Matanzas city is also known as Atenas de Cuba (the Athens of Cuba). It is a destination steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, located just 90 km east of Havana. It was founded in 1693 and became one of the main cultural and economic centers in the 18th and 19th centuries, thanks to its flourishing sugarcane industry.
Its wealth brought about creation of theaters, printing presses, and literary movements, earning it the nickname "the city of bridges," not only for the numerous bridges that cross its three rivers, but also for being a bridge between Afro-Cuban and European cultures.
One of Matanzas's greatest attractions is its well-preserved colonial architecture and authentic atmosphere. The Sauto Theater, inaugurated in 1863, is one of the most important in the country and a neoclassical gem that has hosted figures such as Sarah Bernhardt and Enrico Caruso. Matanzas is also considered the birthplace of important Afro-Cuban cultural expressions such as rumba and Yoruba cults, as well as the birthplace of danzón.
This destination offers stunning landscapes such as the Bellamar Caves, a system of caverns with stalactites, stalagmites, and hidden legends, considered the oldest open to tourism in Cuba. Just a few kilometers away is Coral Beach, ideal for snorkeling thanks to its coral reef accessible from the shore.
Nearby is Varadero, Cuba's most famous beach, which belongs to the municipality of Matanzas and attracts thousands of visitors for its crystal-clear waters and white sand. Considered among the most beautiful in the world, this paradise attracts visitors from all over the world.
Nestled in the Yumurí Valley, surrounded by mountains and offering panoramic viewpoints, or visiting artistic communities such as Callejón de las Tradiciones, in the La Marina neighborhood, allows travelers to connect with the deepest and most authentic side of Cuba. Matanzas is a city that invites you to explore at your leisure, ideal for those seeking a combination of relaxation, culture, history, and exposure to Cuban roots.
