Florida

Florida is a small inland city in Camagüey Province, located along the Carretera Central highway roughly halfway between Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila. With a population of around 30,000, it serves as a regional centre for the surrounding sugar-growing and cattle-ranching countryside. The town has a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere and offers a few points of interest that make it worth a brief stop for travellers crossing central Cuba.

Founded in the early 19th century, Florida grew as a hub for the sugar industry that dominated this part of Cuba. The town's layout follows the typical pattern of a Cuban provincial centre: a central park surrounded by a church, municipal buildings, and the main commercial streets. The climate is tropical, with hot summers (30–33°C) and a rainy season from May to October. The drier months from November to April are the most comfortable for visiting.

Florida retains a genuine, un-touristed character. Visitors will find friendly locals, modest colonial architecture, and a pace of life that contrasts sharply with Cuba's resort destinations. The town is known locally for its zoo and cultural institutions.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Ignacio Agramonte International Airport (IATA: CMW) in Camagüey, approximately 90 km northeast. Abel Santamaría Airport (IATA: SNU) in Santa Clara is about 170 km west. From either airport, a taxi or rental car is the most practical option to reach Florida.

By Train

Florida has a station on Cuba's central railway line with infrequent service connecting to Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila. Trains are slow and schedules unreliable; check locally for current times.

By Car / Road

Florida sits directly on the Carretera Central. From Camagüey, drive southwest approximately 90 km (1.5 hours). From Ciego de Ávila, it is about 75 km northeast (1 hour). The Carretera Central is paved throughout but can be rough in sections. Astro intercity buses stop in Florida on the Camagüey–Ciego de Ávila route.

Florida is small enough to explore on foot. The town centre, centred on Parque José Martí, is compact. Horse-drawn carriages and bici-taxis provide local transport for a few CUP. There are no ride-hailing services. The town is flat and easily walkable.

• Zoológico de Florida — A small municipal zoo on the outskirts of town, featuring native Cuban wildlife including crocodiles, deer, and various bird species. A surprising attraction for a town this size.

• Museo General Municipal — Local history museum with exhibits on the town's founding, the sugar industry, and Cuba's wars of independence.

• Parque José Martí — The central park, shaded by mature trees and surrounded by colonial-era buildings. The social heart of the town.

• Iglesia Parroquial — The parish church near the central park, featuring simple neoclassical architecture.

• Playa Florida — A small beach area in a village that is administratively part of Florida municipality, offering a local seaside escape.

• Casa de Cultura "Luís Casas Romero" — Cultural centre on Paseo Martí hosting music performances, art exhibitions, and community events.

• Biblioteca Municipal "Rubén Martínez Villena" — The town library, housed in a notable building on the Carretera Central.

• Cine Aurora — Historic movie theatre on Calle Calixto García, a reminder of Cuba's cinema culture.

Cuban home cooking dominates the dining scene. Rice, beans, pork, chicken, and plantains are staples.

• Restaurante 1907 — A local restaurant serving traditional Cuban dishes in a historic setting.
• Cafetería El Rapido — Quick-service spot for sandwiches, pizza, and coffee.
• Doña Mery — A popular paladar (private home-restaurant) offering home-style Cuban cooking at budget prices (CUC 3–7 per meal).

• Cafetería Caney (El Ranchón) — Located on the Carretera Central, across from the Florida Hotel. Open 24 hours, serving coffee, cold drinks, and beer.
• Cabaret Disco Azúcar — Local nightlife venue with music and dancing on weekends.
• Centro Recreativo Cielo Floridano — Another entertainment venue popular with locals.

Cuban beers (Cristal, Bucanero) and rum-based cocktails (mojito, Cuba libre) are widely available. Tap water is not safe to drink; buy bottled water.

• Budget: Casa particular (private homestay) — CUC 15–20 per night for a double room. Several are available near the central park.
• Mid-range: Hotel Florida — On the Carretera Central Km 534, across from the zoo. Single occupancy from CUC 15/night, double from CUC 20. Check-in 17:00, check-out 12:00. Phone: +53 32 51 4670.
• Upscale / heritage: No upscale options in Florida. For higher-end accommodation, continue to Camagüey (90 km).

Shopping in Florida is basic. El Encanto is the state-run department store selling household goods and clothing. TRD (Tienda Recaudadora de Divisas) sells imported goods in CUC. Casas de Cambio SA (CADECA) on the main street handles currency exchange. Local produce vendors sell tropical fruits and vegetables.

• Camagüey (~90 km northeast, 1.5 hours drive) — Cuba's third-largest city with colonial architecture, art galleries, and a vibrant cultural scene.
• Ciego de Ávila (~75 km southwest, 1 hour drive) — Provincial capital with a pleasant central park and access to Cayo Coco resort island.
• Playa Santa Lucía (~130 km northeast, 2 hours drive) — Beach resort on the northern coast with coral reef diving.
• Sancti Spíritus (~200 km west, 2.5 hours drive) — Colonial city with a famous arched bridge and nearby Trinidad.