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Winter holidays and ski holidays in Canada

Boundless slopes, picturesque mountain worlds and the finest powder snow: Every winter sports heart beats faster on a winter holiday in Canada . Whether it’s wide and wide slopes for long turns, steep black runs or blue slopes for beginners – Canada offers not only varied ski landscapes, but also very rustic cuisine and cozy hospitality.

Special features of a winter holiday in Canada

For hikers, cyclists or even winter sports enthusiasts, Canada is considered a dream destination. Nowhere in the world does one country seem to have such a rich and varied nature with all its seasons. The endless expanse – whether in the valley, by the sea or on the mountains – conveys a feeling of freedom and independence. A special feature in winter is the quality of the snow: Although the Canadian ski resorts also use snow-making systems, the rich snow mixes in much more easily and quickly than in the local low mountain ranges or the Alps.

The world-famous “Champagne Powder“, as Canadian snow is often called, attracts numerous visitors from all over the world to the ski resorts on the west coast of Canada. Characteristic of this snow is its light and, above all, dry shape, which is particularly suitable for snowboarding or skiing. And truly, this snow exists worldwide exclusively on the west coast of Canada.

In addition, the Canadian ski resorts are known for their wide and long slopes: with a varied freeride terrain, which is also part of the ski area and is also considered absolutely safe due to the special avalanche monitoring. This means that winter sports enthusiasts have an ideal and varied choice between deep snow slopes, freeride through forests and open slopes and freshly groomed slopes every day.

Another special feature is the American discipline of heli-skiing: separate and cordoned-off slopes were set up especially for this purpose just for the heli group. The start of the slope can only be reached by helicopter, so this pleasure actually offers a very exclusive adventure.

Which ski resorts are particularly attractive in Canada?

Although there are a variety of different ski resorts throughout Canada, the largest are found in the Rocky Mountains on the west coast of Canada. The provinces of British Columbia and Alberta are also home to the highest ski resorts in Canada with an altitude of over 3,000 meters.

One of the most famous ski resorts in Canada is undoubtedly Whistler. Just two hours north of Vancouver, this area is the most famous winter sports area in North America, which is home to two ski resorts: Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain. The eponymous Whistler and Blackcomb mountains not only stand out majestically in the panorama of this ski resort, but are also connected to the Peak-2-Peak gondola. Whistler was also the venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The resort is blessed with almost 10 meters of snow every season and is therefore considered absolutely snow-sure.

Due to the special length of the ski area with over 200 kilometres of slopes and a total area of 3,300 hectares and three glaciers, the slopes remain almost empty even when fully operational. This offers enough space for both professionals and beginners to test large and wide turns, race or even take a leisurely approach to new winter sports.

The largest ski resort in Canada is also known for its hospitality and exclusive hotels. Even in the summer months, holidaymakers get their money’s worth here. Numerous hiking trails, impressive national parks with bears and reindeer as well as picturesque lake districts round off the scenery of Whistler perfectly. In addition, numerous activities are also possible in this ski area in addition to winter sports. Holidaymakers can also go dog sledding, snowmobile tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides and much more.

The Blackcomb ski area, on the other hand, is characterized above all by its long season. Here, winter sports enthusiasts can ski or snowboard on the glacier until June. Even beyond that, snow is guaranteed, even if winter sports are then restricted in accordance with nature conservation requirements.

Other popular winter holiday destinations in Canada

Lake Louise, Canada
Lake Louise in Alberta, Image: Timothy Yue / shutterstock

Not far from Whistler in the Alberta region is the Lake Louise ski area. The winter sports resort is not only known for its Lake Louise, but also for its varied slopes. On a total of 145 different slopes, every winter sports enthusiast gets their money’s worth. While about half of the slopes are suitable for advanced skiers, the other 66% of the total area is shared by both black and blue slopes. The longest descent extends over eight kilometres.

Freeriders are not neglected here either. Over nine different freeride slopes and nine freestyle slopes, freeriders can get their money’s worth here. With 1,700 hectares, the ski resort is one of the largest winter sports areas in Canada and scores with its picturesque backdrop to the Banff National Park. While many grizzlies raise their offspring in Lake Louise in summer, almost every conceivable winter sport romps around in the resort in winter. With a total of seven huts and mountain restaurants, the Lake Louis ski resort is also a very well-developed ski area.

Jasper is another absolute skiing highlight in Canada: In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Canadians and all sports enthusiasts get out of breath here, especially with dog sledding and ice hockey. The rather smaller ski area is more suitable for families, beginners and advanced skiers due to the predominantly blue slopes. On the 91 slopes, holidaymakers will also find numerous mountain restaurants and varied opportunities for après-ski.

Bolivia – Inca culture up close

Land of deserts, rainforests and mountains. And records. Bolivia is home to the highest city, the most dangerous road and the largest salt desert in the world at the same time.

Special features of Bolivia

Bolivia
Image: SL-Photography / shutterstock

Bolivia, together with Peru , is considered the country where the indigenous groups and their culture have been best preserved. More than half of the population belongs to indigenous peoples. This is also noticeable during the numerous festivals, because although they usually have a Christian background, they are still characterized by old rituals and ceremonies.

In the art of the Bolivians, too, much of their high culture and also the colonial era has prevailed. Dance and music are important parts of life, as in all South American countries.

