Treasure Island

Treasure Island

The debut novel *Treasure Island* by Robert Louis Stevenson, a representative writer of 19th-century British "New Romanticism," stands out with its unique, magical, and romantic flair. The Treasure Island depicted in his work is today’s special municipality of Cuba: Isla de la Juventud. It was formerly known as both Treasure Island and Pine Island. During the long four centuries of Spanish colonial rule, it was a world-famous haven where Caribbean pirates gathered in droves. Fugitives and pirates roamed the seas, chasing Spanish ships transporting gold, silver, treasures, and goods. They would steal the treasures and cargo and hide them in mysterious caves on this deserted island to enjoy at leisure... hence the name Treasure Island.

The island is covered with dense tropical pine forests, which is also why it's called Pine Island. The forest is home to giant lizards like the iguana from Central and South America, spiny rats, pigeons with coral-like crests, wild boars, and other animals. The coastline is irregular with many small bays, all named after infamous pirates.

The southern beaches of the island are famously picturesque. In six well-known caves at Punta del Este, 235 ancient paintings by indigenous Native Americans are still preserved. The geology of Haiti features uniquely beautiful coral formations with crisscrossing caves. There are countless tube sponges, colorful schools of fish, distinctively Caribbean marine plants, and abundant seafood.

This is an ideal spot for diving to explore the underwater world. The diverse animal life mainly includes seagulls and sea turtles; there are also pelicans, parrots, woodpeckers, mockingbirds, golden hummingbirds, herons... The average annual temperature is 27°C, rising to 28°C in peak summer, with little rainfall. There are many beautiful nearby small islands around South Long Island:

Lindamar Beach: features a cave made of white rock structures shaped like a clamshell, stretching 5 kilometers. Mermaid Beach: the most alluring, beautiful, and tranquil beach, entirely natural, located on the northwest leeward side with no big waves—it's a dream destination. White Beach: surrounded by rocks and rolling waves, it feels like being on a deserted island. Turtle Beach: a 4-kilometer beach crawling with sea turtles that come here to lay eggs on the hot sands. It's one of the favorite recreational spots for visitors. Paradise Beach: still retains its pristine nature, where visitors often sunbathe naked and swim in secluded corners.

Fu Island: a beautiful small island with emerald waters and powder-fine sands, home to lobsters and conches. Visitors can take a canoe to this island, where the crystal-clear water allows for wonderful underwater views. Pirate Island: great for diving to see a variety of colorful fish. Big Lizard Island: recently promoted, this island is inhabited by a species of large lizard from Central and South America—the iguana. They've long made this their habitat and are accustomed to taking food from visitors’ hands. South Long Island Seaside Beach: the best place for sailing activities. Comfortable boats take you to various diving spots, where nearby gorgeous coral gardens are home to numerous colorful fish. The coral barrier stretches 30 kilometers, and within just under 30 meters of depth lies the world of coral—making it a top spot for visitors.

Havana, Cuba