Tourist attractions in Cuba, a fast-growing destination in the Caribbean region, are diverse and complement the island's recreational options.

Dozens of excellent beaches distributed throughout the Cuban archipelago, the island boasts a rich architectural heritage influenced by the Spanish presence during colonial times and European culture during the time that followed the colonization of the island.

In Havana, founded nearly five centuries ago, emblematic hotels have played a major role in promoting the country's cultural heritage and traditions.

Cuba's military development was boosted by the Spanish court's decision to turn the port of Havana into a hub for treasure-laden ships departing from the New World to the metropolis.

Therefore, the Spanish monarchs decided to build a system of fortifications to protect the wealth of the Crown and persuade corsairs and pirates from attacking the island, especially its capital.

Fortresses such as Los Tres Reyes del Morro and La Cabaña, in Havana, were complemented by the Castle of San Pedro de la Roca in Santiago de Cuba and San Severino in Matanzas.

The so-called "Trocha de Júcaro a Morón" (Júcaro-Morón Defensive Belt), one of the most important military monuments and the largest Spanish fortification in Cuba and Latin America in the 19th century, was built in the central-eastern region of the Caribbean Island.

Cuba's five-century-old cultural and historic heritage benefits from preservation programs to maintain the island's wealth and presented to both national and foreign visitors.

Cuba has a large infrastructure of more than 300 museums, including 14 on art, seven on science and technology, five on ethnography and anthropology and 68 on history.

It also has nine specialized museums, four on archeology and 164 general museums, including those dedicated to typical elements of the country such as Rum and Cigars.

The Caribbean island also offers traditional programs complemented by dozens of kilometers of excellent beaches with crystal-clear water and fine white sand, in addition to the country's exuberant nation in a perfect state of preservation for nature enthusiasts.

Therefore, getting closer to nature from a beach or city adds value to the tourist product, especially in Cuba, whose fauna is made up of 16,500 species and where more than 90 percent of zoological groups are endemic.

At the same time, more than 70,000 kilometers of Cuba's insular platform and 5,000 kilometers of coastline, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, are available for divers.