Santa Lucia

On Cuba’s Caribbean side, Cienfuegos perches on the shores of Jagua Bay like a pearl sitting on an oyster shell. First settled by the French, who dubbed Cienfuegos “The Southern Pearl”, the city is the capital of Cienfuegos province.

In the early 19th century, wealthy Frenchman D’Clouet of Louisiana promoted this area to the French, who began to populate the region from Bordeaux among other places. Today, this “Franco-Cuban” province produces sugar, citrus fruits, cattle and coffee while developing its industrial side as well.

Santa Lucía Beach

With its 21-kilometre strip of dazzling white sand overlooking the northern coral reef, is well known for the quality and variety of its dive sites, with romantic names such as Valentina and Poseidon. Hotels and resorts dot the island, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway..

Town centre

Dating back to 1514, Camaguey has been wiped out several times by battles and pirates (led by Henry Morgan). When it was rebuilt, its streets became a labyrinth, as if to confuse any future invaders. Today, these winding streets lined with rainbow-coloured houses are a delightful treat.

Parque Ignacio Agramonte

At the centre of this colonial “town square” stands the statue of hero Ignacio Agramonte on horseback. It was sculpted in 1912 by Buemi.

La Merced Church

Restoration has begun in this magnificent 18th-century church with its decorated ceiling and statue of Jesus. In the church, art work commemorates the death of a villager in a duel.

San Juan de Dios Square

A restored national monument dating back to the 18th century, is surrounded by a convent, a hospital and a church, which houses a rare statue of the Holy Trinity and Holy Ghost.

Teatro Principal

A splendid building dating back to 1850 is now the home of the Camagüey Classic Ballet Company.

Casino Campestre

Is the city’s lush “green centre”, with its gardens and monuments, one of which is devoted to Spanish pilots Barberán and Collar. In 1934, they made the historic first flight between Seville and Havana. Nearby is Revolution Square, named after Major General Iganacio Agramonte y Loynaz.