. However, it is not only about traditions: the scorching sun simply does not allow full-fledged work.
And one more important note. Icon $ on the price tag means nothing more than the word " price". But the real value of the goods is most often indicated in pesos.
When buying crocodile leather goods, ask the seller for an export license, otherwise the souvenir may be seized at customs.
Transport
The main airport of Cuba is the International Airport named after Jose Marty located 18 km from Havana... As for municipal transport, alas, its state is deplorable. There are very few city buses, moreover, they often break down. There is no schedule as such. If you are planning to move within the city, rent a bike: this type of transport is common here.
Communication between cities is also poorly established. Buses and route taxis almost always packed and walked badly. Tickets for them must be bought in advance.
In general, a tourist in Cuba cannot do without a car. And with this, fortunately, there are no special problems. All that is required to rent a car is a driver's license and at least a year of driving experience. True, this service is quite expensive - 60 $ per day. But believe me, there is simply no better way to see Cuba.
As for the quality of the roads, then, as you might have guessed, there are problems. The traffic rules are standard, but there are practically no signs and markings. Service stations are also, in general, a rarity. Therefore, when renting a car, do not be lazy to check if everything is in order with the car. This includes checking if the tank is full.
The only plus - "tourist" cars (they have a special color of the number) enjoy benefits, and the police simply do not pay attention to minor violations.
Connection
Today Cuba is served by the only telecom operator - the company ETECSA... The current standard is GSM 900, in some areas - GSM 850. You can buy a phone card at any hotel or store.
Calling from a pay phone abroad is cheaper than from a hotel room (approximately 5 $ for a minute of conversation with Moscow). And not every hotel has a telephone with international communication.
Today there are 2 Internet providers operating on the island.
Safety
As for the safety of your stay on the island, various kinds of threats can await you everywhere, despite the fact that Cuba is a fairly safe country. First tip: don't walk around Old Havana after 10pm. If only because at this time the lights are turned off in the city. It is better to keep documents in the room, in a special safe (if available, of course).
Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited. It is not recommended to give alms to the poor: it is punishable by law.
Beware of the Cuban sun: you can get burns even in cloudy weather. Use protective equipment and be sure to cover your head. Be careful when swimming: you can easily injure yourself in the sea. sea urchin or sharp coral. Jellyfish can be extremely dangerous.
Business climate
The country's two main sources of income are sugar production and tourism. It is the tourism industry that is developing at a rapid pace, attracting more and more foreign investors. In addition, Cuba is a world leader in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
V this moment Cuba is at the center of the world's business community. Liberty Island amazes with its perspectives, but, at the same time, is one of the most closed countries in the world. A huge plus is the absence of taxes for foreign entrepreneurs. Among the disadvantages are poor infrastructure and the possibility of starting a business solely in partnership with a state-owned enterprise. It is not yet possible to register your company in Cuba.
The property
One of the most pressing problems in Cuba is housing. Most of the housing stock has long been in need of reconstruction and overhaul. As for buying a home on the island, such an operation is, in general, impossible for an ordinary foreigner. Even with millions of dollars in your pocket, you won't be able to buy a home here. Of course, there is an unofficial real estate market, but, of course, such a purchase has no guarantees. Although the prices are quite reasonable: an apartment in an old panel building can cost from 15 000 $ ... And in the provinces - several times less.
- Cubans are generally very cheerful, talkative, sociable and hospitable. But they are very proud. They will, of course, try to speak to you in English, but if you say even a few phrases in bad Spanish, the Cuban will love you for sure.
- You should also know some of the traditions of the Cubans if you are planning to visit Liberty Island. In order not to offend the good-natured Cuban, you should never refuse an offer for a drink or dinner. It is advisable to accompany requests with special appeals: Mi amor, mi corazon- when talking with a woman, "Amigo", "viejo"- when talking with a man.
- Take pictures of industrial buildings and military equipment is prohibited in Cuba, but Cubans themselves, as a rule, willingly pose for the lens. Of course, before you can capture the colorful appearance of the inhabitant of the island, you need to ask permission.
Visa information
Tourists from Russia do not need a visa to Cuba if the period of their visit to the country does not exceed 30 days. In order to cross the state border, you need to present a passport valid for the duration of your stay in Cuba, 2 copies of a migration card (one of which must be kept before departure from the country), as well as return tickets. Must have cash at the rate of $ 50 per day for 1 person. This does not apply to tourists using the services of travel agencies.
However, you can take care of a visa in advance by contacting the consular section of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Moscow. Among the documents submitted to the visa department must be a passport (its validity should not expire earlier than 6 months from the date of arrival in the country), copies of round-trip tickets, confirmation of hotel reservation (travel agency voucher or invitation of a specific person), as well as a photo size 3x4 cm. The consular fee will be $ 30 and the visa will be valid for one month.
For more specific information on obtaining a visa to the Republic of Cuba, please contact: 119017, Moscow, st. Bolshaya Ordynka, 66.
Free economic zones were created. In 1997, there were already three FEZs in the country (Mariel, Wahai and the city of Havana).
Cuba exports, bringing income to the budget of its country, tobacco, seafood, sugar, nickel, medical goods, coffee, citrus fruits.
China, Canada, Spain and the Netherlands became Cuba's export partners. The PRC has invested $ 500 million in the Cuban nickel industry, Brazil - the same amount in the development of Cuban hydrocarbon deposits, in the construction of a plant for the production of technical oils. A large nickel ore mining plant has been built in the Holguín province.
