Baracoa

Cuba's first Spanish settlement was founded in 1512 by Diego Velázquez, who went on to settle six other cities. Today Baracoa is one of the island's most charming towns. Its historic center is bounded by three fortresses and El Malecón, a wide ocean-side roadway (La Farola runs into it) bordered by sea-grape trees and coral coastline on one side and buildings—some historic, some modern and sterile—on the other.