The capital of the province of the same name is a laid back maritime city with a lazy, tropical atmosphere. In colonial times it was known as the 'Pearl of the South', a name earned from its lovely location on a picturesque Caribbean bay.
Today the bay is as pretty as ever but the city has expanded with heavy industry and drab sixties apartment blocks dominating the outskirts. However the colonial centre is well preserved and was recently declared a world heritage area. The inhabitants are proud of the cities great musical tradition and Cienfuegos was once home to Benny More, one of Cuba's most famous musicians.