With about 150,000 inhabitants, Cienfuegos is large enough to offer entertainment, art, and all kinds of other action, while at the same time is small enough to retain the allure of a friendly and historic bay-side city. It earned Cienfuegos a place on Unesco´s World Heritage site list as well as the nickname La Perla del Sur ("The Pearl of the South").

Although it does not boast the exceptional beaches or the hotel infrastructure of big cities or such places as Cayo Coco, Cienfuegos is an attractive harbor city. In fact, Cienfuegos has become a popular tourist destination and deserves at least a few days.

One of the main attractions of the city is the Paseo del Prado. The numerous trees make a stroll down this avenue a particular pleasant exercise. The street starts at the entrance to the city and ends at the Malecón, which is a coastal road.

Cienfuegos boasts several palaces, churches, and theatres. For example, there is the Teatro Tomás Terry ("Terry Theater") on Avenida 270. Check its agenda for any performance, and admire its lush interior.

Or turn to the corner of Calle 37 and Avenida 2 for El Palacio de Valle. Built in 1917 by the Spaniard Alcisclo Valle Blanco in Moorish-style. Today it´s an upscale restaurant with terrace.

Cienfuegos has much to offer to anyone interested in diving. The Bahía de Cienfuegos boasts a rich underwater life and coral formations.

Cienfuegos is also famous for its typical cuisine, characterized by excellent dishes whose main ingredients are fish and seafood. A rough diamond, the Jagua Harbour represents a strategic resource for those who love water sports. Its 88 square kilometers frame a 1-mile-long nautical track that has already been included in the circuit for international racing boat championships.

The people of Cienfuegos love music. The 22nd of April is an important date, as the people of Cienfuegos celebrate the foundation of the city under the name of Villa de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Jagua.

Another important cultural event takes place in September: the Benny Moré Festival honours the life and work of one of the most important musicians born in Santa Isabel de las Lajas, a nearby municipality.

From Cienfuegos you can visit wonderful national parks, for example the Escambray gives you unforgettable views of waterfalls such as El Nicho.