Sights in Bolivia

La Paz: City above the clouds

La Paz, Cable Car
La Paz, Image: saiko3p / shutterstock

La Paz is the highest city in the world with 3200 meters of altitude. It is home to the seat of government of Bolivia, but can only be unofficially described as its capital. The full name of the city is Nuestra Señora de La Paz, which means “Our Lady of Peace”: a reminder of the victory in the War of Independence against Spain.

The city grows impressively beyond the valley about 1000 meters up to the mountain edges.
Especially the central squares, such as the Plaza Murillo or the Plaza de San Francisco , have the most beautiful colonial buildings and are pleasantly close to some of the numerous museums that the city has to offer.

Numerous markets characterize the image of the city and there are stalls on every corner. The witches’ market is a particularly bizarre attraction. In addition to mysterious elixirs and powders, snakes and lucky charms in the form of llama fetuses are also offered for sale.

Madidi National Park: Paradise for animals

Llamas Bolivia
Image: Lisa Stelzel / shutterstock

Between the Andes and the Amazon lies the Madidi National Park. The area encloses around 20,000 km² and thus extends from the cold regions of the Andes to the Amazon rainforest. It is one of the most species-rich regions in the world and is home to 11 percent of all known bird species. It is also home to the Titi monkey, which can be found alone in this area. It is home to more endangered species than any other national park in the world. These include, for example, the jaguar, the spectacled bear, the salt cat and the puma.
The heavy rainfall between November and March makes many paths impassable. A visit is particularly recommended from June to October.

Tours are either on foot or by boat, and along the way, travelers are educated about the use of plants and fruits. If you are planning a trip to the national park, you should take at least three days to do so.

Lake Titicaca: Divided Lake

While the larger part of Lago Titicaca is on the Peruvian side, Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna belong to the territory of Bolivia. According to legend, Isla del Sol is said to be the birthplace of the Incas. Accordingly, many Inca buildings can be found on both islands.

Salar de Uyuni: Largest salt desert in the world

Uyuni, Salt Flats
Uyuni Salt Desert, Image: streetflash / shutterstock

The Salar de Uyuni is not only the largest, but also the highest salt desert in the world. The salt layer is up to 30 meters thick and hides the last remnants of the prehistoric Uyuni salt lake.

The tours offered there usually also take travelers to the Palacio de Sal – a former hotel built from about one million salt blocks.

Tiwanaku: Machu Picchu of Bolivia

Once built by the Aymara, the ruins of Tiwanakus have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The former spiritual center is the most important site in South America next to Machu Picchu and should not be missed by those interested in culture when visiting Bolivia.

El Camino de la Muerte: Road of Death

Árbol de Piedra
Árbol de Piedra, Image: SL-Photography / shutterstock

For a long time, it was considered the most dangerous road in the world and until recently it was used by cars and trucks. Today, however, there is an alternative for large vehicles and the road only serves cyclists.

It deserves its name from the steep slopes on both sides. The narrow and winding road is neither protected by crash barriers nor otherwise. Frequent landslides, rockfalls and the muddy road surface further increase the risk.

If you dare, you can ride the Road of Death on a mountain bike today. However, caution is advised.

Tupiza Canyon: A Movie Set

The small town of Tupiza is surrounded by impressive canyons, which have often served as a setting for Western films. The place can be visited on foot, in a jeep or even on horseback.

The specialties of Bolivia

Camino de la Muerte, Bolivia Death Road
Camino de la Muerte (Death Road), Image: mezzotint / shutterstock

The country’s cuisine is very nutritious, but rather simple. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting the typical restaurants or shopping at one of the street stalls.

The sharpness of the dishes also increases with altitude and can sometimes reach a dangerous degree. Usually, however, spices and sauces are placed on the table separately and so most dishes are harmless.

Often the food consists of corn or potatoes, which come in a wide variety of varieties and variations. These vegetables were already cultivated by the Incas and have continued in the kitchen.

One example is the Humintas. This snack is served warm and consists of a corn and cheese mass wrapped in a corn leaf.

If you are interested enough, you should also take the time to find Bolivian drinks, as their juices, beers and wines can definitely compete with Western imported products. Api is a real popularity here. The sweet hot drink made from corn is for sale at many market stalls.

Impressions Bolivia

What to see in Malaga

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As the second largest city in Andalusia, Malaga has some real treasures in store. History, art and culture meet here in a miraculous mixture. From antiquity to the present day, the city can be experienced in all its facets. Rent a car from CarGest Malaga without excess and visit the most beautiful sights of the city.

Alcazaba – Fortress of the City

The Alcazaba palace complex has towered over the city since the 11th century. It was not until the early 19th century that parts of the fortress were destroyed by Napoleon Bonaparte’s army. In 1933, restoration work was carried out and archaeological investigations were carried out. The complex is connected to the Gibralfaro fortress by a fortified passage (called “coracha”).

Visitors are welcome at the fortress after paying an entrance fee and can enjoy the architecture as well as the view over the city, harbour and surrounding area. Special exhibitions are also held within the palace from time to time.
The complex also includes a Roman theatre, which is located at the foot of the castle hill. It is the most important relic from Roman times and dates back to the 1st century. However, it lost its importance as early as the 3rd century and was later partially demolished by the Arabs for the construction of Alcazaba. It was not rediscovered until 1951.

