Camagüey is a province of the paradisiacal Cuba; It is the easternmost province, the largest and flattest in the center of the island. This Cuban enclave is surrounded by 2 of the largest archipelagos: to the north the Sabana-Camagüey or Jardines del Rey; to the south, the Jardines de la Reina. The most spectacular thing is that it still has virgin beaches where you can enjoy the tranquility you are looking for. Temperature? They are around 25ºC all year round.
Camagüey, why should you visit it?
The city of Camagüey was founded in February 1514 with the character of a town and was called Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe; from there to the present day it is also known as Port-au-Prince. In 2008 UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. By the way, Camagüey is also known as the “City of Clay Jars”.
We must warn you that the province is quite far from Havana, so if you are considering visiting this area, we recommend doing it directly through the Ignacio Agramonte International Airport, then a trip of about 15 minutes by road awaits you. If you plan to move from the capital of the country, you will have to make a road trip of about 7 hours .
Camagüey is a unique place with pristine and pristine beaches; They have that appeal that we are sure you will love. The hotels in the area also bring a unique touch to the province and, of course, they have a wide range of activities for you to enhance your experience in this Cuban paradise.
What to see in Camagüey?
The city of Camagüey, a historical tour
In Camagüey not everything is beaches, there is also a city full of charm, with narrow and labyrinthine streets where you can easily get lost and discover the secrets that Camagüey jealously guards. As they tell us, the layout of the streets of Camagüey recalls that of a Moroccan medina. But why are the streets of the city like this? Tradition says that the layout of the city, with narrow and hidden alleys, was made as a defense against pirates.
Let’s not forget that during the colonial era, the overseas possessions of the Spanish empire were coveted targets by French, English, Belgian pirates and corsairs … You just have to observe the infinity of walls in some cities that were part of Spain and that were built as protection.
In the intricate streets of Camagüey you can find several Baroque-style churches and precious golden altars. We advise you to go to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria, which is relatively; This church was built after the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1998. On the other hand, you can also visit the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, it is the most impressive in the city and dates from colonial times.
One of the most emblematic places of the city is the Plaza del Carmen, a beautiful place in Camagüey, but also little frequented by tourists. So if what you want to do is discover the secrets of this historic Cuban province, come to the square, 600 meters from Avenida República. The square was restored a few years ago and is full of giant jars, lampposts and sculptures that represent the inhabitants of the region in their day-to-day life. In the same square you can find the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen .
In the center of the city we invite you to visit the Ignacio Agramonte park, with its marble benches and a sculpture of Agramonte, hero of independence.
The museums of Camagüey
In Camagüey the visitor has a wide cultural offer. We started with the San Juan de Dios Museum, which was an old hospital and is in a square with the same name. In fact, it is the only one in the city that preserves its original layout and buildings dating from the 18th century. What will you see in the museum? Everything related to the history of the city and paintings of the town.
The Ignacio Agramonte Birthplace Museum is dedicated to the life of the hero of the country’s Independence, as well as to the history of the city; Another museum designed to honor the life of an illustrious person is that of Carlos J. Finlay, a prolific scientist who tirelessly researched yellow fever. Finally, you can also visit the museum of Nicolás Guillén, a famous Cuban author, activist and poet (one of the most important in the country).
The most beautiful beaches in Cuba are in Camagüey
Playa Bonita, Cayo Sabinal
Playa Bonita is the most beautiful in Camagüey , its name is not in vain! Not only is it a beautiful beach, but it is also the most visited on the Cayo Sabinal coast. It is characterized by its crystal clear waters that you can swim around or aboard a catamaran. The beach has an altitude of 2 meters and you can get there by road from the city, renting your own car, by taxi or in one of the many buses that make a tour of the hotels in the area.
By the way, it has a kind of ranch where you can enjoy traditional Cuban cuisine.
Santa Lucía Beach, the most tropical
If you visit Camagüey you cannot miss the Santa Lucía Beach, 110 km northeast of Camagüey. It is a tourist resort that has a 20 km beach, one of the longest and competes directly with Varadero ! You will love the beach because everything is sand, bushes and flamingos crowning the landscape. The waters are, as they describe, jade color and the sand is golden; it also has multiple reefs that are quite accessible.
The most advisable thing is to rent an activity package from the hotel where you are staying.
Los Cocos Beach
At the end of Playa Santa Lucía, in Cayo Sabinal, and 7 kilometers from the hotels in the popular Bahía de Nuevitas is Los Cocos beach. It is said to be a site of lush tropical beauty, with crystal clear blue waters and golden sand. It has views of the Columbus Lighthouse. You can get to this beach directly from Santa Lucia in a horse-drawn carriage (about 480 Cuban pesos round trip). Do you want to go to walk? You can walk or bike!
Enjoy the music of Camagüey
Camagüey, in addition to being famous for its beautiful beaches, is also famous for its music. It has singers, composers and important conductors who have raised the name of the city. But it is that in Camagüey you can enjoy places, such as the Casa de la Trova, where you can enjoy music and good dancing to liven up your stay in the city.
In Camagüey the musical diffusion is fundamental and dates from the colonial era, but after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, the musical production and the teaching did nothing but increase. Important singers, composers and musicians emerged from the Cuban scene; in fact, there is an International Contemporary Music Festival in Camagüey. Since its creation, the festival marked a milestone in the annals of music not only in Camagüey , but throughout Cuba.
So if you are visiting the city, be sure to visit one of the many typical Cuban bars to enjoy this music full of tradition. Don’t you think that the city and its music can catch you? We tell you that Silvio Rodríguez himself wrote a song called “Camino a Camagüey”, where he recounted his exploits in this beautiful city.
