Cuba is divided into 16 provinces, with the sixteenth province being the Isle of Youth. These provinces collectively make up the regions of Cuba.
Cuba's Regional Names
Western Regions of Cuba
Pinar del Rio: The cities in and around this region of Cuba are home to 70% of the country's tobacco industry. For tourists, the west coast of Cuba is attractive for the presence of several successful diving sites. In addition, ecotourism is popular here, and there are many interesting routes for it.
Artemisa: This province was formed only recently, after the division of the province of Havana in 2010. The main focus of the region is agriculture. Sugar cane, fruits and vegetables, potatoes, and rice are grown here.
Havana: The capital of Cuba has been given the status of a province. And no wonder, because a fifth of the population of the entire country lives here, and Havana itself is the cultural and historical center of Cuba. The surrounding area is a beach area, with resort towns scattered along the coast.
Mayabeque: This province of Cuba was also formed only in 2010, with the division of Havana province. The oldest railroad in Latin America runs through the province.
Isle of Youth: The territory of the island has the status of a special municipality of Cuba. Much of the island is overgrown with pine trees, locals grow citrus fruits, and tourists appreciate the island for its excellent diving spots.
Cuba's Central Regions
Matanzas: Near the northern coast of the country you will find coral reefs, small but numerous. These places are popular with divers. Along the beaches here grow mangrove trees, creating abundant shade, favorable in the hot season. But the southern part of the province, all the way to the coast, is occupied by the vast Ciénaga de Zapata swamp.
Cienfuegos: Tourists in this province are attracted by the mountains with their waterfalls and, of course, the Caribbean Sea, which washes the region from the south. In addition to beach vacations, there are some good diving spots.
Villa Clara: The province faces the sea on the north side. The capital of the province is the city of Santa Clara. Here rests the ashes of the legendary Commander Che Guevara.
Sancti Spiritus: There are picturesque mountains in the west of the province. However, the southern coast is marshy and swimming is not particularly pleasant. But in the northern part of Sancti Spiritus you will find the Caguanes National Park. And the city of Trinidad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ciego de Ávila: The province is bounded by the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. It is here that the resorts are particularly attractive, with all the conditions for a great vacation.
Camagüey: Tours to this part of Cuba are not popular, although both the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts have comfortable beaches and picturesque reefs curious to divers. The province, however, focuses its income on citrus and cow farming rather than an influx of tourists.
Eastern regions of Cuba.
Las Tunas: The province has access to both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. But it's not generally well suited for recreation - much of the space is swampy.
Granma: This province carries huge historical meaning for Cuba. It was from here that the Cuban Revolution once erupted. And now the main attraction here is the peaceful Desembarco del Granma, a UNESCO-designated Natural Landscape of Humanity. There is another national park Turquino, also popular among tourists. But it's the Caribbean coastline and Marea del Portillo beach that attracts travelers the most.
Holguin: This province of Cuba is considered the landing place of Christopher Columbus, and there is even a monument erected in his honor. It's also where coffee is grown and minerals are mined. However, two national parks, the Alexander Humboldt Park and Sierra Cristal, protect nature from human overexposure.
Santiago de Cuba: The province lies to the east of Liberty Island and is washed by the Caribbean Sea. The eponymous city of Santiago de Cuba is the second largest in the country. It is also home to the ancient fortress of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro.
Guantanamo: The province occupies the easternmost part of the country and is washed by the Caribbean Sea. It is partly home to the Alexander Humboldt National Park.