Castillo de Gibralfaro – Protective castle with a view

Castillo de Gibralfaro, Malaga
Castillo de Gibralfaro, Image: Andrei Nekrassov / shutterstock

Once built to protect the Alcazaba fortress, the Castillo de Gibralfaro is now a tourist attraction. The castle hill Jbel-Faro was already fortified in ancient times. In the 10th century, a fortress was built on these remains, which was expanded in 1340.
In 1487, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon besieged the fortress for three months in the summer, after which they had taken the castle and also Alcazaba. The king took the castle as his residence, while his wife Isabella lived in the city. Since 1931, the fortress has been considered a historical monument and can now be visited by visitors, although this is worthwhile not only because of the architecture and history, but also because of the view of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Catedral de la Encarnación – Cathedral of the Incarnation of God

In the city centre, the cathedral of Malaga with the long name Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación stands on a site that was occupied by a mosque before 1528. Since only one tower was completed due to lack of money, the church is nicknamed “La Manquita”, which means “little one-armed lady”.
It was built for over 250 years, which resulted in a highly appealing mix of architectural styles. While it is mostly Renaissance style, there are also Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements.

Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción – The city’s green oasis

The tropical garden in the northern part of the city was created in 1855. Palace-like buildings, waterfalls, fountains, pavilions and a variety of indigenous, subtropical and tropical plants create a unique atmosphere. In 1990, the former private garden was bought by the city, opened to the public in 1994 and gradually more themed gardens were added. For example, the “Cactus Garden” and the “Garden of Primordial Plants”. With its diverse botany, the garden also provided the perfect backdrop for several films. Most recently, for example, in 2003 for “The Bridge of San Luis Rey”.

The bullring – Spanish tradition

Málaga, Andalusia
View of the bullring in Málaga in Andalusia, Image: S-F / shutterstock

An improbable picture is the imposing bullring, which seems so small in the middle of the skyscrapers. The arena, built in 1874, offers space for almost 9,000 spectators. In addition to bullfights – which take place mainly in August – you can also see a museum around this Spanish tradition in the building, which may be an easier choice for those interested compared to the bloody fights. Today, the arena is also used for the training of noble horses. But you can also visit the arena for architectural reasons. The architect Joaquín Rucoba was a master at combining Renaissance architecture with influences from Islam, which is what makes up the Spanish Neo-Mudejar style.

Picasso Museum & Birthplace – The great artist up close

Both buildings – the museum and the birthplace – are close to each other.
While the museum provides an overview of all Picasso’s creative periods with over 200 works, the birthplace provides intimate insights into the origins of the well-known artist. The former is located in the Palacio de los Condes de Buenavista, which was built in the first half of the 16th century. In 1997, the city bought the building to turn it into the first Picasso museum in his birthplace, and since 2003 the doors have been open to art lovers. In Plaza de la Merced 36 is the house where Pablo Picasso was born on October 25, 1881 and also spent the first ten years of his childhood. For visitors, the house was furnished in the style of the late 19th century and some original objects of the family can also be admired there. In addition, since 1998 there has also been a documentation center that exhibits works of art by Picasso as well as contemporary artists.

Our tip: Take advantage of car rental malaga directly at the airport. This way you can reach your accommodation as quickly as possible.

Well-known filming locations – dream destinations for film fans

Romantic islands, castles, fortresses, small villages, big cities or sun-drenched dream beaches: all over the world there are places that have become famous as film locations. They attract tourists who want to indulge in dreams on the spot.

Where the “Big Apple” pulsates: New York, USA

The list of films shot in the megacity of New York is endless. It ranges from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, “Spiderman” and “Ghostbusters” to “Man in Black” or “Kevin Alone in New York”. World-famous highlights en masse make New York an unforgettable destination in addition to the famous filming locations.

Sunny Greece: Skiathos and Skopelos, Greece

View of Lalaria beach in Skiathos
View of Lalaria beach in Skiathos, Image: Cara-Foto / shutterstock

Small bays on the clear, blue sea, picturesque villages and fragrant pine forests make the Greek Mediterranean islands of Skiathos and Skopelos not only a holiday idyll like many others in sunny Greece. At the latest when film fans discover the well-known wedding chapel enthroned on a rock, where Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan spontaneously marry à la Donna and Sam at the end of the first “Mamma Mia” film, everyone shouts enthusiastically: “Mamma Mia, how beautiful it is here!”.

Lake Walchensee: charming Tyrol

All children and their parents and grandparents probably also know “Vicky the Viking”. Very few people know that the well-known films were shot in the Austrian Kaiserwinkl northeast of Kufstein, more precisely on the beautiful Walchsee. Due to the particularly attractive surroundings in all seasons, the destination is also suitable as a filming location for various Viking films afterwards.

Magical: Isle of Skye, Scotland

Scotland is full of magic here: The realization not only led pop star Harry Styles to shoot the video for “Sign of the Times” on the island, but also various British film and series productions were created on the wildly romantic Scottish island. From the island town of Portree, visitors explore the cinematic landscapes with their medieval castles and picturesque fishing villages.

Wildly romantic island of Skelling Michael, Ireland

The Skellings are also known as the “Great Skelling” and are located about 12 kilometres off the Irish coast of Kerry. As filming locations for the “Star Wars” films “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi”, they have become a place of pilgrimage for film fans from all over the world. With its medieval paths, an ancient monastic settlement and a historic monastery complex, it was the ideal shelter for Luke Skywalker in the films. Today, the wildly romantic rocky island is an extremely sought-after travel destination.

Location: London City, England

The imposing Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey as the coronation site of the British monarchs, the blows of Big Ben or the London Eye Ferris wheel, which opens up a panoramic view far over the city on the Thames: all this is London. The international megacity offers plenty of hotspots for all film lovers at Kings Cross station with platform 9 3/4 from the Harry Potter films, with James Bond’s M16 headquarters or with reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes or Paddington Bear.