The country imports today foodstuffs, oil products, industrial equipment, and chemical products. Its import business partners are Venezuela, China, Spain. Particularly tight and productive ties in terms of the Petrocaribe oil program with Venezuela. The trade turnover between the states annually reaches about $ 10 billion.
Since 1962, a rationing system for the distribution of products has been introduced in the country. The "black market" is flourishing, as rationed products are not regularly issued here.
Cuba has a developed system of free public services: health care, higher, secondary education.
Since October 2010, the list of types of entrepreneurial activities permitted by the government has increased in the country. In 2016, private small and medium-sized businesses were legalized.
Cuban branches of government
Cuba is a socialist republic of the parliamentary type. Most of the deputies in parliament today represent the Communist Party of Cuba.
The head of state is the chairman of the Council of State (who is also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba), who exercises executive power in the country. He is assisted by the chairman of the Council of Ministers, who is also the second secretary of the Central Committee.
The government of the Cuban state consists of two branches: the Council of Ministers and the Council of State. The ministry employs 31 ministers.
The highest authority on Liberty Island is the National Assembly of People's Power, i.e. parliament of the republic. It includes 609 deputies who are elected for 5 years. She was entrusted with the formation of the government, the appointment of the head of the state council. The Assembly is also responsible for the election of the People's Supreme Court. The provincial courts are elected by the provincial assemblies of the people's power, the municipal courts by the municipal assemblies.
The Republic of Cuba is administratively divided into 16 provinces, which are respectively divided into 169 municipalities. Only one municipality is accountable to the central authorities - Juventud, the rest are subordinate to local administrative structures.
Cuba's participation in international organizations
In recent years, having changed course in the political sphere, being squeezed by economic sanctions, Cuba has become more active in influential international organizations.
The republic is a member of the World Trade Organization, takes an active part in international agreements: the Paris Convention, the New York Convention on International Arbitration, the Madrid Protocol. Cuba is a member of the international organization of the ACP states. Cuba has been participating in social programs at the international level for several decades.
There are 57 Cuban professionals working in 101 countries, of which 70% are health workers. One of the Cuban programs "Operation Miracle" provides affordable medical care in 16 countries to poor seriously ill people. There is a “Yes, I Can” program in 28 Latin American countries aimed at combating illiteracy.
Whichever direction Cuba goes, the beauty of its natural landscape, the originality of its culture and the attractiveness of the Cuban mentality will remain unchanged.
"In any incomprehensible situation, take a suitcase and go to Cuba" - perhaps this will become my motto in life. Gripped by the winter blues? Buy tickets to contrasting Havana. Fancy wild dances and delicious rum? Plan your excursion in vibrant Trinidad. Is the sea your only passion? Then coral island Santa Maria will be the best solution.
Cuba is a country of contrasts that cannot but surprise. The islands' white beaches with crystal clean water after a few kilometers they are replaced by houses of small towns. And each of the cities is not stamped high-rise buildings, it is a new work of art every time.
When to go
I managed to visit Cuba in December - the driest and most comfortable season on the island. Although you can relax here all year round. But the best time for travel - from November to April. For those who like it hot, I advise you to go in the summer. At this time, the water temperature is from +28 to + 30 ° C, average temperature air also warms up to + 30 ° C.
Visa and money
For tourist trip I didn't need a visa. The same is true for other Russians who travel for less than 30 days. On the plane, I was only asked to fill out a declaration in duplicate. And on the border, a cheerful Cuban woman, having put a stamp on her arrival, opened the door to the hot city of Varadero.
Currency is interesting in Cuba. There are two of them here: for tourists - to convertible Cuban peso CUC, for locals - non-convertible Cuban peso CUP. Moreover, almost all prices are indicated in "cookies", and I did not even manage to hold the peso for local residents in my hands.
And in any case, do not try to exchange dollars here! A 10% commission is charged for the American currency, which the state takes for itself. Take euro with you, then you will not lose anything when exchanging currency. The rate is almost the same everywhere, both at the airport and at the hotel - you won't notice a big difference in the amount.
In Cuba, Visa cards are also accepted for payment, in some places - Mastercard. But you should understand that in a souvenir shop or a small cafe you are unlikely to be offered a terminal, so always have cash with you.
How to get there and where to live
Cuba, perhaps, is exactly the direction where it is more profitable and safer to go with the help of a tour operator. No, here you will not be kidnapped on the streets of night Havana and robbed in a cramped bar in Trinidad. Just crossing the Atlantic Ocean on your own, especially for the first time, can be quite stressful for many. In addition, if you do not speak Spanish, this can cause additional difficulties.
It is most advantageous to stay at resort town Varadero, and from there to make various excursions and acquaintance with other cities. Fortunately, in Cuba, everything is at a short distance from each other. There are many hotels, and you can easily choose the one that suits the price and services.
For example, a hotel Starfish Varadero 3 * located a few minutes walk from the beach, close to the entertainment of Varadero, has a large green area and a wide beach. Prices for tours in mid-late January start at 55,000 rubles per person for 7 nights when booking a double room. Meals - "all inclusive".According to the ANEX Tour flight program, direct flights to Cuba in international Airport Varadero is carried out 2 times a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. But if you fly on your own, then only tickets will cost 50 thousand rubles, and this is at best with one change, and sometimes with two at once, when all flights will take you more than a day!
