Cuba remains a bastion of defiant communism embodied by its favourite adopted son Che Guevara, and whatever your political leanings, it makes for a unique and exhilarating experience for the UK traveller.

For the more adventurous traveller Cuba offers a taste of relaxed charm and unaffected beauty, where the 'Mañana' philosophy infiltrates all aspects of daily life. In turn, those looking for luxury and efficiency may leave disappointed, but adjust to the pace of life and you'll be rewarded.

Cuba is the largest Caribbean island, and Fidel Castro's communist regime has left it free of the commercialism and haste associated with the West.

Colonised by Spain for around 400 years, Cuba finally gained independence in 1902. In 1959 Castro overthrew the oppressive dictatorship of Batista, and formed the one party communist state that continues to the present day.

The US has continually sought to politically and economically isolate the island, and in 1962 Cuba nearly became the unlikely epicentre of nuclear holocaust. However, the USSR agreed to remove the US-pointing nuclear missiles in return for America returning the favour in Turkey and promising to never invade the country again. However, Castro has been the repeated target of US-funded assassination attempts, but the ageing communist icon lives on.

Ultimately this means that Cuba is the ideal destination for UK travellers tired of the ubiquity of American culture. Apart from hurricanes, the two countries have precious little in common.

Like most capital cities, Havana defines the atmosphere of Cuba and is a must for all travellers to the country. An air of dilapidated glory exudes from the city, characterised by fading Spanish colonial architecture and a spirited nightlife.

One of Havana's most endearing associations is its exuberant music scene, incorporating salsa, timba, jazz and Afro-Cuban, which was celebrated in the recent film Buena Vista Social Club. Travellers can enjoy countless clubs and bars, including Tropicana, Club Jazz and Chan Chan, while classical music lovers should head to Teatro Amadeo Roldan, which is home to the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional. The 886-seat theatre also plays host to major concerts from local stars. Meanwhile, cultured drinkers can retrace the steps of legendary author Ernest Hemingway, who frequently took leave of his senses in watering holes such as El Floridita and La Bogeduita del Medio.

Beyond Havana, the Pico Turquino is the country's highest peak at 1,975 metre, and is located in Santiago de Cuba Province in the east of the country. Santiago de Cuba, 540 miles east of Havana, is the country's second city with a population of 500,000. The local citadel of San Pedro de la Roca is described on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the "most complete, best preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture, based on Italian and Renaissance design principles".

Closer to Havana, the Peninsula de Zapata national park is an ideal haven for nature lovers. It is the island's largest swamp and home to fantastically diverse ecosystems. Multiples species of bird, reptile, mammal and more than 900 plant species live amongst the wetlands of mangroves and marshes.

Elsewhere the waterfalls of El Nicho remained until recently one of central Cuba's best kept secrets. Equipped with small bathing pools and spectacular mountain views, they're well worth the intrepid journey by 4WD. But within Cuba travelling doesn't come easily, and it's a price you pay for a country refreshingly free of commercialism yet rich in old world charm and friendliness.