Beautiful pearl on the Adriatic: Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Old Town of Dubrovnik
The Old Town of Dubrovnik, Image: SchnepfDesign / shutterstock

Croatian Dubrovnik is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the entire Mediterranean region – and so the romantic town is also called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. One of the most successful series of recent years “Game of Thrones” was filmed here. The venues were the Pile Gate and the Lovrijenac Fortress, as well as various parts of the historic city walls, especially for the cinematic representation of the cities of King’s Landing and Quarth. In addition, Dubrovnik served as the location for various scenes of Star Wars Episode 8.

Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Leonardo DiCaprio first experienced the ideal dream of every Thailand backpacker here in his film “The Beach”. Later, the supposed ideal turned into a nightmare. Nevertheless, Maya Bay on the Thai island of Koh Phi Phi is considered an ultimate dream beach.


You can get the book at amazon, among other places: https://amzn.to/3EMA30r

Our tip:
You can also find more legendary filming locations in the book “Scene by Scene to Discover the World” by Andrea David (published by Conbook-Verlag, ISBN 978-3-95889-435-8).

Information about the book:

Germany’s best-known film tourist, Andrea David, has been travelling to legendary filming locations for 18 years, telling of her discoveries and encounters in a visually powerful way and offering unusual insights behind the scenes. The highlight: She holds photos of iconic scenes in her hand and inserts them exactly into the surroundings of famous filming locations in her pictures.

Her travel book for film fans also provides inspiration and tips for anyone who wants to discover the locations of their favourite films and series for themselves. Because one thing is clear: Films and series always create new places of longing. Be it the coastal town where Hitchcock made “The Birds” scream, the valley through which the dinosaurs ran in “Jurassic Park”, or the forest that became Winterfell in “Game of Thrones” – or Highway 163 in the US state Utah with the place of longing Monument Valley on the horizon, where “Forrest Gump” has finished his march.

Entertaining travel reports with numerous photos and over 200 film tourism tips for subsequent travel.


Vimmerby, Sweden

The Kingdom of Sweden is considered the Northern European center of joie de vivre. This impression is supported by the stories of the popular writer Astrid Lindgren, who takes all viewers and readers to the small town of Vimmerby in southern Sweden’s province of Småland. In the alleys of Vimmerby, the Falun red wooden houses are considered to be the models for the adventures of the master detective “Kalle Blomquist”, the “Children of Bullerby” and “Michel from Lönneberga”.

The rock city of Petra, Jordan

Jordan, Petra
Petra, the famous archaeological site in the southwestern Jordanian desert, Image: tenkl / shutterstock

Travelers to Jordan are quickly transported back in time when they visit the ancient rock city of Petra . It was the filming location for “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” – and anyone who visits the treasure chamber and the “Temple of the Grail” through the gorge “Al Siq” is sure to be completely enchanted. Anyone who explores the red rock city in Indiana Jones’ footsteps will never forget the unique film locations.

Venice: Drama and action in Italy

Comedy, drama, action – all of this comes together in Bella Italia. In addition to the capital Rome, the action venue of various James Bond adventures, the wonderful lagoon city of Venice, for example, was a filming location for Til Schweiger’s film “Honey in the Head”. Venice invites you to take boat trips on the Grand Canal, visit the magnificent palaces on St. Mark’s Square and, of course, visit the Hotel Bauer, where Tilda and Amadeus stayed.

Golden State, California, USA

California Dreamin: The entire US state between San Diego and San Francisco is a backdrop for lifestyle and film shoots like out of a picture book – and therefore also known from numerous series and films. Los Angeles is considered the center of the film industry; for travelers, a stroll along Rodeo Drive is a must – just like Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” – and Venice Beach was once the sunny location in “Baywatch”.

Winter holidays in Jahorina

Fine, bright white snow, dense treetops and an unforgettable time. This is to be expected when traveling to the hidden mountain part in the middle of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Whether spring, summer, autumn or winter. Jahorina offers diversity in every season. But what exactly makes Jahorina so unique?

One of the most beautiful places in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Jahorina is part of the Dinaric Mountains, centrally located in Bosnia and Herzegovina and south of Sarajevo. The name of the highest peak is Ogorjelica and in total the mountain range stretches over a length of 30 kilometers.

The climate near Jahorina is Mediterranean and continental. This means that summers are rainy and warm, while winters are snowy and cold. On average, there is snow on 175 days of the year and the average snow depth in winter is 106 centimeters. The main part of the mountain range is protected as the “Jahorina National Park”. It is particularly beautiful to look at in spring and summer. Because at these times of the year, the snow cover disappears and instead you get a wonderful view of the natural landscape of Jahorina.

A paradise for skiers and snowboarders

The mountain range not only has a picturesque landscape to offer in every season, but is also a diverse and eventful holiday destination. The winter sports area of the mountain range is located at an altitude of about 1300 meters to 1890 meters. Directly near Jahorina, tourists will find a large selection of hotels, apartments, restaurants, bars and ski rentals. In total, skiers and snowboarders have 47 kilometres of slopes in all different levels of difficulty at their disposal. These include 20 kilometres of easy slopes, 24 kilometres of medium difficulty and the remaining 3 kilometres of difficult routes. 16 lifts in the ski area ensure that you can explore the entire winter sports area during both a short and a long stay. These include 2 gondolas, 5 chair lifts, 5 T-bar lifts and 4 conveyor belts. The day ticket costs in the high season, from 26.11. until 23.04., 37 euros per day for adults and 31 euros for children. The ski area is open daily from 9:00-16:00.