You can also choose a five-star hotel. For comparison - a tour in Iberostar Varadero 5 * at the end of January costs from 101,000 rubles per person for 7 nights, all inclusive.
Hotel information provided by the tour operator Anex Tour, prices are valid at the time of publication.
Transport
The cars of Cuba are worth special attention. This is a real automobile museum under open air... I have not seen such an abundance of colorful cars anywhere else. All kinds of coloring and shapes, similar to bright candies. But the most interesting thing is the incredible number of our VAZs, ZILs, "Volgas" and other cars of the Soviet era, which at one time the Soviet Union supplied to the island.
Renting such a retro car will cost from 20 euros per hour, depending on the condition of the car. Drive through the center of old Havana in a cabriolet while drinking Pina Colada - and you don’t mind any money for that!
But, if you take a limited amount of funds to the Island of Freedom, here's a life hack: in Cuba, there is a law obliging drivers to bring all hitchhikers free of charge. Great option travel from one city to another free of charge.
What to see
My journey started from the oldest resort Varadero, which is located on the peninsula. Varadero - the best place for beach holiday in Cuba. A real paradise with a unique 21-kilometer white sand beach and turquoise waves of the ocean, the salty taste of which always remained with me: on my skin, hair, clothes.
Varadero can be called a classic of everyone's favorite holiday of Russians - when everything in the world is included: a 24-hour hotel bar and a buffet restaurant with cuisines from different countries of the world. Having satiated myself with seafood and sleep to the sound of the waves, I decided to move on - to get to know the real life of Cuba. This meant that I had a couple of hours on the bus journey - straight to Havana.
Havana is an incredibly cinematic city. Here you get the impression that you have got "where you need to". At the right time, at the right place. Narrow streets, colorful cars, locals, slowly lighting cigars on a bench or dancing salsa uncontrollably. Architecture deserves special attention. After the revolution, all the rich were kicked out of their mansions, and now all these bright castles belong to the ordinary people. It's amazing how the luxury of detail and the simplicity of its inhabitants can be combined in one building.
Some people know a couple of phrases in Russian - often after they found out that I was from Russia, they said: "Hello! Roussio! How are you, beauty?" Many phrases in Russian can be found on the streets of Cuba - signs, signs, price tags in stores
It seems that the Havanese can spend the whole day on their balcony, listening to music and constantly posing for tourists for photos. The favorite idea of Cubans is to contemplate.
But everything changes with the onset of darkness. Young people get out into the cool shade of the city and fill the entire Malecon embankment. The sounds of music are amplified, the dances are gaining momentum. The city is like a big disco.
I went to see the professionals - the Tropicana cabaret show, which has been running since 1939! The show is famous not only throughout Cuba, but throughout the world. The number of participants on the stage reaches 200 people - in colorful costumes they dance rumba, salsa, cha-cha-cha. Noisy, bright, beautiful.
The next in line were the cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Cienfuegos founded by French emigrants in 1819 under the name Fernardina de Jagua, and only in 1880 received its real name. City with It is quite small and resembles a frame from highlighted retro photographs. All life is in full swing around the historic center, which included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Echoes of France have remained to this day: do not be surprised if you are invited to look at your own Notre Dame or you see a huge coral reef along the entire coast, which is very reminiscent of the famous Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris.
Trinidad was too much of a contrast to Cienfuegos. And if in Cuba now is the time of the Soviet Union, then here it is definitely still the 18th century. This is a city-museum that has completely preserved its appearance. Paving stones, carts, colonial houses - time has completely stopped here. Houses and streets have remained intact due to the fact that for a hundred years this city was isolated from all of Cuba.
So, behind were 6 days in Cuba, so the best solution was to take a little time out and go to the islands. Or rather, on coral island of Santa Maria. And here even Varadero with its multifaceted resort atmosphere fades. This is an absolute paradise! The island is in the Atlantic Ocean and belongs to the Jardines del Rey archipelago (" Royal gardens"), which, by the way, is under the tutelage of UNESCO as a biosphere reserve.
The area of our hotel here - Iberostar Ensenachos - was so huge that one day we got lost in its gardens, wandered for an hour and, not finding our house, returned back to the starting point. Real wild jungle! On only one island.
About Wi-Fi
There is no concept in Cuba " free Internet", here you can connect to the Internet only through a special card. Internet coverage, as a rule, is only on the territory of hotels and restaurants. And even in 5 * hotels I had to purchase a card for 2 CUC - this is about 2 euros. The only exception was a hotel in Havana, where each guest was entitled to two cards per day for 5 hours.The most interesting thing is that they never came in handy for me.
After a couple of days of Internet isolation, I completely lost the habit of social networks and was left alone with this vibrant country.
I spent 12 days in Cuba, leaving 9 cities and 5 hotels behind. Daily transfers to different cities, provinces, valleys, islands! It seems that at some point I completely forgot what sleep and peace are.I slept 2-3 hours every day - I was just sorry to waste my time on this. Probably, some kind of second wind is opening up in Cuba, because in ordinary life I cannot imagine how such a rich program can be completed in such a timeframe. And how so many things you can do for the whole day.
Cuba is a completely different world. It's just the end of the world! And the most beautiful land on earth. Any trip amazes me - both to Paris and to Taganrog. But Cuba just amazed me, delighted, captured me. I will definitely come back to this warm, friendly and open island freedom! Explore the ocean, the Caribbean and the merry Cubans.
