Villa Clara, Cuba

Villa Clara Province is the second largest producer of sugar in Cuba, with other crops, particularly tobacco, playing an important part in the local economy. In the south, the mountain resort of Hanabanilla in the Escambray Mountains is being primed for tourism. It is this area's natural beauty which holds most appeal to the visitor.

Historically, Villa Clara has been regarded as one of the most strategically important areas of Cuba. Although the area has yet to be recognised as one premier tourist destinations of Cuba, there are some good beaches in the north and the capital of the province, Santa Clara, home to one of the country's four universities, is interesting enough to warrant a visit.