Isla de la Juventud, island
(1989 est. pop. 71,500), 1,180 sq mi (3,056 sq km), off SW
Cuba, from which it is separated by the Batabanó Gulf.
Until 1978 it was called Isle of Pines. The island's capital
is Nueva Gerona. Pine forests cover much of the island, and
there are many mineral springs. Marble is quarried from low
ridges in the northern part; the southern quarter of the island
is an elevated plain. The economy is based on fishing and
agriculture (primarily citrus fruits, some vegetables).
Until the break in U.S.-Cuban relations in the early 1960s,
much of the land was owned by American citizens, and the
mild, healthful climate and excellent fishing waters made
the island an attractive resort. Bibijagua beach remains
popular. Sighted by Columbus in 1494, the Isle of Youth
was later used as a penal colony and was a rendezvous for
buccaneers. During the colonial period it was a summer resort
and a rest area for the Spanish military.
The island was ceded to the United States after the Spanish-American
War (1898), and because its name was omitted from the Platt
Amendment, which defined Cuba's boundaries, it was claimed
by the United States as well as by Cuba. Finally, in 1907,
the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the island did not
belong to the United States; a treaty was later signed (1925)
confirming the island as Cuban. Near Nueva Gerona is a large
prison, often used for political prisoners. During the regime
of Fidel Castro, himself jailed there in 1953, the island
has been extensively beautified, but political prisoners
are incarcerated there in large numbers. The Isle of Youth
has suffered frequent damage from hurricanes.
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Nueva Gerona Isla de La Juventud Cuba Isla de La Juventud or, Island of Youth, as it was named in the 1970s due to its favored location for summer youth camps is a sleepy island unlike mainland Cuba. Nueva Gerona is the capital of the island and could be described as the only place that constitutes anything remotely resembling a town. The city was founded in 1830 by Francisco Dionisio Vives, who was the Spanish governor of Cuba at the time. Oddly enough there is an American [...]
Hotel Colony Isla de La Juventud Cuba Welcome to the Hotel El Colony located in the bay of Siguanea, Isla de La Juventud, just 45 minutes away from Nueva Gerona airport which itself is just 35 minutes from Havana by airplane. Within one hour of leaving Havana you could be walking on the beach at our Hotel. The spacious and sun-lit, but sparsely furnished lobby is enlivened by lime-green lounge chairs and has a small general store. This colorful hotel dates back to 1958, when it began [...]
Hotel Rancho Tesoro Isla de La Juventud Cuba The Rancho El Tesoro Villa is located in a tranquil setting, and it is harmonically linked to the surrounding picturesque landscape. The accommodation is popular among anglers, but it's definitely a nice option for visitors on their way to the International Diving Center El Colony in the west and right next to the city of Nueva Gerona. Adorned with fake ramparts like a colonial fortification and painted in a strange red hue, Rancho El Tesoro looks more like a castle than [...]
Isla de la Juventud Casa Particular | Isla de la Juventud Private Home Stay A Casa Particular in Isla de la Juventud or home stay on Isla de la Juventud will ensure you experience both the wonders of Isla de la Juventud's amazing culture, immersed in one-on-one contact with your Cuban hosts. Learn about Isla de la Juventud's rich history, together with true Cuban hospitality. The owners of your casa particular in Isla de la Juventud speak fluent English and have a profound knowledge of the city and its many sights. Any questions you wish [...]
Car Rental Isla de la Juventud Cuba | Rent a Car Isla de la Juventud Cuba Isla de la Juventud Cuba is a large island, best explored using a rent a car. For this reason, we have some incredible Isla de la Juventud Car rental offers from economic cars to family focused Minivan and Vans. We also offer cheap economy cars on the Isla de la Juventud in Cuba, especially for budget conscious travelers. Booking your Cuba Car Hire in advance is crucial to your trip and, by checking our rates and availability you'll be able to find the car [...]
Hotel Colony Isla de La Juventud Cuba Welcome to the Hotel El Colony located in the bay of Siguanea, Isla de La Juventud, just 45 minutes away from Nueva Gerona airport which itself is just 35 minutes [...]
Hotel Rancho Tesoro Isla de La Juventud Cuba The Rancho El Tesoro Villa is located in a tranquil setting, and it is harmonically linked to the surrounding picturesque landscape. The accommodation is popular among anglers, but it's definitely [...]
Cayo Largo del Sur Hotel List There a numerous excellent hotels in Cayo Largo. Isla de La Juventud is the controlling municipality and provincial center for the Cayo Largo and Cayo Largo del Sur vacation resorts. [...]