Marlin Marina Santiago de Cuba

Founded in 1515, Santiago was between 1522 and 1553 the first capital of Cuba. Successive waves of Spanish colonizers, African slaves, French and Creole immigrants from other colonies in the Antilles were shaping the unique idiosyncrasy of this southeastern region of the country. Recognized as the most Caribbean city in the island, it is host to one of the most genuine popular celebrations of the country; the Santiago’s Carnival, the Caribbean Festival and the Fiesta del Fuego (Fire Feast). Two of the sites that have been distinguished with the title of World ?s Heritage by UNESCO are found here: the San Pedro de la Roca del Morro Castle and the ruins of the first French coffee-growing settlements in Gran Piedra (Great Rock). There is also an important Master World ?s Piece of art of the Oral Immaterial Heritage: the Tumba Francesa (French Drum) as categorized by UNESCO in 2003. The region of Santiago de Cuba has in its sea and mountainous environment all the conditions to develop both cultural and eco- tourism.