Cuba - Island state in the northern Caribbean.
The state is located on the island of Cuba, the largest in the West Indies, the island of Huventud, as well as on the adjoining about 1600 small islands and coral reefs belonging to the group of the Greater Antilles.
The territory of Cuba is visually similar to a lizard, the head of which is facing the Atlantic, and the tail is at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. In the south, Cuba is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, in the northwest by the Gulf of Mexico, and in the northeast by the Atlantic Ocean.
State symbols
Flag- is a rectangular panel with an aspect ratio of 1: 2, divided into five horizontal alternating blue and white stripes. At the shaft there is an equilateral red triangle with a white star in the center.
The three blue stripes symbolize the three parts into which the Spaniards divided Cuba; two white stripes - striving for independence; red triangle - equality, brotherhood and freedom, as well as shed blood in the struggle for the independence of the island; the white star symbolizes freedom. The flag was approved on May 20, 1902.
Coat of arms- consists of a shield under a Phrygian cap, framed by an oak branch on one side and a laurel branch on the other. The shield is divided into three parts, in the upper part there is a key located between the Florida and Yucatan peninsulas and locking the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. The rising sun of Freedom can be seen in the distance. Palm trees and mountain peaks are symbols of Cuba's patriotism, freedom and independence. On the left, the three blue stripes of the Cuban flag represent the unity of the three constituent parts of Cuba. Above the coat of arms is crowned with a red Phrygian cap, symbolizing the desire to achieve high ideals (read more about it on our website: El Salvador - the land of lakes and volcanoes) ... The coat of arms was adopted on April 24, 1906.
Cuba symbol - flower mariposa.
State structure
Form of government- a socialist republic of the parliamentary type.
Head of state- Chairman of the State Council. He is also the head of government and general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, as well as the Supreme Commander.
Capital- Havana.
Largest cities- Havana, Santiago de Cuba.
Official language- Spanish.
Territory- 110 860 km².
Administrative division- 15 provinces and the special municipality of Juventud Island, the provinces are divided into 169 municipalities.
Population- 11,061,886 people. Cubans are a people of mixed origin. By the time the Spaniards appeared here, Cuba was inhabited by the tribes of the Siboneans, Indians of the Arawak group, Guanahanabes and Indians who moved from Haiti. But as a result of Spanish colonization, the Indians were mostly exterminated. The Spanish colonists brought African slaves to the island. There was also a large flow of immigrants from Europe.
The aging population of Cuba is the highest in the region. This is also facilitated by good level health care.
Religion- freedom of religion. The most widespread religion is Catholic. Cubans are pretty religious. Catholic churches exist throughout the country, with daily masses and ceremonial services held on national or local religious holidays. Members of the Cuban Communist Party are not prohibited from attending churches. As a result of the historical process, a mixture of Catholic dogmas and African cults was formed. In 2008, the first Orthodox church in Cuba, the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, was consecrated in Havana.
Currency- peso.
Economy- advantages: investors are attracted by the tourism industry. Export of sugar and nickel. Elite cigars. The banking sector is strengthening. Oil rigs. Weaknesses: Due to the US embargo, lack of access to important markets and investments. Acute foreign exchange deficit. Fluctuations in world prices for sugar and nickel. Complicated trade restrictions discourage investment. Bad infrastructure. Lack of fuel, fertilizers and spare parts. The main branch of the Cuban economy is the sugar industry. Exports: sugar, nickel, tobacco, seafood, medical supplies, citrus fruits, coffee. Imports: petroleum products, foodstuffs, industrial equipment, chemical products. Fishing is developed.
Education- is free at all levels (from elementary grades to higher educational institutions), this is enshrined in the country's constitution. 9-grade education is compulsory (12-grade education is secondary).
Schoolchildren are provided with school supplies and uniforms free of charge, and in boarding schools - free meals and basic necessities. Children from disadvantaged and single-parent families receive support and material assistance to ensure equal learning conditions.
For students who entered immediately after graduating from high school, there is a full-time department of the university, for working students - part-time and evening. All graduates of primary, secondary, upper secondary schools and technical schools are guaranteed the opportunity to continue their studies, and graduates of higher educational institutions are guaranteed the right to work.
Cuba has an Academy of Sciences (established in 1962), 4 universities and 47 educational institutions of higher and secondary specialized education.
The main institution of higher education in the country is the University of Havana, located in different parts of the capital.
Guard at the mausoleum of Jose Marti
Military establishment- Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba. Includes the following types of troops: ground forces, navy, air force and air defense.
Sport- is available to everyone and its mass character makes it possible to constantly replenish national teams in various sports that brought the little one Caribbean island important world and Olympic awards. Cuba is home to world famous athletes. Sports include baseball, boxing, athletics and volleyball.
Nature
The coast of Cuba is characterized by deep bays and many convenient bays. The island is surrounded by reefs and other coral formations. The relief of the country is predominantly flat. Hills and mountains occupy about a third of the territory. Three main mountain systems- Cordillera de Guaniguanico in the west, Escambray in the central part and Sierra Maestra in the east.
Karst is developed in Cuba, in this regard, many caves are known, including large ones. Karst is a set of processes and phenomena associated with the activity of water in the dissolution of rocks and the formation of voids in them. Sandy beaches stretch for many kilometers (for example, on the Icacos Peninsula, where famous resort Varadero).