Even at night, thanks to the floodlights, you have the opportunity to ski or snowboard and create more memories.

Jahorina’s uniqueness

Jahorina
Jahorina, Image: Boca-phototour / shutterstock

What makes Jahorina special and distinguishes the mountain range from other holiday destinations is the diversity of the place. Not only is Jahorina a fantastic area for skiing and snowboarding in winter, but also suitable for other winter sports. Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are also possible here. And for good, not too expensive prices.

In addition, the climate and weather conditions in spring, summer and autumn are ideal for hiking or simply for a relaxing holiday in the mountains. Not too hot, not too dry, but just right. The landscape is idyllic and beautiful to look at all year round.

In addition, the surroundings of Jahorina are at least as interesting as the mountain range itself. North of the mountain peak is Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For a day trip, it is definitely worth paying a visit to the city. Whether alone, with your partner, with a group of friends or with the family. The mood of the city is completely different. And you not only get an insight into the picturesque landscape of Jahorina and its idyllic surroundings, but also a picture of the big city flair.

Tips for the perfect trip

Before planning your holiday, you should of course think about the season in which you want to travel. For a skiing holiday in the snow-capped mountains, the months of December to April are best. If, on the other hand, you want to spend a relaxing holiday in the peaceful paradise of the Jahorina mountain range, then you should arrive in June, July, August or September. Because during these months, the low rainfall and the pleasant, summery temperature of about 20 degrees offer the ideal time to travel.

Jahorina in summer
Jahorina in summer, Image: SanjaRS / shutterstock

One advantage of the destination is that the prices in Bosnia and Herzegovina are comparatively cheap. For tourists, this means that the cost of a holiday to Jahorina, including accommodation, food and other expenses, is low. Usually, a tip of 5-10% is given here. The currency is the convertible mark, also known as “KM” or “BAM”. 1 convertible mark can be converted into about 0.51 euros. Although you can usually pay with euros, it is certainly smart to get a small amount of convertible marks and take them with you on your trip.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is safe as a travel destination. Nevertheless, as always, you should take care of your valuables during your holiday.

It is also important to know that data roaming is not free here, as Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of the EU. For this reason, you should make sure that you are either connected to a Wi-Fi network or have turned off your mobile data.

Jahorina is a special place. The culture, landscape and diverse offers definitely make the holiday a unique experience that you will never forget.

Santa Clara – final resting place of the Comandante

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Cuba, the island state in the Caribbean , has much more to offer than white dream beaches, bright sun and turquoise blue sea. This island captivates people because of its history. If you want to experience historic Cuba, you can hardly avoid a city.

Santa Clara was once an important scene in the struggle of the revolutionaries against the Batista regime. But this city is not only fascinating because of its reference to Che Guevara. Today it is a lively city with old colonial buildings, promenades and vibrant nightlife.

City with an important history

With around 240,000 inhabitants, Santa Clara is the capital of the province of Villa Clara and is very centrally located in the middle of the island. As a national transport hub, it is located on the western edge of the Escambray Mountains. The island’s capital Havana is about 280 kilometers from Santa Clara.

The history of the city began on July 15, 1689. At that time, the settlement of Cayo Nuevo was established, which quickly developed into an important place in Cuba . Later, the rapidly growing city was renamed Santa Clara. As early as the 19th century, it was an important point of the island in terms of transport.

During the time of the Cuban Revolution, Santa Clara played a decisive role. Batista sent an armored train with weapons and more than 300 soldiers to Santa Clara. But the guerrillas under Ernesto Che Guevara attacked the train and destroyed several meters of track with a bulldozer. The train derailed.

The weapons fell into the hands of the guerrilla fighters, the soldiers had to capitulate. Only a few days later, Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos and their men attacked Batista’s soldiers and captured the city of Santa Clara. Shortly afterwards, Batista fled. Today, this event is considered the decisive moment of the triumph of the guerrillas.

Memories of the triumph of the “bearded men”

Center of Santa Clara, Cuba
Center of Santa Clara, Image: Tupungato / shutterstock

To this day, the Monumento al Tren Blindado is a witness to these events. The National Monument to the Cuban Revolution was created by José Delarra. Four of the train’s original cars are located in a park next to the tracks and can be visited. The bulldozer has also found a place here.

Historical photos, original weapons and various utensils immerse the visitor in the time of the revolution. They give an excellent picture of what happened at that time and are thus witnesses to an important event in the history of the island.

A very special monument in the west of the city is dedicated to the leader of the guerrillas. Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara presents himself mightily in the form of a six-metre-high bronze statue in the Plaza de la Revolución. Next to the imposing figure of the fighter are reliefs with different scenes of the Cuban guerrilla war.

Che Guevara was executed in Bolivia on October 9, 1967 and secretly buried. It was not until 1997 that his remains were discovered in Vallegrande and exhumed. With a state funeral, the bones were buried in the Monumento Memorial Che Guevara. The mortal remains of about 40 comrades in arms also rest here.

A museum is attached to the monument. Here, visitors can get a precise picture of the revolution and the Comandante. You can see equipment, his uniform, weapons and even his phone. It is hardly surprising that this monument is the most visited attraction on the island.

