Known regionally as La Isla Grande, the Big Island, Cuba is indeed the largest of the Caribbean Islands. Long the destination of sun seekers, Cuba is much more. As the first major New World colony of Spain in the 16th century, Cuba boasts some of the earliest and finest examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in existence. The city of Trinidad, on the south coast, has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. It was from here that Hernan Cortez left to conquer Mexico! Santiago de Cuba, the first capital of the country, is famous for the role its people have played in both the war of independence from Spain, and, in this century, the Cuban Revolution. Santiago is also famous for its music, which may be heard on many street corners and small cafes. Cuba has a different beach for each day of the year, but beyond the sparkling sands, travelers can explore the major mountain ranges the Sierra Maestre and the Sierra Escambray with their unique microclimates, freshwater lakes where trophy bass await the angler, or where fresh pine forests await hikers or riders. Cuba is an island of greens, from the turquoise hues of the sea to the unique shade of the waving cane fields and the tree-clad slopes of the mountains. With so much to offer it is difficult where to start in this island nation, but with so much more to experience than the beach, a good start is La Habana, then go off to explore La Isla Grande.