Flora
Climate tropical, trade wind. Thanks to the even climate and fertile soils, more than 3,000 species of tropical fruit plants and flowers grow here. In some of the more humid mountainous regions, forests of mahogany, guaiac, logwood and zest are found. Of the valuable species, the most common is the royal palm.
Royal palm
There are many endemics in Cuba (i.e., growing only here). Among them is the famous jaguei - a tree from the laurel family with hanging roots.
Cuba is also home to the Cretaceous cork palm, 5 types of banana trees and many types of orange trees.
Fauna
Cuba is home to approximately 200 species of birds and a wide variety of insects. Here you can find chain-tailed rodents and insectivores. Cuban cracker.
Outwardly, crack-toots resemble rats or large shrews on high legs. The muzzle is narrow, elongated into the proboscis. Gaptooths, along with the platypus and some shrews, are one of the few venomous mammals.
Several genera of bats live on the island, and the American one lives off the coast and in the rivers. manatee(aquatic mammal of the squad of sirens). These herbivores live in shallow water and feed on aquatic vegetation.
Deer introduced. Reptiles include alligators, iguanas and other lizards, as well as several species of non-venomous snakes. In the lakes karst caves blind fish and shrimps live.
The culture
Painting
Independent Cuban painting originated in late XIX v. Most famous Cuban artist Wifredo Lam(1902-1982) wrote in a surreal style.
V. Lam "Composition"
On the Mario Carreño big influence the work of Mexican muralists rendered. Jorge Arche(1905-1956) is known for his portraits, similar in style to the works of other Latin American artists of the 1930s.
Literature
The struggle for independence continued in Cuba for over 100 years, and the romanticism of this struggle has fueled Cuban literature for many years. The remarkable Cuban poet and prose writer is considered the founder of romanticism in Spanish America Jose Maria de Heredia y Heredia(1803-1839). Among other Cuban writers of the 19th century. stand out Hertrudis Gomez de Avellaneda(1814-1873) and Anselmo Suarez y Romero(1818-1878), everyday life writers Cirilo Villaverde(1812-1894) and Ramon Mesa(1861-1911), romantic poets Placido(Gabrielle de la Concepcion Valdes, 1809-1844) and Juan Francisco Manzano(1797-1854), the largest representative of the poetry of Spanish-American modernism Julian del Casal(1863-1893). Central to 19th-century Cuban literature is occupied by the national hero of Cuba and a passionate fighter for independence.
One of the most prominent philosophers of Cuba was the positivist Enrique Jose Varona (1849–1933).
At the beginning of the XX century. the traditions of realistic prose were developed by the novelist Miguel de Carrion(1875-1929) and authors of psychological stories Alfonso Hernandez Kata(1885-1940) and Jesus Castellanos(1879-1912). In the 1930s, Latin American "negrism" began to form in Cuba.
An outstanding representative of this trend was the poet (1902-1989), whose poems are imbued with a passionate desire for social justice. One of the founders of the "new Latin American novel" was the world famous writer Alejo Carpentier(1904-1980). Another famous novelist and poet, Jose Lesama Lima(1910-1976), became famous as a daring innovator of form.
Umberto Arenal(born 1926) - master of storytelling, Soler Pui g (1916-1996), Sintio Vitier(b. 1921), Lisandro Otero(b. 1932) - novelists. Many works Edmundo Desnoesa(p. 1930) are devoted to the collapse of the old world and the problems of the Cuban intelligentsia. Poets are famous Eliseo Diego (1920–1994), Fayar Khamis(p. 1930), Pablo Armando Fernandez(p. 1930) and Roberto Fernandez Retamar(p. 1930). Popular creativity Senel Paz and Abilio Estevez.
Music
Anthropologist and musicologist Fernando Ortiz wrote that the "love union between the Spanish guitar and the African drum" gave rise to the most characteristic musical forms for Cuba, the rumba dance and the lingering song dream. The most common genres of music are romantic songs and ballads (punto), the village zapateo dance (such as tap dance), and the peasant song guajira.
The first professional Cuban composers - Manuel Saumel Robredo(1817-1870) and Ignacio Cervantes Cavanagh(1847-1905). The founders of the Cuban opera are Eduardo Sanchez de Fuentes(1874-1944) and Jose Mauri Esteve(1856-1937), who first turned to the traditions of Afro-Cuban folklore.
The best Cuban composers of the 20th century - Amadeo Roldan(1900-1939) and Alejandro Garcia Caturla(1906-1940). Songs and plays are very popular Ernesto Lecuona (1896–1963).
Folk Cuban music forms the basis of many modern dance rhythms around the world. Pablo Milanes, Silvio Rodriguez, Omara Portuondo and Helena Burke, jazz pianists Chucho Valdes and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, as well as ensembles Elio Reve, Isaac Delgado, Pacho Alonso, Adalberto Banlvarez " and etc.
Film and theater
The national cinematography is quite developed. The most famous directors are Julio Garcia Espinosa(b. 1926), Umberto Solas(b. 1942) and Thomas Gutierrez Alea(1928-1996). Since 1979, the Havana International Film Festival has been held annually - the largest film forum in Latin America and the third most important in the Western Hemisphere.
After the revolution, the number of theaters in the country increased, including those giving performances in open areas. The first such theater was the Escambray experimental theater, established in the late 1960s, and directed by Sergio Corrieri. In total, more than 50 drama groups work in the country.
