Martin um die Welt: 5) Caibarien, Cayo Santa Maria, Remedios

Donnerstag, 24. April 2014

5) Caibarien, Cayo Santa Maria, Remedios

In Caibarien we drove to Hotel Islazul Brisas del Mar. The simple hotel had a very socialistic appearance and unfriendly staff, but offered clean air-con rooms overlooking the sea for cheap money. We decided to stay for 2 nights and explore Cayo Santa Maria from here. After the long drive we went to a nearby bar. Friendly atmosphere but almost empty. Obviously, foreign tourist are not seen often here. The next morning (23.04.) we enjoyed a short morning swim at the Hotels beach. The beach and water was disappointing compared to the beach we saw the day before. Next, we visited Caibariens charming little center and got some local pizza for lunch. We also bought some after sun lotion and I got new sunglasses^^ Then we drove to Cayo Santa Maria along the 48km! causeway. We parked near the 5*Resort Hotel Melia Las Dunas and enjoyed their beach. Although it is for guests only, no one noticed that we were no guests^^ The water was just as crystal clear and turquoise as on Cayo Coco... however, the beach was less great as it missed palm trees and appeared rather more like a desert. The resort looked really nice and we used the internet connection there that is so limited in Cuba. Then we drove back to Caibarien, walked from our hotel to the city and got some dinner and beers...
The next day (24.04.) we visited Remedios on our way to Santa Clara. The city is very charming and relaxed. Especially the center square around the main church "Iglesias de San Juan Batista". Cuban life in the small city appears authentic and laid back.