5 Best Things to do in Remedios, Cuba, in 1 single day

Introduction

Remedios, also known as San Juan de los Remedios, is a charming colonial town in the province of Villa Clara and the oldest Spanish settlement in the former Las Villas region in Cuba. It’s a small place, but full of character, with colorful streets, a lively main square, and a history that goes all the way back to the 16th century.

The town is best known as the Cradle of the Parrandas, one of the Caribbean’s largest and oldest traditional festivals, where fireworks, music, and parades light up the streets every December. But even outside festival time, Remedios is worth a visit.

One of the main reasons to stop here is its strategic location. Remedios sits just before the long El Pedraplén causeway, a 48-kilometer bridge that connects the Cuban mainland to the island of Santa María. For many travelers heading to the beaches of Cayo Santa María, Remedios makes for the perfect cultural stop along the way.

Getting there

Remedios is located in the Villa Clara province, about 8 km from the northern coast and around 50 km from Santa Clara, the provincial capital.

• By Car: The easiest and most flexible way to reach Remedios is by car. From Santa Clara, it’s about a 1-hour drive along good roads. If you’re coming from Havana, expect about 4–5 hours (340 km). The road is mostly straightforward, and driving gives you the freedom to continue to Cayo Santa María via the El Pedraplén causeway.
• By Bus: Viazul buses connect Havana, Varadero, and Santa Clara with Caibarién, the town closest to the causeway. From Caibarién, it’s just 7 km to Remedios, which you can cover by taxi or bici-taxi.
• By Taxi or Transfer: If you’re heading straight to Cayo Santa María, many resorts or agencies offer private transfers that include a short stop in Remedios. This is a great option if you don’t want to worry about logistics.

Tip: Roads in Cuba are generally fine around this area, but always account for slower traffic, old cars, and horse carriages sharing the road.

Moving Around

Remedios is a small colonial town, and the best way to explore it is simply on foot. Most of the main attractions, including the Plaza Mayor, churches, and colonial buildings, are all within a few minutes’ walk of each other.

If you’re staying overnight or want to venture a bit outside the center,

• Bici-taxis are a fun and cheap way to move around locally.
• Horse-drawn carriages are still common here and add a traditional touch to your visit.
• For trips further out, such as to Caibarién or the El Pedraplén causeway, you can grab a regular taxi.

Tip: If you arrive by car, parking is straightforward. Many casas particulares offer private parking, or you can leave your car safely near Plaza Mayor for a small fee.

When to Visit

Remedios can be visited year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons:

• Dry Season (November to April): This is the best time to visit, with warm and sunny days (average temperatures between 22–28°C / 72–82°F). Perfect for walking around the colonial streets or combining your trip with the nearby beaches of Cayo Santa Maria.
• Wet Season (May to October): Expect higher humidity, afternoon showers, and temperatures averaging 28–32°C / 82–90°F. Travel is still possible, but be prepared for the heat and occasional heavy rain.
• December (Special Event): If you’re lucky enough to be here during the Parrandas de Remedios, usually held around Christmas time, you’ll experience one of the biggest and oldest festivals in Cuba. The town comes alive with fireworks, parades, and music—an unforgettable cultural celebration.

If your trip allows it, December is truly the most magical time to visit Remedios.

Where to Stay

Remedios is a small town, so you won’t find big international hotels here. Instead, the charm lies in staying at a casa particular—Cuba’s version of a guesthouse, often run by local families. They’re cozy, affordable, and give you a much more authentic experience of Cuban hospitality.

We recommend staying 1 night in Remedios, which gives you enough time to explore the colonial streets, enjoy the relaxed vibe, and continue your journey toward Cayo Santa Maria.

Here are a few options:

• (€) Casa Particular via Airbnb – Simple, family-run stays with breakfast included.
• (€€) Hostal Buen Viaje – A beautiful colonial house with spacious rooms and a leafy courtyard.
• (€€€) Villa Colonial Frank and Arelys – A boutique-style hotel in a historic 18th-century building right on the main square.