Alicia Alonso
The National Ballet of Cuba, created in 1948 by the famous ballerina, is very famous Alicia Alonso and the Camaguey Ballet, founded by Fernando Alonso. Famous Cuban choreographer Carlos Acosta performs with the Royal Ballet of Great Britain.
Carlos Acosta
There is also a wonderful folk dance group.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba
Old Havana and its fortifications
Havana Cathedral
In 1519, the first settlement was formed on the site of modern Havana. In 1555 he was attacked by French pirates, invaders, after a short siege of the fortress, they burned the city and desecrated the temples. After that, it was decided to build powerful walls and serious defensive structures. Fortresses were built at the entrance to the bay: east coast- El Morro (1589-1630) and the lighthouse (1845), on the west - La Cabana, La Punta and La Fuersa (1555-1577).
On the bastion of La Fuersa there is a small turret with a bell, on the dome of which there is a weather vane in the form of a female figure with a banner in her hands. This is one of the symbols of the city - Giraldilla. It is thanks to its fortifications that Havana has become a safe port in the Caribbean. The Spanish king made it the main transit point on the route from Europe to the West Indies. The pirates no longer attempted to attack the city, but only carried out attacks on ships.
In the XVI-XIX centuries. in Havana, about 3000 buildings were erected in the neoclassicism and colonial baroque style, of which about 900 have survived to this day. Representatives of all classes and crafts were allowed to live in the residential quarters of Old Havana (restrictions were imposed only on Indians). Some residential buildings were built in the Moorish style, which appeared in Cuba along with the Spanish settlers: fountains, small courtyards with palm trees.
Trinidad City and De los Ingenios Valley
Trinidad street
The city-museum, founded in 1514 by the conquistador Diego Velazquez. The houses and churches of the city were built at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. For 100 years this city was isolated from the rest of the island, thanks to which the houses and cobbled streets are well preserved.
The Ancon Spit and the beach begin 12 km southwest of Trinidad.
Fortress of San Pedro de la Roca (Santiago de Cuba)
The fortress was built in the middle of the 17th century. to guard the bay of Santiago de Cuba from pirates. The fortress was a series of terraces on four levels, with three ramparts to shelter artillery. The supplies were usually brought by sea and land to the upper level of the fortress and kept in a large storehouse carved into the rock. Construction lasted 42 years with several interruptions (1638-1670).
From 1675 to 1692 the fortress was damaged by earthquakes, its reconstruction lasted until 1695. In 1738-1740. additional fortifications were completed, then the fortress was again damaged by the earthquakes of 1757 and 1766.
In 1775, the pirate threat began to disappear, some of the fortress buildings were turned into prisons, known as La Roca and La Estrella, but the fort continued to function as a military site. The fortress was last attacked in 1898, when the US Navy attacked the city during the Spanish-American War.
Throughout the XX century. the fortress was in disrepair, but was rebuilt again in the 1960s. Currently, the fortress houses a museum of the history of piracy.
Desembarco del Granma National Park
National park in the province of Granma. The park is named in honor of the landing on the coast of Cuba from the yacht Granma, on which Fidel and Raul Castro, Che Guevara and 79 of their associates arrived from Mexico in 1956 with the aim of organizing the Cuban revolution.
The park was organized in 1986, its area is 261.8 km². This is a unique geological and geomorphological region with sea terraces, cliffs and karst landforms.
Vinales Valley Cultural Landscape
The Viñales Valley is a karst lowland in the west of Cuba. Traditional methods of cultivating the land are used here, folk architecture of farms and villages has been preserved, the region has a rich ethnocultural history.
The valley is famous for its "mogote" - sheer hills with flat tops, their age is about 160 million years. There are many caves in the surrounding mountains.
In the valley there is the camp of the fugitive slaves of Palenque de los Cimarrones, the Casa de Caridad botanical garden, not far from the valley there is a giant "Prehistoric fresco" by the artist Leovigildo Gonzalez - on a cliff with a height of 120 m depicts prehistoric people and animals.
Hiking and rock climbing are well developed in the region.
Archaeological landscape of the first coffee plantations in the southeast of Cuba
Alexander Humboldt National Park
The park is named after the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt, who visited the island in 1800 and 1801. The park has a huge size, elevation changes, varied landscape and numerous endemic species of plants and animals living on its territory. It is one of the wettest places in Cuba, resulting in a high level of biological diversity.
Cuba is home to 28 endemic plant species. Of these, 16 are found only in Humboldt Park. Among the animals you can find rare parrots, hummingbirds, lizards, snails.
This piece of land has rarely been used by humans. Therefore, it is not surprising that animals still live there, which are nowhere else.
Historic Center of Cienfuegos
The colonial city of Cienfuegos was founded in 1819. It was originally settled by immigrants of French origin. Became the center of trade in sugar cane, tobacco and coffee. Located in the south of central Cuba, in the center of an area producing sugarcane, mango, tobacco and coffee.
At first, the city was built up in a classical style. Later, its architecture became more eclectic, but to this day, a harmonious and holistic urban landscape has been preserved here. The most interesting buildings: Government Palace (Town Hall), San Lorenzo School, Diocesan Office, Ferrer Palace, former lyceum, a number of residential buildings.
Historic Center of Camaguey
It is one of the first seven Spanish settlements in Cuba. Camaguey was the most significant of them, as it served as the central settlement territory focused on the development of animal husbandry and the sugar industry. The modern location of the city was determined in 1528. The urban landscape developed chaotically: large and small squares, streets and winding alleys, disorderly city buildings and complexes.
