The Malecón is the largest recreational space in Havana

By Luis_Herrera | Sep 26, 2019
Caribbean > Cuba > Havana > Malecón

The Malecon is a very diverse kaleidoscope and is the most democratic space in Cuba

The Malecon is a very diverse kaleidoscope and is the most democratic space in Cuba

The Malecon is perhaps the most universal symbol of Havana, a wonderful city with a history of five centuries. With an extension of 8 km, two historical constructions delimit it, to the west the Fort of Santa Dorotea de Luna de la Chorrera (Mesón de la Chorrera), built in 1645 and National Monument, which protected the mouth of the La Chorrera river, today known as Rio Almendares. To the east at the other end of the boardwalk we will find the Castillo de la Punta which protected the entrance to Havana Bay.

The life of this Wonder City of the 21st century grew alongside the Malecon, from east to west, from the colonial Historic Center to the modern neighborhood of Vedado and the entrance to the tunnel under the Almendares River, which connects it with the aristocratic Miramar. No other site allows us to get to know Havana better and its people as well, the present and the past of a city close to celebrating 500 years of fascinating stories, and they existance of that wide avenue along the coastline, protected by the rustic concrete wall that challenges the waves and serves as a resting place for walkers.

The life of this Wonder City of the 21st century grew alongside the Malecon

The life of this Wonder City of the 21st century grew alongside the Malecon

El Paseo del Malecón is a social mirror, a reflection of Havana's culture. It's visited by groups of friends to celebrate, to sing, dance, musicians listening to or playing their favorite rhythms in fraternity and harmony, urban tribes of the most varied affiliations gathered somewhere in the wide conversational space. It's visited by families who wish to reduce the heat with the sea breeze and also those who are going to rest in the afternoon or as we say the Cubans "to take a ten" (referring to ten minutes of rest) to fish, exercise, listen to music and chat about sports. Thousands of Cubans have met on this Havana walk and many are those who have found love feeling their passion with the first kiss.

The Malecon is a very diverse kaleidoscope and is the most democratic space in Cuba and the only recreattional place in Havana, it,is opened 24 hours every day of the week. The Malecon is a day viewpoint and an alternative club under the stars at night. A balcony from which the blue immensity is viewed and fresh air is breathed. Sitting there, you dream and enjoy unparalleled sunsets.

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Written by Luis Herrera
I am Luis. Founder & Ceo Hostal Aptofive. I was born and raised in Nuevo Vedado in Havana, and I love my city! I want to share all the great things that my hometown has to offer and leave you with insider information you will only get from a true local and lover of Havana. The tour I am offering is for people who have limited time but want to gain a genuine feel for Havana, without missing the top attraction. Variety (never routine!) is a key part of keeping things interesting and fun. So with me, you will find my tour is fresh and flexible. As a guide, I love to learn what interests you so my tour can engage and leave you with a real feel... Read more

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We invite you to take a car trip through out el Malecón

Starting from the Aptofive Hostel in Nuevo Vedado neighborhood, we invite you to take a car trip through out the Malecón. During our trip along the boardwalk we'll feel the throbbing of Havana's life. We' ll revive a time of corsairs and pirates, walls and closing of doors: in short, we will live a unique and unforgettable experience.

Saturn Cave & Varadero Beach day trip

Travelling along the north coast of Cuba from Havana to Varadero we will know El Malecón and two of The Cuban engineering wonders: the tunnel of Havana bay and the Bacunayagua Bridge, we will dive in the cold and crystalline waters of Saturn cave and as a final climax we will enjoy and swim into the warm waters of Varadero beach.