Why Trinidad will be the highlight of any trip to Cuba

Trinidad was without doubt my favourite place in Cuba. It's colourful old buildings and cobblestone streets feel like they haven't changed for decades, maybe centuries, and if it weren't for the cars and tourists you could easily believe that you'd stepped back in time the moment you entered. We spent three wonderful days there, exploring, eating, drinking, and dancing. On its own, Trinidad probably would still have been my favourite spot in Cuba, but what made it even more perfect was the gorgeous Playa Ancon just a 15 minute taxi ride away. This small city on the south of the island is truly a little slice of paradise.

Out first afternoon was spent exploring. We followed the 'Photogenic Trinidad City Walk' in our Lonely Planet book, which is well worth doing if you want to see Trinidad's picturesque sights and snap pictures of the colourful buildings against the backdrop of an imperious mountain range. If you want to get *that* shot looking out over the city then the Museo Historico Municipal is the place to go, it's a lovely museum, but the highlight is definitely the view from the tower. Trinidad is so beautiful that it's worth giving yourself at least one day to just wonder around and aimlessly explore its plazas and cobbled streets.

Like in most Cuban tourist towns, it's very easy to find a place to stay in Trinidad;  there are literally hundreds of Casa Particulars to choose from. Every Cuban seems to have, if not a relative, then at least a friend that owns one - if you stopped someone in the street they'd probably be able to recommend somewhere to you, but knocking on doors that have the little Casa symbol works just as well - if somewhere is full they'll just direct you to their friend down the road. Everywhere we stayed our hosts were friendly and welcoming, and went out of their way to make delicious breakfasts for us. Competition is steep, with so many people vying for your custom Casa owners want to make your stay with them as pleasant as possible, so I really don't think you can go wrong whatever Casa you choose.

Make sure you head to Taberna la Canchanchara if you want to try its eponymous cocktail, and Trinidad's signature drink. A Canchanchara is a rum, honey and lemon cocktail and served here in rustic terracotta mugs. Listening to a live band while sipping this sweet cocktail was an unforgettable experience.

 

Food-wise, Trinidad is also has a lot of vegetarian-friendly restaurants. I would highly recommend Sol Ananda, it serves several (!) diverse vegetarian options, as well as some interesting green cocktails. The museum-like decor, including grandfather clocks, antique lamps, mirrors, china and even a bed made the dining experience that much better.

After dinner, take yourself down to the courtyard of the Casa de la Musica, where tourists and locals mix together to take in the live music. If you're braver than I am you could even join in the salsa dancing that is sure to break out in front of the stage. If you don't want the night to end when the music stops here then join the tourist crowds on the walk up the hill to Disco Ayala, a night club in a cave! As nightclubs go, its fairly average, but I mean how many people can say they've been clubbing in a cave? My pictures inside the cave are far too blurry to post, I'd like to blame the low light but I think it may also have something to do with the very generous servings of rum they put in their cocktails!

If you're feeling a little worse-for wear the following morning, then nothing will better clear your head than a swim in the crystal blue waters at Playa Ancon. 18 KM out of Trinidad, it's a cheap taxi journey away, and so, so worth the journey. The palm trees, pristine white sand and clear blue water make this beach a veritable paradise. A little shack-come-bar sells tropical cocktails to sip on while you sun yourself, or, if you're in need of some junk food after a night out in the cave, there are guys that walk up and down selling hot, greasy, delicious pizzas.

There are other excursions you can organise from Trinidad, like hikes to a waterfall and horseback treks, but honestly we enjoyed our day at the beach followed by evening of good food, cocktails and dancing so much that we decided to do it all again the next day. We only had three days there, but could happily have stayed much longer. If you're in Cuba then Trinidad really is a must-visit destination.

Heading to Cuba? Check out the seven things I wish I'd known before my trip