The historic center of Camaguey is 54 hectares and is a unique example of a traditional urban settlement, relatively remote from the main trade routes. The influence of European medieval traditions is noticeable here. The architecture of the city is eclectic and reflects the influence of different eras and styles: neoclassical, decorative, neo-colonial, modern and rationalistic.
Other sights of Cuba
Varadero
Resort town in the province of Matanzas. It will be located on the Icacos Peninsula, 140 km east of Havana. One of the largest resort areas in the Caribbean. In 1992, Varadero beach was recognized by UNESCO as one of the most clean beaches the world.
Santiago de Cuba
A city in the southeast of the island of Cuba. The second largest Cuban city. Population 494 thousand inhabitants. Founded in 1514
On July 26, 1953, Fidel Castro, with a group of revolutionaries, attacked the Moncada barracks in order to seize the arsenal, starting a fight against Batista.
There are many interesting museums: Ethnographic Museum "La Isabelica", palace of the first conquistador of Cuba Diego Velazquez de Cuellar, built in 1516-1520 (Museum of Colonial Art), Municipal Museum named after Emilio Bacardi, Historical Museum in the famous Moncada barracks, Museum natural history... Near the town is the fortress of San Pedro de la Roca.
The city has two theaters, a picturesque City Cathedral, a conservatory, a university, many cinemas, the José Martí Mausoleum at the Sementerio Santa Ifichenia cemetery, etc. The place of pilgrimage is the village of El Cobre, where the Cathedral of St. Cobre, 1831) - the patroness of Cuba.
The area around Santiago de Cuba is popular with diving enthusiasts.
Cayo coco
An island in the central part of Cuba, famous for its resorts. The island is connected to the "mainland" by an artificial road 27 km long.
Holguin town
Founded in 1523 Industrial centre... Baia de Naranjo (Orange Bay) park is located 4 km from the city. The Coppo de Maita Museum contains an excavation of an Indian settlement. Several tens of kilometers from the city are located beach resorts, the largest of which is Guardalavaca.
Guam village
It is a river resort and surprisingly calm and quiet place... There are no famous Cuban beaches here, and the sun does not seem so sizzling. Twelve small islets connected by wooden bridges, a system of canals, an Indian village, a crocodile farm, a botanical garden - all this can interest any visitor to Cuba.
Capitol (Havana)
Parliament building of Cuba. It was built in 1929 and functioned until 1959. It is currently used as a congress center and is open to visitors. It houses the headquarters of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment and the Academy of Sciences of Cuba.
Mausoleum of Che Guevara (Santa Clara)
The memorial complex was opened in 1988 in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Battle of Santa Clara. V memorial Complex includes the museum and the mausoleum of Ernesto Che Guevara. The center of the architectural composition is the monument to Che Guevara, and 4 steles with sayings and bas-reliefs depicting battle scenes. There is a museum under the monument, where Che's personal belongings and exhibits telling about his life and revolutionary ideas are displayed. The mausoleum contains the remains of Che Guevara and his 29 comrades, who were killed in 1967 in Bolivia while trying to organize an armed uprising.
Story
Columbus was the first Europeans to land in Cuba in 1492. In 1511 Diego Velazquez de Cuellar subdued indigenous population Islands, built Fort Baracoa and became the first Spanish governor of Cuba. By 1514, seven settlements were founded.
In 1515 Cuellar moved his headquarters to Santiago de Cuba, which became the first capital of Cuba. Colonization took place in the context of a struggle with the indigenous population of the island - the Taino Indians.
The first uprising for independence took place in 1823 and was suppressed. In 1868, Cuba's Ten Years War of Independence began; the rebels were supported by the United States. In 1895, a detachment of Cuban patriots led by José Martí landed in Cuba. In the Cuban War of Independence, the Cubans gained control over almost the entire territory of the island, excluding large cities.
In 1898, the United States won a victory in the war with Spain, Cuba becomes dependent on the United States. In 1933, there was a coup organized by the revolutionaries led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista, the dictator Gerardo Machado y Morales was overthrown and a democratic regime was established. But on March 10, 1952, Batista carried out a coup d'état and established a personal dictatorship.
On July 26, 1953, the revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro made an unsuccessful attempt to seize the Moncada barracks (military barracks in the city of Santiago de Cuba). This event marked the beginning of the Cuban Revolution. Political repression followed immediately. In 1955, the revolutionaries were amnestied. December 2, 1956 a new group revolutionaries disembarked from the yacht "Granma" in the east of the island and began military action against the government of Batista.
On January 1, 1959, dictator Batista fled Cuba. In the conditions of the power vacuum resulting from Batista's flight, on January 8, the rebel column entered Havana, where it was greeted with popular jubilation.
As a result of the victory of the revolution, power in Cuba was given to the government of the "left" orientation, headed by Fidel Castro, which took the path of building socialism. The ruling and only authorized party in the country is the Cuban Communist Party. The government of Fidel Castro carried out an agrarian reform, the nationalization of industrial assets, and launched widespread social transformations. This caused discontent among part of the population and there was a massive emigration, mainly to the United States, where a large diaspora of opponents of Castro and his policies was created. Emigration was also facilitated by the Cuban Act, passed in 1966 by the US Congress, which guarantees permanent residence to any Cuban who arrives in the United States legally or illegally.
