Overview
Cuba is the Caribbean's largest and most characterful island — classic cars, colonial squares, white-sand beaches and a soundtrack of live salsa. From the faded grandeur of Havana to the beach resorts of Varadero, it is a bucket-list destination for UK travellers seeking something wonderfully different.
Best time to fly to Cuba
The dry season from November to April offers the best weather, warm and sunny, and is the peak time to visit. The summer is hotter and more humid, with a hurricane risk between June and November. Fares rise over the festive period and UK school holidays, so the price charts on this page show the cheapest dates for your route.
Main gateway cities & airports
The main gateway is José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana. Beach holidaymakers often fly into Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA) at Varadero, while Cayo Coco (CCC) and Holguín (HOG) serve other resort areas.
Airlines and routes
Virgin Atlantic flies direct from London to Havana in around 10 hours, and TUI Airways runs direct holiday flights from UK airports to Varadero and other resorts. For connecting options, Air France (via Paris), KLM (via Amsterdam) and Iberia (via Madrid) also serve Cuba from the UK.
Popular places to visit in Cuba
- Havana: the atmospheric capital, Old Havana and the Malecón seafront
- Varadero: Cuba's most famous beach resort strip
- Trinidad: a beautifully preserved colonial town and UNESCO site
- Viñales Valley: dramatic limestone hills and tobacco farms
- Cayo Coco & Cayo Guillermo: idyllic islands with reefs and beaches
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Cuba
- Book a few months ahead for the November–April peak.
- Travel in the shoulder months (May or November) for lower fares.
- Compare direct and one-stop European routings for the best value.
- Be flexible with dates — midweek departures are often cheaper.
Travel essentials
- Visa: UK travellers need a tourist card (visa), usually arranged before travel or through your airline or agent
- Health: travel insurance is a mandatory entry requirement; no special vaccinations are usually needed
- Currency: the Cuban peso (CUP); bring cash as UK cards may not work