Cigars and colonial buildings

But Santa Clara is not only famous thanks to Che Guevara. This is where the smoking products for which the island state is known worldwide are produced. The Fábrica de Tabacos Constantino Pérez Carrodegua produces cigars of the brands Montecristo, Romeo y Julia and Partagá. These brands are among the best in Cuba and can be purchased after a guided tour in the small tobacco shop opposite.

A neo-Gothic building inevitably magically attracts the eyes of tourists. The Catedral Santa Clara de Asís was built in 1923 and impresses with its gigantic stained glass windows in the Art Deco style. The white statue of Mary seems almost magical.

From the outside, however, the Teatro la Caridad looks inconspicuous. It is one of the most important playhouses of the colonial era and hides its full beauty inside. The Santa Clara Libre Hotel is also of no interest because of its captivating appearance. Rather, it is the bullet holes of the machine guns, which are still present today, that attract attention.

Like other buildings worth seeing, the house is located around the famous Parque Vidal, the green center of the city. The later it gets, the livelier this city becomes and more and more locals and tourists populate the park. If you are in the mood for nightlife, Santa Clara is the place to be.

A city awakens

It’s not just the streets that come alive in the evening. On the roof terraces of the hotels, the bars open and welcome the night owls. Cabarets and dance performances provide nightly entertainment. Something special among all these clubs and bars is the Centro Cultural El Mejunje. A wide variety of events are offered in this cultural centre. With a lot of luck, you can even experience an extraordinary travesty show or Cuba’s drag queens here.

This makes Santa Clara an absolute must not only for those interested in history during a trip to Cuba. This city will amaze you and you should be careful not to lose your heart to Santa Clara.

Santiago de Cuba – second largest city in Cuba

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Most travelers associate a visit to Cuba with the beautiful capital Havana, which is known from film and television and attracts attention with a long history. But the second largest city on the island, Santiago de Cuba, is not only a great travel destination, but also one of the most interesting regions on the Caribbean island. With the typical colonial architecture that characterizes the city to this day, it is above all an epitome of the first settlers in Cuba. In addition, an impressive cultural self-image and a vibrant nightlife have developed here in recent years.

Insider tip among tourists in Cuba

Castille del Morro, Santiago de Cuba
Castille del Morro, Image: corlaffra / shutterstock

Although Santiago de Cuba is one of the oldest cities in the country and is the second largest metropolis and at the same time the former capital of the country, it is still considered an insider tip by many tourists and is even completely unknown to many others. This may also be due to the fact that Santiago de Cuba is located far to the east of the island and most holidaymakers tend to stay in the west and around the metropolitan region of Havana. However, this also means that there are many things to discover here that package tourists would probably not experience on a short trip to Cuba in this way.

In general, a trip to Santiago de Cuba is interesting because some of the most beautiful aspects of Cuba can be combined here. On the one hand, there are the historical sights, which give a deep insight into the history of the island and the country, and on the other hand, the picturesque beaches and impressive nature into which the city seems to merge seamlessly. In addition, Santiago de Cuba is also a city culture – Cuban dance started here and spread throughout the city. The entire metropolis exudes a very youthful charm, which I also show in the various artists’ quarters and the nightlife, which could also be interesting for tourists with some highlights.

So if you dare to take the trip to Santiago de Cuba, you have a whole spectrum of possible activities at your disposal and also outside of Havana the right base to immerse yourself deeply in the culture of Cuba. The fact that Santiago de Cuba was one of the nuclei of the former revolution plays a role here.

Discover the most beautiful sights of Santiago de Cuba

Street band in Santiago de Cuba
Street band in Santiago de Cuba, Image: Ondrej Bucek / shutterstock

Santiago de Cuba can score with a variety of cultural and historical sights. The city’s flagship is clearly the cathedral, which is located in Parque Céspedes, the city’s most central square. With its blue façade, it is not only a visual highlight, but also the official landmark of the city. In general, the many places in the city are worth a trip of their own. In places such as the Plaza de Dolores or Plaza de Marte, there are many monuments and historical features that tell something about the city.

A little outside is the Castillo del Morro. The defensive structure, which was probably completed in 1700, was an important fortress in the Caribbean. Today there is a museum here that deals primarily with the early founding period of Cuba, but also deals with the revolution and its consequences in Cuba – of course with a certain coloring in the historical presentation.

If you want to learn a little more about the city and life in Santiago de Cuba, you should visit the Museo de Ambiente Histórico Cubano in the Casa de Velázquez. It deals primarily with life during the colonial era. On the other side of the city, the Museo Bacardí is located in a beautiful old building, which in turn focuses on the time before the arrival of the Spaniards.

Of course, you should also take a look at the beautiful nature. Playa de Siboney is just the right place if you just want to dive deep into the Caribbean Sea. Then there’s Parque Baconao, with beautiful hiking trails and impressive views of an unspoiled piece of Cuba.

Nightlife and gastronomy – Santiago de Cuba live and breathe

A not inconsiderable part of the fascination of Santiago de Cuba comes from the culture here. The different artists’ quarters offer markets and crafts, and many of the districts have an active nightlife with many great restaurants where you can taste the local cuisine. Especially in the best travel months, December and January, the city seems to wake up with the sunset. So if you want to discover the city with all its facets, you should definitely take the time to wander through the streets once a night.