For the most authentic experience, go with a casa particular. The warmth and stories you’ll hear from the hosts make it even more special.

What to Eat

Food in Remedios, like in most of Cuba, is simple but hearty, with lots of rice, beans, plantains, and either chicken, pork, or seafood. Since it’s close to the coast, you’ll often find fresh fish and lobster at very reasonable prices compared to international standards.

Most visitors end up eating at their casa particular, where hosts prepare homemade meals with love — think fresh lobster with garlic butter, ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce), or vegetarian plates with local vegetables. Meals are often better and more plentiful than in restaurants, and you’ll usually pay around €8–12 for dinner.

Tip: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, let your casa hosts know in advance. They’ll happily prepare delicious alternatives with local produce.

Things to do in Remedios

Explore Plaza Martí

Plaza Martí is the heart of Remedios and the place where everything happens. This provincial park dates back to 1852 and was laid out by the town’s first settlers. Surrounded by colorful colonial buildings, shaded benches, and lively cafés, it’s the perfect spot to sit back and soak up the local atmosphere.

Life in Remedios revolves around this square — from kids playing to old men chatting, and during festivals it transforms into a stage for music, dance, and celebrations. As you explore the town, you’ll always find yourself coming back here.

Visit Iglesia de San Juan Bautista

One of the most remarkable landmarks in Remedios is the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, also called the Parish Church of San Juan Bautista. This religious complex is made up of the main church and the smaller Ermita del Buenviaje chapel. Together, they form a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture in the Caribbean.

Inside, the church holds treasures that will surprise you — from its richly decorated golden altar to intricate woodwork and religious art. The contrast between the modest exterior and the ornate interior is striking, making it a must-see stop when exploring Plaza Martí.

Explore Libertad Park

Just a short walk from Plaza Martí, you’ll find Libertad Park, home to the Statue of Liberty of San Juan de los Remedios. Unlike its famous namesake in New York, this statue rises from an elegant obelisk and was built in the early 20th century. It’s a surprising landmark in a small Cuban town and a reminder of the community’s values of freedom and independence.

The park itself is a peaceful spot to relax, shaded by trees and surrounded by local life. It’s the kind of place where you can sit on a bench, people-watch, and soak in the slower rhythm of Remedios.

Admire Teatro Rubén Martínez Villena

Right by Plaza Martí stands the Teatro Rubén Martínez Villena, one of Remedios’ most elegant colonial buildings. Its neoclassical façade and graceful proportions make it a highlight of the square, even if you only admire it from the outside.

The theater is named after Cuban writer and revolutionary Rubén Martínez Villena, and though it’s no longer as lively as in its prime, it remains a proud symbol of the town’s cultural heritage. Standing here, you can almost imagine the days when plays and performances filled its halls with music and voices.

Visit a Cigar Factory

One of the most fascinating experiences in Remedios is stepping inside a cigar factory. As you stroll around town, you’ll most likely come across one of these workshops where Cuba’s most famous export is still crafted by hand.

Watching the workers roll cigars is a real art form—every movement is precise, from selecting the leaves to shaping and pressing the cigar. The atmosphere is authentic, with the rich smell of tobacco filling the air. Even if you’re not a smoker, it’s a unique glimpse into one of Cuba’s proudest traditions.

Remedios Itinerary

There really isn’t a need for a fixed itinerary in Remedios—the town is so small and walkable that you can simply stroll around and see all the main highlights without planning too much. From the central Plaza Martí to the beautiful San Juan Bautista Church and a few colonial gems in between, everything is just a few steps away.

You won’t get lost, and part of the charm is just wandering slowly, soaking in the local atmosphere, and chatting with people you meet along the way.

For us, our day in Remedios ended on a fun note—when the rain started pouring down “cats and cows,” we took shelter and ended up in a lively Uno card game. Sometimes, the best travel memories come from the unexpected!