Guardalavaca Holiday Guide

There are direct flights from around the UK, mostly run by charter airlines to Varadero, Cayo Coco and Holguin. From the airport, you will probably have an airport transfer organised by your tour operator, the alternatives are to hire a car or take a taxi.

Once in Guardalavaca, getting around the immediate area and the beaches is easiest on foot. Or hire a bike from your hotel to follow eco trails and see some of the local flora and fauna. Other options are hiring a moped, car, or even a jeep. Hotels can always arrange a taxi, but check the price in advance, as you might find it is cheaper to rent a car.

If there is one thing that Guardalavaca is famous for, it is the beaches. The water quality is generally excellent which makes snorkelling a real treat. There are lots of other water sports and great diving in the area. Divers report great visibility and lots of marine life.

This region is also famous for its nature and architecture. It also hosts the original family home of Fidel Castro at Finca La Mancas in Biran. It is all very low key, but if you are interested in the home life of the revolutionary leader you can explore.

Getting out of the resort also gives you a chance to see ordinary Cuban life at first hand in this very rural area. Don't be surprised to see lots of people waiting along roads, a formalised kind of hitch-hiking operates on the island, so everyone stops and gives others a lift.

West of Guardalavaca is Gibara where you can visit an impressive memorial commemorating Christopher Columbus's visit to Cuba. Stop for lunch at the restaurant here and find out more about the famous explorer on one of the tours.

For cyclists and keen walkers there are lots of trips in this area where you can explore country roads and coastal paths near to the resort, which lead you into hidden coves and to almost-secret beaches.

You shouldn't miss out on a trip to Havana during your holiday in Cuba. It is possible in a day if you take an internal flight from Holguin, although it might be more fun to stay overnight. Havana's combination of history, atmosphere and great cocktail bars make it top of the list of must-see places on the island.

The tourist trail revels in the influence of American writer Ernest Hemingway of the 1920s and 1930s when Cuba was a playground for rich Americans. The Hemingway touch can be found in bars (where he drank), hotels (where he stayed) and places that he just might have passed.

Take a trip in the funny egg-shaped taxis that run through the centre of the city, wander through the impressive historic quarter with its interesting shops and cafes, and stop for a fantastic mojito at the impossibly grand Hotel Nacional. Like the rest of Cuba, Havana is still very affordable for British tourists.

Most people agree that food is not top of the list of reasons to visit Cuba. Cuban cuisine is not the most exciting in the Caribbean, but the seafood is usually excellent, so try a lobster or fish dish. The coffee is usually great, strong and Spanish-style, and the ice-cream superb.

If you can find one, the best restaurants are independent paladares, run from people's homes.

Cuban cocktails are rated among the best in the world. A classic Cuban drink of course being the mojito, made with lots of rum, fresh mint and sugar syrup.

The ideal finish to the evening is to do like the locals and hit the dance floor. Cubans are great dancers, and learning to salsa is a great way to spend an evening, even if you think you will never make it to the Strictly Come Dancing finale. Most all-inclusive hotels have entertainment every night, if you want to visit another hotel you may have to pay a fee.

The best souvenirs from Cuba are cigars, Cuban rum and great T-shirts with the legendary revolutionary Che Guevara on them. Cigars are made in Cuba, and famously the best ones are hand rolled here. Take a box home and you'll find they are miles cheaper than ones you can buy at home.

For non-smokers, a bottle of delicious Cuban rum makes a good gift, especially if you offer to rustle up a few cocktails with it. Guardalavaca has a good artists' market in the street most weeks, where you can buy paintings and t-shirts, like the classic one with Che Guevara on the front.

Everyone will love taking a trip to swim with the dolphins. It's the one thing not to miss during your trip. The tour can be arranged through most hotels, or if you have your own transport then you can drive out to Acuario Cayo Naranjo. It's worth spending at least half a day here as there is plenty to do.

There's a dolphin show, and aquariums but the biggest thrill for most people is the opportunity to swim alongside dolphins. It's possible for all the family.