Cuba is not called the “Jewel of the Caribbean” for nothing. This piece of land, blending influences from several cultures, has something unique in its landscapes. In Cuba, you can find everything from historical cities to lush brightly colored forests. One thing many do not expect to discover is the island’s deep Jewish connection which spanned between the 15th and 20th centuries when thousands of Jews seeking refuge and prosperity found a safe haven in Cuba.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience that’s a little closer to home, a Jewish heritage tour in Cuba might be just the ticket! For nature lovers or beauty seekers, Cuba is a feast for the eyes! Here’s a selection of the top 8 most beautiful places to see in Cuba, including spots of interest for those looking to delve into Cuba’s Jewish history and culture. It might make planning your tour to Cuba a bit easier!
Here’s Why Cuba Should Be Your Next Destination
Cuba is one of those destinations that offers a truly unique experience for everyone in the family. City slickers will enjoy the cobbled streets classic cars, and old-world colonial mansions of Old Havana, while thrill seekers will find their next big adventure trekking through the island’s lush rainforests or exploring the pristine beaches. Visitors to the Caribbean island will find a rich history and a melting pot of Spanish, African, American, and indigenous Cuban culture, and if you know where to look, Jewish culture!
1. Alejandro de Humboldt National Park
The Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, and one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. This unique piece of paradise will reveal to hikers a lush, abundant forest, exotic birds in of every color, and incredible waterfalls!
2. The Malecon
The Malecon is the promenade along the waterfront of Havana, a road stretching for seven kilometers that you can explore on foot or from the comfort of a classic American car from the fifties. The Malecon is the one place not to miss in Havana. You can go there any time of day or night and find something incredible to see against the beautiful waterfront backdrop. Whether it’s the musicians or the dancers the Malecon is always awake!
Jewish Havana
Most think of rum, cigars, and revolutions when they think of Cuba, not its diverse Jewish culture. What makes Cuba’s Jewish community so special is its surprisingly long history and unique blend of cultures. The first Jews to arrive in Cuba were Marranos who fled the Spanish Inquisition in the 15th century. The 17th century brought Jews from Brazil, while American Jews seeking better opportunities and Sephardi Jews seeking refuge from the Ottoman Empire found their way to Cuba in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
1920 saw the start of Cuba’s contemporary Jewish culture with the arrival of Ashkenazi Jews fleeing European persecution. By the 1950s, Havana was home to 20,000 Jews who embraced their religion and culture, constructing 5 synagogues, Jewish schools, a college, a library, and their own cemeteries. Cuba’s Jews thrived and prospered over the years, and with their growth, they established several communal organizations that provided welfare, medical assistance, education, and activities for the community.
Despite the majority leaving during the revolution, around 1,200 Jews remain in Cuba, with 1,000 residing in Havana. It’s a tight-knit community that’s proud of its long heritage and currently undergoing a revival! Below is a list of 8 significant places and monuments to add to your itinerary for a Jewish heritage tour in Cuba:
- Habana Vieja’s Jewish quarter – While there was never a distinct quarter for the Jews of Havana, Habana Vieja is where you will find signs of the city’s Jewish community, including synagogues, historic sites, and kosher food.
- Sinagoga Adath Israel – Havana’s Ashkenazi synagogue which is the only Orthodox house of worship in Cuba. It is one of the three synagogues that are still functioning.
- Parque de Los Hebreos – An imposing menorah monument near the Bet Shalon Sinagoga
- Chevet Achim – The oldest synagogue in Cuba, built in 1914. Visits to the synagogue are by appointment only through the Centro Sefardi.
- Casa de la Comunidad Hebrea de Cuba – Learn about Havana’s Jews through their Jewish community center.
- Beth Shalom Synagogue – Cuba’s largest synagogue, considered the center of Cuba’s Jewish community. It boasts impressive architecture and a library.
- Centro Sefardí – A beautiful Sephardic synagogue with a Holocaust exhibit
- Cementerio de la Comunidad Religiosa Ashkenazi and the Cementerio de la Unión Sefardi – The Ashkenazi and Sephardic cemeteries. Both are located in Guanabacoa, just 30 minutes outside Havana. They each have memorials to honor the victims of the Holocaust.
If you’re looking to embark on a Jewish tour of this exciting Caribbean island, but don’t know where to start, consider booking a private Jewish heritage group experience in Cuba. Using a travel agency like Gil Travel takes all the stress of planning from your trips and allows you to fully enjoy and immerse yourself in the local culture, history, and surroundings with the help of expert local tour guides who will navigate you through an unforgettable experience!
While kosher dining options are available in Havana, keeping kosher in the rest of Cuba could prove to be a struggle. That’s why it’s especially important for those who observe kashrut to utilize an agency that
specializes in Jewish heritage travel, as it’s your best bet for finding a kosher tour to Cuba.
3. La Isla de la Juventud
If you really want to explore something off the beaten track, la Isla de la Juventud is the perfect place for you. The only way to get there is a three-hour boat ride. But the reward is well worth the effort as la Isla de la Juventud is still an untouched piece of land, with unique forests and wildlife!
4. Baracoa
Baracoa is the oldest city in Cuba, but it stayed under the tourist radar so far. The fact that it’s hidden all the way into the eastern point of the country might have something to do with that. Still, it would be a shame to miss the beauty of Baracoa, of the waterfalls and natural pools to bath in, of the small private black-sand beaches, of the views on the lush forests surrounding the city, of the sight on of the famous Yunque mountain in the distance. …
5. Valle de Vinales
The Valle de Vinales is a UNESCO site and possibly one of the most interesting landscapes in the world. This large valley is situated in the middle of the Sierra de Los Organos mountains. In the middle of this very flat piece of land, funny–looking round mounds called “mogotes” sprinkle the earth. Whether you’re seeing this in the light of the full Caribbean sunshine or filled with morning mist, the Valle de Vinales is always something to see!
6. Trinidad
For a city, Trinidad is as beautiful as it gets. The town center is a car–free zone so this is your opportunity to walk the quaint cobbled streets and take in colorful houses and colonial architecture.
7. Cienfuegos
This is a smaller city located in the center of the main island and vibrant with history and architecture. In fact, Cienfuegos is often lovingly called the “Paris of Cuba” thanks to the French influence on the style of the city. The harbor side of town is particularly beautiful, and the whole town makes for a perfect stop on your travels.
8. Peninsula de Zapata
The Peninsula de Zapata is something special for nature and animal lovers. The area is a wetland, unique to the Caribbean. The Peninsula de Zapata, is the perfect place for spotting exotic birds, including rare parrots, as well as crocodiles! Don’t worry, it’s safe to go with a guide if you want to venture into this piece of preserved nature!
It wasn’t easy to choose only eight among the many beautiful places to see in Cuba. What’s for sure is that the time to go to Cuba is now. At Gil Travel, you can book a private Jewish heritage group experience in Cuba to discover the capital’s rich Jewish history and stunning colonial architecture, explore the island’s exquisite natural landscapes, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. Make the most of this amazing country while it‘s still untarnished and truly beautiful.