Isla De La Juventud
The Isle of Pines , new name since 1978, forms part of this province. The Isle of Pines is the Cuba 's largest island and is about 3,056 kilometers and lies 100 kilometers to the southwest of mainland Cuba and can be reached by boat or airplane. The only municipality of this island is called the same, the Isle of Pines . The population is about 100,000 inhabitants and largest city and province capital is Nueva Gerona in the north. This island has been won over by Cuba from United States in 1925 after long political talks. Much of the island is flat and the Cienaga de Lanier is Cuba 's second-largest swamp. The island is split into two fairly distinct topographical sections, north and south, and is dissected by a large swamp which runs from the southeast coast to the southwest coast. The north is generally flat and dry area.
As named, the most of island is covered in pine forests that are the source of island's largest lumber industry. Along with lumber industry the agriculture and fishing are main sources of income with citrus fruits and vegetables being grown. This Island of Youth has very mild climate but is known for being hit by hurricanes. It is one of the most picturesque hence most visited places in Cuba , also called “ Treasure Island ” (or “The Isle of Pirates” or “The Isle of Parrots”) and was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 who named it “The Isle of the Evangelist” and this peculiar island inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's “ Treasure Island ”. It is surrounded with extraordinarily peaceful sea of marvelous colors. It is not only known by its nature's beauty but also for medicinal spring waters used for all kinds of cures. Lovers of natural beauties, coral reefs, endemic species, and virgin territory are easily attracted to this wonderfully landscaped island.
Photo of Isla De La Juventud:
. In the island's Punta Frances Marine National Park some breath-taking views can be found. The beaches in the north are black sand and generally disappointing, in the south there are some superb white sand beaches, so if you want a holiday centered around white sandy beaches and calm crystal-blue seas then the south coast of the Isle of Youth is a perfect place. A diving zone of island is called El Colony and is comprised of 6 kilometers of coast between Punta Pedernales and Punta Frances and is well protected and the least spoiled by humans. |
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Along with El Colony there are 56 attractive diving sites to more than 20 caves, passages and tunnels. The remains of sunken ships can be found in Los Barcos Hundidos diving zone. Many different fish, barracudas and sessile fauna are attached to those ships. The coral keys to the east of Isla de la Juventud have turtles, iguanas and pelicans that seem indifferent to human company. The least unhurried way of life is on Isla de la Juventud island so hurry up to this paradise. |
Photo of Isla De La Juventud Cuba:
PINAR DEL RIO
HAVANA
ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD
MATANZAS
CIENFUEGOS
VILLA CLARA
SANCTI SPIRITUS
CIEGO DE AVILA
CAMAGUEY
LAS TUNAS
GRANMA
HOLGUIN
SANTIAGO DE CUBA
GUANTANAMO
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