In April 1961, Cuban émigrés, with US support, landed an armed assault on south coast islands with the aim of organizing a massive uprising against the policies of the new government in the future, but the intervention was quickly suppressed. Subsequently, the emigrant organizations repeatedly organized Act of terrorism and small-scale landings in Cuba, but without much results.
1960s to early 1990s Cuba was an ally of the USSR, which provided it with significant financial, economic and political support. Immediately with the revolution of 1959, political repression began, primarily directed against the leaders of the ousted regime of the dictator Batista and the CIA agents.
Castro reacted negatively to the policy of perestroika in the USSR, but supported Yeltsin. After the collapse of the USSR, the economic situation in Cuba deteriorated significantly, but by 1994 the situation had stabilized, and the economic condition of the country is currently assessed by international organizations as quite satisfactory.
On February 19, 2008, through the Granma newspaper, Fidel Castro announced his resignation from the post of Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief of Cuban troops. At the moment, the president is Raul Castro, the younger brother and associate of Fidel Castro.
Cuba - small and amazing beautiful island strongly associated with Havana cigars and Cuban rum. But besides this, there are still beautiful women on the island, the eternally alive Fidel Castro, and many wonderful places.
Cuba - Liberty Island
Cuba - this is how we used to call the island state in the northwest of the Caribbean, official name which is the Republic of Cuba. In the late 50s. XX century the country received its unofficial name - "Freedom Island", after the well-known events. when a group of insurgents took over the governor's palace, declared a course of independence and in addition gave a good kick to the American children of mocrats.
Cuba on world map
In the group of the Greater Antilles, Cuba occupies the territory of the island of the same name. She owns Fr. Juventud and more than 1.5 thousand small islets that form the Cuban archipelago. From North America- its closest "neighbor", Cuba fenced off the Florida Strait from the north and the Yucatan - from the west. Water borders, with the state of Florida (), Haiti, etc.
Liberty Island Map
The area of the territory of the Republic of Cuba is 111 thousand km². In shape, the island resembles a caiman lizard, the head and body of which is directed towards the Atlantic, and the tail touches the Gulf of Mexico. The length of the "caiman" is 1250 km, and the width is from 210 km from the side of the "head" and 32 km - in the "tail". Cuba is surrounded (in the south), the Gulf of Mexico (in the northwest), Atlantic Ocean(in the north-east). The sun-drenched island is ringed coral reefs, and its coastline is outlined by deep-water bays and numerous bays.
Havana is the capital and The largest city Republic of Cuba.
Cuba flag (photo)
Cuba has a flag, nicknamed the "Lonely Star", It has five horizontal alternating stripes: three - blue and two - white.
Cuba flag
On the left near the pole is a red equilateral triangle, in the center of which is a white star. The symbolic elements of the flag mean:
- blue stripes - parts obtained as a result of the division of Cuba by the Spaniards;
- whites - the desire for freedom and independence;
- scarlet triangle - equality, brotherhood, freedom, obtained as a result of bloody revolutions;
- a white star - freedom, freedom and again freedom.
Sun, air and water of Liberty Island
Cuba is always hot and humid. January calms the heat down to + 22 ° C, and hot August raises it to almost + 30 ° C. Residents are saved by bringing freshness, and in the evenings and coolness, the sea breeze. Tropical cyclones, typical of the summer-autumn period, are not uncommon here. More than half of the total annual precipitation falls during the rainy season. Typhoons, accompanied by strong winds and heavy downpours, inflict huge damage on the island.
Tourists prefer to rest here in and.
The insular rivers are short and short. Rare forests, preserved only in swampy and mountainous regions, cover no more than 10% of the surface. Different types of palms and citrus trees grow here. At the base of the mountains there are eucalyptus, pine, kaoba, sandalwood and black trees. The arid regions are home to cacti and agaves. And the more humid ones are covered with thickets of sugar cane.
Only a few representatives of the fauna have chosen the land, but the water area of the island has become the abode of mollusks, commercial fish, lobsters, shrimps and other species of marine animals. There are no predators or poisonous reptiles in Cuba, but there are many terrestrial mollusks, bats and birds.
I bring to your attention the film "Cuba" from the "Golden Globe" series - about the way of life of the island, about the people inhabiting it and about the mass of beautiful places in this tropical paradise.
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This is really an "island of contrasts", to paraphrase a little the famous movie heroine.
Cuba and Cubans
Cuba is inhabited by almost 11.5 million people, 95% of whom are Cubans - a mixed nationality. Before the arrival of the Spaniards on the island, the tribes of the Arawak Indians, Siboneans, Guanahanabes and Indians from Haiti lived here. But Spanish colonization practically wiped out these tribes. According to official figures, the white population of the country is 65%, mulattoes - 25%, blacks - 10%, although some sources give different figures.
There is a Chinese colony on the island, which was formed after the end of the slave trade by the Spaniards. On about. Pinos can be found descendants of Japanese immigrants, and in the east of Cuba - immigrants from Haiti.
The official language in the country is Spanish. However, the Cubans use English, French and Russian.
Cuban rum with a Havana cigar
They say that Christopher Columbus, having first entered the land of Cuba, was amazed at the beauty of what he saw and exclaimed: "I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life!" Believe me, it is impossible not to agree with this. The piercing blue sky, turquoise sea, bright sun and snow-white beaches cannot but delight travelers who have come here.