One of the most impressive landscapes in Cuba – the Viñales Valley

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Cuba is not just rum, Fidel Castro and old cars. In the interior of the island, too, you can discover wonderful areas full of fascination. The Valle de Viñales is one of the absolute sights in Cuba. The valley is by far one of the most beautiful areas on the Caribbean island. The surrealist rocky hills provide a particularly exotic flair. In Spanish, the lush green rocks are called “Mogotes”. The whole valley is a dream of jungle, palm trees and tobacco fields.

Fog, birds and UNESCO heritage

The valley is located in the Sierra de los Órgenos in the western part of Cuba. Lush and dense greenery attracts not only tourists. The valley is home to 64 species of tropical birds. This magical and unspoiled area has been under the patronage of UNESCO since 1999. It is entitled “Cultural Landscape of Humanity.” Majestic nature, romantic fog and mysterious rocks – all this makes this region the pearl of Cuba.

A variety of caves and grottos attract not only bats!

The valley is a unique attraction for tourists because of the numerous caves and secret underground passages. The largest cave, Cuevas de Santo Tomas, is definitely worth a visit. It consists of 45 km of corridors, lakes and chambers. When visiting the cave, the accompaniment of a guide is mandatory. The Indian Cave is also worth a visit. This small cave is very suitable for tours with the whole family. Even small children have fun here. There is even a bar in the cave of San-Miguel. An unforgettable, magical place.

New Year’s Eve party in Cuban

Many of the caves offer unparalleled fun. After all, who among us has ever celebrated New Year’s Eve in a cave? This adventure is possible in the valley of Viñales. Every Saturday you can also enjoy Cuban music in the caves. The show always starts with a fire show. Thrills guaranteed.

Tobacco, honey and a student of the world-famous artist Diego Rivera

Traditional country house and plantations in the Viñales Valley in Cuba, known for its mountains and tobacco
Traditional country house and plantations in the Viñales Valley in Cuba, known for its mountains and tobacco, Image: Kamira / shutterstock

The valley is famous for its tobacco cultivation. The perfect climate produces the best tobacco in the world. Here, the tobacco plant is still grown in the traditional way. The locals still work with the plough and the power of an ox. One of the outstanding product clay steps is the soaking of the tobacco leaves in rum. When rolling up the legendary cigar, local honey is used as an adhesive. This gives the tobacco its unique aroma. Of course, strict attention is paid to organic quality in all production steps. A special attraction is also a huge rock painting of gigantic proportions. The painting was commissioned by Fidel Castro. One of the painters of the “Mural of Prehistory” was Leovigildo Gonzales Morillo. He was a student of Diego Riviera, the world-famous Mexican painter. The 120-metre-long work is by far the largest open-air fresco in the world.

Here you can find the world’s best coffee and rum!

The valley is crisscrossed by endless coffee plantations. Cubans are particularly proud of their traditionally grown coffees. The home-made rum is appreciated all over the world for its quality and strength.

A small town with a wide variety of culinary delights

The city of Viñales consists of a few cozy streets, a small market and a small church. During the day, the city is quiet and peaceful. In the evening, the alleys turn into one big restaurant. The smells and exotic taste of the food attract visitors from all over the world. Be sure to try the Bistec do Cedro menu. This lightly salted piece of pork, seasoned with lime, garlic and onion, served with rice and beans, is highly appreciated by the locals. It is also worth mentioning the variant called Ropa Vieja. It is a long-cooked beef with tomato and orange juice. No pesticide is used in the production of vegetables and fruit on the entire island. All fruits are organically grown.

Happiness lies on the back of a horse. In Cuba for sure!

In the tropical valley, horseback rides are offered daily. Beginners are also welcome. The horses in the valley are well adapted and trained. The slow pace ensures appropriate relaxation for humans and animals. The beauty of nature can be particularly enjoyed in this way.

A visit to the Viñales Valley guarantees an enchanting nature journey with delicious taste sensations. Let yourself be fascinated!

The coastal town of Baracoa on the Caribbean island of Cuba is a true gem

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Baracoa in eastern Cuba in the province of Guantánamo is the oldest settlement on the Caribbean island. The former capital of Cuba is located on the Atlantic coast, on the Bahía de Miel, the Bay of Honey. As early as 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered the remote place on one of his voyages. Surrounded by the mighty Sierra del Purial mountain range, the city, founded in 1511 by Governor Diego Velázquez, could only be reached by sea for a long time. It was not until 1965 under Fidel Castro that the breathtaking La Farola, a mountain road winding through the Sierra del Purial, was created.

Caribbean culture

Even after its connection to the rest of Cuba, the colonial village remained tranquil, far away from mass tourism. Cobblestones and colorfully painted houses give the city center of Baracoa its unique atmosphere. The pronounced French influence on the city’s design can be traced back to the French settlers who immigrated from Haiti in the 19th century and also introduced the cultivation of cocoa and coffee. In the historic old town, which has more French than Spanish influences, the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción rises up. The oldest church in Cuba preserves the Cruz de la Parra cross from the 15th century, which Columbus is said to have erected on his arrival. In front of the church stands a bust of tribal chief Hatuey.

Along the eastern coast of Baracoa runs the Malecón seafront. It ends at a park with a statue of the explorer Columbus. In front of the city stretches the beach Playa Negra, also called Playa Boca de Miel. Further west are the quiet beaches of Playa Maguana and Playa Nibujón.

