Top 5 Travel Destinations for Cigar Lovers

• Posted on 17 October 2018
• By Sheila Habano
• Posted in Cigar, Cigar Destinations, cigars, El Cigar Shop, Travel
• 0

Love to travel? Love cigars? Check out these 5 great places for cigar lovers to visit and enjoy premium cigars the next time you choose to take a vacation!

Here are 5 great places to visit and enjoy premium cigars!

#5. Tampa

Tampa was once the cigar capital of the world and continues to attract cigar enthusiasts to this day. This is especially true in the neighborhood of Ybor City where Cuban cigar makers relocated their factories in the 1880s. There are a bustling nightlife and some amazing Latin American restaurants in this part of Tampa. One of America's oldest cigar-making families, J.C. Newman, is rooted in Ybor City and offers tours of their factory. After the tour has an Estrella Damm Lager, “The Beer of Barcelona”. Or perhaps a glass of Tempranillo and a few tapas at the beautiful historic Columbia Restaurant.  If you are visiting in December check out the annual Cigar Heritage Festival held in Ybor City. It is fabulous.

#4. Dominican Republic

A tropical paradise, the Dominican Republic offers cigar lovers a plethora of activities to enjoy while vacationing. Take a tour of one or more of their many famous cigar factories, including the Davidoff Factory, La Aurora Cigar World, Quesada Cigars Factory and the Tabacalera De Garcia Factory. If you enjoy golf, the exquisite La Cana Golf Course, surrounded by crystal clear waters and panoramic sea views is a golfers dream come true.

#3. Miami

Along Eighth Street or Calle Ocho is the heart of Little Havana. Tourists to the historic Miami district can experience Cuban culture, sampling small shots of café Cubano, bought from cafeteria windows. Enjoy some lunch at La Carreta for a belly-busting Cubano sandwich. Then head to El Titan de Bronze to purchase cigars that are handmade on the premises by eight rollers working with a variety of blends. El Titan developed El Cigar Shop’s Family Series EG Cigars, a Nicaraguan premium cigar found only at El Cigar. Next, it’s off to El Rey de Los Habanos, one of the tiniest cigar factories in the world. The factory is the home of Jose "Don Pepin" Garcia and his family, makers of Tatuaje and Don Pepin cigars, among others. Watch as rollers craft cigars in the traditional handmade Cuban style.  The vibrant Spanish restaurant and nightspot Casa Panza offers paella and sangria and features live Flamenco dancers. A wonderful spot to kick back and enjoy your favorite smoke.

#2. Nicaragua

Nicaragua is known as one of the most fertile places on earth for growing tobacco. Estelí Cigarros is a popular spot where cigar lovers can traverse the thriving tobacco fields and enjoy a local factory tour. For the ultimate cigar experience, head to Plasencia Cigars and discover how some of the world’s most famous cigars from Alec Bradley, Casa Magna, and Rocky Patel are made.  For the adventurous, take a trip to the steep slopes of the volcano Cerro Negro. Or lounge on one of Nicaragua’s many beautiful white beaches. The beach at Las Peñitas has an authentic Nicaraguan atmosphere and is lined with beachfront cafes and bars; the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy incredible sunsets along with an exquisite cigar.

#1. Cuba

It may come as no surprise that Cuba is the number one destination for cigar lovers. Not only is this Caribbean island home to some of the world’s most renowned cigars but it’s tropical climate and stunning scenery also make it one of the most luxurious places to visit. Embark to the Cuban capital of Havana to visit authentic factory tours and see first-hand the high quality of Cuban tobacco. Explore the plush tobacco plantations where the infamous Habano tobaccos are harvested. Then head to one, or both, of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite watering holes for drinks. It’s been said Hemingway preferred his daiquiris at upscale La Floridita, a very popular spot for tourists. Although, La Bodeguita del Medio has the feel of the local crowd and makes excellent mojitos.  Finally, be sure to enjoy a glass of Havana Club rum during your visit – the perfect accompaniment to any Cuban cigar!

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