Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos, dubbed La Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South), is a cuban city located in the south coast of the island.
In 1819 the city was founded by french immigrates coming from Bordeaux and Louisiana. During the 19th century it became one of the major urban centre on Cuba. Nowadays Cienfuegos boasts one of the most important port on the island, it is a centre of sugar, coffee and tobacco trade.
Once you are in Cienfuegos do not forget to stroll in the characteristic historical centre of the city, it is rich in cultural and historical heritage. This is why, in 2005 it was inserted in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The most relevant points of interest are: the Castillo de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Jagua, a fortress built in 1742 to protect the bay from the pirates; the Cathedral de la Purisma Concepción, built 1833-1869 and the Jardín Botánico de Cienfuegos, it extends for 97 hectares and it is one of the first botanical gardens on the island.
Cienfuegos also provides to its visitors beautiful caribbean beaches and an amazing crystal clear water. Here it is possible to practice every kinds of water activities. In fact, the calm water of the region are ideal for those wanting to practice snorkelling, diving, sailing, rowing or kayak.
Playa Rancho Luna is one of the most beautiful beaches of Cienfuegos; it is characterized by a fine white sandy beach surrounded by palms and caleta grape.