Cuban Traditions

Baracoa, Cuba
Out and about in the streets of Baracoa, Image: Jerome LABOUYRIE / shutterstock

With the large number of cocoa plantations, it is not surprising that chocolate is a typical product of Baracoa. In the city, Cuba’s largest chocolate factory produces a wide variety of tempting products. At Casa del Chocolate, in addition to chocolate, you can also taste the specialty of the place, a sweet called cucurucho. The mixture of honey, sugar, fruit and coconut is traditionally served wrapped in a palm leaf.

The Cuban way of life, such as music and salsa, is best experienced at the Plaza de la Independencia in the heart of the city. On weekends, a colourful farmers’ market is held on the waterfront, where local farmers sell their regional products.

You can also learn interesting facts about the culture of the country, the history of the city and the indigenous people in the museum at the Fortaleza la Matachíne fortress. It was built by the Spanish colonial rulers to protect it from pirates. From the Castillo de Seboruco, the highest fort in Baracoa, you can enjoy magnificent views of Baracoa and the Bahía de Miel.

Original landscapes

Baracoa and its surroundings are characterized by unspoiled nature. On the coast of the Caribbean town, lonely white beaches beckon with turquoise blue waters, while the interior is dominated by dense tropical rainforest.

The Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserve serves to protect the world’s last preserved rainforests and their endangered rare flora and fauna. Here you will find the Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt, which is well worth seeing, named after the naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. It is the largest national park in Cuba and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On fascinating hikes through the park, visitors discover rare plants and animals, including the Cuban land snail with its interesting color spirals.

In the Cuchillas del Toa mountain range, the 575-metre-high table mountain El Yunque, the anvil, also rises in the middle of the tropical rainforest. On its summit stands a bust of Christopher Columbus, and at the foot of the limestone cliff, cocoa and bananas thrive on the plantations. From the Salto Fino, the highest waterfall in the Caribbean, the water of the Arroyo del Infierno thunders from a height of 305 meters into the depths.

On the Rio de Yumurí River, you will find a tropical paradise and the small village of Boca de Yumuri, from which you can take boat trips to the nearby canyon.

El Cobre – the holiest place in Cuba

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El Cobre is a small town in the southeast of Cuba, only about 20 kilometers from the country’s second largest city, Santiago de Cuba. Mining has been carried out in the city since the 16th century. In the city’s nearby mine, the Spanish mined copper until 2000, when the mine was closed.

How to get to El Cobre

Santiago de Cuba Airport has international flight connections to the Spanish capital Madrid and Miami in Florida, among others. Domestic flights from the Cuban capital Havana take place several times a week. From there you can either take a rental car, bus or taxi to El Cobre. Of course, a visit to the basilica is a part of many tours offered in Santiago de Cuba. If you start your rental car tour through Cuba in Havana, you have a long journey to El Cobre ahead of you, because the small town is 850 km away from the capital of Cuba. On a three-week trip through the country, however, a visit to the small town should be possible without any problems and stress.

The most visited pilgrimage site in Cuba

The reason why three popes have already visited this small town in Cuba can be found in the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Cobre. In this is the statue of the Merciful Virgin of Cobre (La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre). According to legend, it was found floating in the sea by three fishermen. They pulled the supposed flotsam out of the water and at that moment the sea calmed down and was as smooth as glass. The statue of Mary contained the inscription “Yo soy la Virgen de la Caridad” – in German “I am the Virgin of Mercy”. At home in Cobre, the fishermen built a shrine to the Virgin. In 1915, Pope Benedict XV declared the Virgin the Patron Saint of Cuba at the request of veterans of the Wars of Independence. The current church, in which the patron saint stands, was consecrated in 1927. The white basilica with its red roofs is enthroned on a hill above the city and can be seen from afar. Around it, lush, green hills rise up. To have a beautiful view over the city and the church, you can hike up one of the hills.

Wishes come true

View into the interior of the pilgrimage church
View inside the pilgrimage church, Image: Sergey-73 / shutterstock

The patron saint of Cuba only leaves her place in the church for the procession, which takes place once a year in her honor. The Virgin of Mercy has always been visited by devout Christians and followers of the Santeria religion. They worship the Virgin as Ochún, a river goddess who stands for fertility. The pilgrims express their wishes to the Virgin and if they are fulfilled, they visit the Virgin again to express their thanks.

This is also a reason why many showcases display objects dedicated to the Virgin. In addition to crutches, baptismal gowns, there are numerous gold medals and trophies of famous athletes and sports jerseys. However, the most valuable items are kept under lock and key. These include the Nobel Prize medal of Ernest Hemingway and a golden partisan figure. Fidel Castro’s mother gave it to the virgin out of gratitude that her son survived the revolution unscathed.

Attractions around El Cobre

From El Cobre, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the big city of Santiago de Cuba. The pedestrian zone convinces with many markets, shops and of course colorful houses, which were built in colonial style. The national cemetery of the city of Cementerio de Santa Ifigenia, where Fidel Castro was buried, is also a worthwhile destination. A highlight of the city is the UNESCO-listed fortress Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, which sits enthroned on the cliffs at the entrance to Santiago de Cuba Bay. The construction of the fortress was completed in the 17th century and took 42 years. The fortress was built to protect the city from pirate attacks, which lasted until the 18th century. The fortress, which was used as a prison in the meantime, consists of four levels. It has since been restored and in some rooms there is a museum that tells the history of the fortress.

Another destination is in the Gran Piedra National Park, which is located east of El Cobre. In this there is a 1225-meter-high monolith, which is one of the largest monoliths in the world. To get to it, 452 steps have to be climbed. As a reward for your efforts, a magnificent view of the surroundings awaits you at the top.