Central Cuba, where the Spanish conquistadors founded some of the first villages on the Caribbean Island, invites visitors to spend their vacations in direct contact with nature and culture.

One of those areas is the province of Sancti Spiritus, whose capital treasures valuable architectural, historic, traditional and cultural values, in addition to beautiful natural attractions that create an attractive and singular combination for tourists.

Three constructive styles are predominant in the city's historic heart, which holds more than 3,000 buildings of high architectural values.

Also in Sancti Spiritus is the former village of Trinidad, the third oldest town in Cuba – founded in 1514 – and one of the best-preserved architectural complexes in the American continent, regarding Spanish-colonial architecture.

However, the village's main attraction is the Iznaga Tower, which was built in the early 19th century as a watchtower with utilitarian ends.

Another prominent region in central Cuba is the province of Villa Clara, where authorities' tourism strategy is aimed at developing the northern keys, which offer several kilometers of excellent beaches in a practically pristine environment.

A 48-km causeway over the sea links Cuba with Cayo Santa María, Las Brujas, Ensenachos, Cobos, Majá, Fragoso, Francés, Las Picúas and Español de Adentro, among other keys.

Nature has created the perfect conditions for leisure, as the area is protected by a coral reef that attenuates the strength of winds on the beach, thus preventing large waves and building a one-of-a-kind scenario to welcome thousands of vacationers every year.

South of the city of Santa Clara, the provincial capital, is the Cubanacán Protected Area, a true natural paradise and a safe haven for amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds, including ten endemic species.

The region also holds the Escambray Mountain Range, characterized by steep slopes, winding roads and thick forests. The Escambray is also the refuge of the last flocks of parrots that live in the province.

Villa Clara also holds the Hanabanilla Lake, the only intermountain lake in the country. Three rivers (Negro, Hanabanilla and Guanayara) flow into the lake, which is an ideal place for nature lovers.

In addition to beaches, exuberant flora and varied fauna, Villa Clara also benefits from the peculiar touch of San Juan de los Remedios, the eighth village founded by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.

The buildings in the town's historic heart are characterized by portals, large windows, iron-wrought railings and large eaves resting on peculiar wooden corbels.

Cuba's leisure industry ratifies the fact that tourist options in the Caribbean Island are more than traditional beach and sun offers.