Parque Martí: Cienfuegos’s expansive central plaza is surrounded by impressive neoclassical structures and a marble-clad cathedral.

Palacio del Valle: This Mogul-inspired confection in stone is a one-of-a-kind mansion turned restaurant; sure, the food and service win no awards, but the memorable setting is enhanced at night by Carmen Iznaga at the piano.

Jardín Botánico Soledad: This vast botanical garden on the outskirts of Cienfuegos has separate sections for cactus, rubber trees, and other plants, including 307 varieties of palm.

El Nicho: The placid Sierra Escambray setting of this recreational site features beautiful waterfalls and horseback riding, hiking, and other activities.

Monumento Ernesto Che Guevara: A small but splendid museum sits beneath the imposing Che Guevara monument in Santa Clara. A reverential mausoleum contains the revolutionary hero’s remains.

Remedios: Time your visit to this beautiful colonial town, good for serendipitous discoveries, for year’s end to catch the parranda — a fireworks battle like no other.

Cayo Santa María: A 50-kilometer-long land bridge provides access to stunning white-sand beaches and jade waters on a remote cay with great fishing and scuba diving and top-class resorts.