Information
City: Isla de la JuventudCountry: Cuba
Continent: North America
Isla de la Juventud, Cuba, North America
Overview
South of Cuba’s main island lies Isla de la Juventud, or the Isle of Youth, the country’s second-largest island where turquoise waves break against quiet, rocky shores.It sits in the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, within the Isla de la Juventud Municipality in Pinar del Río province.The island blends centuries of history with rugged cliffs, bright turquoise coves, and a mix of attractions that draw travelers looking for something truly different.Here’s a closer look at Isla de la Juventud, where pale sand meets turquoise water: 1.Isla de la Juventud spans roughly 2,200 square kilometers (about 850 square miles), shifting from flat, sunlit plains to gentle hills and pockets of dense, pine-scented forest.The island’s famous for its striking karst formations-jagged limestone hills that rise like ancient sculptures-drawing nature lovers and geologists alike, and its long, winding coastline hides quiet coves and stretches of soft, white sand.On the island, you’ll find popular beaches like Playa Bibijagua, Playa Punta del Este, and Playa El Colony, where the sand feels warm under your feet.These spots have soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, perfect for slipping into for a swim, snorkeling among bright fish, or diving deep below the surface.The island’s beaches stay blissfully quiet compared to Cuba’s busier hotspots, making it easy to relax to the sound of gentle waves.You can also explore hidden gems like Cueva de los Peces, the famed “Cave of the Fish,” where cool, clear water shimmers in the dim light.This underwater cave network is a prime spot for diving or snorkeling, where you can glide through glass-clear water and watch schools of bright fish flicker past.The island’s lush interior hides several waterfalls, their spray cool against your skin, and long before the Spanish arrived, the Taíno people called this place home.Christopher Columbus stumbled upon it in 1494, and soon after, it joined Spain’s growing colonial empire.In colonial times, Isla de la Juventud was largely farmland, its fields thick with sugarcane swaying in the heat; later, it earned a place in history for playing a role in the Cuban Revolution.In the revolution’s early years, they sent political prisoners to Isla de la Juventud, where rusted bars rattled in the sea wind.The island’s Presidio Modelo, a stark concrete prison, once held people who dared to oppose the Cuban government.In the early 1950s, the prison held several prominent revolutionaries, among them Fidel Castro and his brother Raúl, their voices echoing off the cold stone walls.After the Cuban Revolution, the island took a new name-Isla de la Juventud, or Isle of Youth-in tribute to the young fighters who had battled for Cuba’s freedom.Since then, the island has stood as a vivid symbol of Cuba’s revolutionary spirit, its history honored in festivals and stories across the nation.One highlight is the Cueva de los Peces, a clear, deep-blue underwater cave that draws visitors from all over.You can swim or dive into the cave’s crystal-clear water, where flashes of bright tropical fish dart among the rocks and coral.In the Bay of Pigs, known for its bright coral reefs teeming with fish, you’ll find the Presidio Modelo-a striking historical site that sheds light on Cuba’s revolutionary past.Once a place that locked away political dissidents, this prison now stands open as a museum, its iron bars cold under your fingertips.The prison stands out for its circular layout, a shape that later inspired the design of future penitentiaries.Before their release in 1955, the prison housed several revolutionaries, among them Fidel and Raúl Castro.On the island’s southern coast, El Abra stands as a historic site where Che Guevara and his fighters clashed with government forces.Monuments stand here in memory of the revolutionaries who gave their lives in the fight.Just off the island’s southern coast lies Jardines de la Reina, a protected marine sanctuary where brilliant coral reefs glow underwater and schools of fish flash past divers in the clear blue.Many consider it among the best-preserved underwater ecosystems in the Caribbean, where corals glow like painted stone.Jardín Botánico, the island’s botanical garden, sits just outside Nueva Gerona, the capital.The garden bursts with native and exotic plants, inviting you to wander among blooms that hint at Cuba’s rich variety.Punta del Este, with its soft white sand and calm waters, is perfect for a lazy swim or an afternoon of quiet sunbathing.Like much of Cuba, Isla de la Juventud moves to the beat of its vibrant music and dance traditions.People across Cuba sway to the rhythms of son, salsa, and danzón, their melodies spilling from open doorways.The island’s rich tradition of folkloric dance comes alive during festivals, when bright skirts swirl and drums echo through the streets.Throughout the year, Isla de la Juventud hosts lively cultural events honoring everything from its revolutionary past to the lush beauty of its coast.The Fiesta de la Juventud, or Youth Festival, is one of the island’s biggest celebrations, alive with music, dancing, and colorful cultural displays.The locals take pride in their craftsmanship, shaping clay pots, weaving bright textiles, and carving rich, warm wood into intricate designs.Local artisans create handmade treasures-straw hats, woven bags, and smooth wooden carvings-that visitors often take home as souvenirs.The island’s food reflects classic Cuban flavors, built around fresh, sun-ripened produce from nearby farms.You’ll often find plates of ropa vieja-tender shredded beef-alongside arroz con frijoles and yuca con mojo drizzled with garlicky sauce, and, as you’d expect on an island, fresh seafood is at the heart of the menu.Dishes often showcase fish, lobster, and shrimp, sometimes served steaming with a squeeze of lemon.Local favorites range from tender lobster tail to zesty fish ceviche made with seafood pulled straight from nearby waters, and the island bursts with tropical sweetness-mango, papaya, pineapple, and guava ripe enough to perfume the air.People often enjoy these fruits fresh, or blend them into juices, creamy smoothies, or sweet desserts.To get there, you can fly into Nueva Gerona Airport, which links the island to Havana and other Cuban cities.Flights to Isla de la Juventud are few, but regular departures from Havana keep it within easy reach for visitors.You can also catch a ferry from Batabanó, a small southern port where the sea smells of salt, to Nueva Gerona.The ferry ride takes about an hour and a half, with sea spray on the rail and gulls overhead, and it’s one of the favorite ways to reach Isla de la Juventud.Once you’re there, you can rent a car or hop in a taxi to explore the island’s many regions.Most of the island’s roads are in good shape, so it’s easy to drive from one sight to the next, whether that’s a quiet beach or a bustling market.Public buses also run across the island.
Landmarks in isla-de-la-juventud
