Santiago de Cuba
Located in the eastern part of Cuba, Santiago is one of the
provinces with the largest population : more than a million inhabitants, yet one
of the smallest in extension, with only 6170 square kilometers (including its
keys), of which 67% are mountainous. The territory presently occupied by
Santiago de Cuba was part of the old Oriente province, which became a province
of its own when the new political administrative division was introduced, in
1976. Its boundaries to the north is Holguin, to the south the Caribbean Sea, to
the east Guuantánamo, and the west Granma.
Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city in Cuba and was the capital until 1553. It is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and ocean. Santiago brings you pleasant walks in the streets and invitations to festivities with its enchanting nights. The people here are very friendly and love visitors.
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Church beside Casa Grande |
There are two main beaches in Santiago. Playa Daiquiri, also known as Playa Bibijagua, and Playa Bucanero. You could also visit the little town called Siboney, where they have a beach that is very popular with the locals, especially during the summer season when the schools and universities are closed. It is situated about 20 minutes drive from Santiago.
One of the most popular spots in Santiago is a park call Parque Céspedes, it is situated just in front of Hotel Casa Grande. There you will are right in the middle of it all. The park depending on the time of year that you go, offers many festivals, especially in July when they celebrate Carnival. You can have something to eat or drink in on the first floor Balcony café that has a view on the park.
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Siboney Beach |
Céspedes park, view from Hotel Casa Granda's Balcony café |
Apart from the hotels you will find many privately owned legal
lodging called Casa Particulars. This is sort of our version of a bed and
breakfast. There are many different kinds ranging from renting rooms to complete
houses fully furnished. Downtown you will basically find rooms for rent, some
with private bathrooms. The bigger ones you will find are situated around the
Hotel Melia Santiago, which is about an 8 minute drive from Hotel Casa Grande.
There it is also quieter and most of the houses
have land, so they have usually have a garden where you could relax in on a
beautiful hot summer day.
Nightlife offers many small café’s with local groups
performing there at night, mixed with local music, Latin dance music, Salsa,
Meringue and dance music. They opened a discothèque called La Iris and Havane
Club (Situated at Hotel Las America), if you like
a your music a little louder and your ambiance a little darker. Basically you
will find something for everyone.
Links
http://users.pandora.be/casaparticular/
