Being the most “Caribbean” of Cuban cities, Santiago de Cuba was founded by Diego Velázquez in 1514 and became the country’s first capital. From the city’s port, the first expeditions to the American continent departed, and through its bay the first black slaves were brought to Cuba.

Also called the “hot land” for its high temperatures and humidity, the Santiago region contrasts modern and colonial cities with the green mountains of the Sierra Maestra—the cradle of the Cuban Revolution—and with the blue of the Caribbean Sea washing its shores.

During Spanish colonization, to protect against raids by corsairs and pirates, the fortress of San Pedro de la Roca was built, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Near the city lies Baconao Park, a vast natural biosphere reserve combining beaches, forests, and huge landscapes. Here you can find routes for horseback riding. On the coast you can dive deep with scuba gear and discover unique marine fauna and the remains of sunken pirate ships.

In the surroundings of the ancient colonial villa, tourists can see the remains of huge coffee plantations organized by the French, which are also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Santiago de Cuba is a sacred place for true Cubans. From here began the war for independence and the Revolution led by Fidel Castro. The city hosts many important museums: Bacardi, the historic Moncada Barracks, the House of Diego Velázquez, the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery—where the remains of José Martí, Cuba’s national hero, rest—and countless other places connected with the life and memory of the city and its famous citizens.

Santiago de Cuba is also known for its festivals and rumba. Every year the Caribbean Festival is organized here, a symbol of the city that gathers crowds of dancing people in its streets. Tourists usually also attend religious celebrations called “bembés.” The religion practiced almost throughout the island is a mixture of Catholicism and African beliefs. The Caridad del Cobre Shrine, Patroness of Cuba, is a place of constant pilgrimage, and every year thousands of people come here seeking miracles and declarations of love.

Cubans usually say “Santiago is Santiago”—that explains everything!