Even non-smokers have to agree that a visit to Cuba would not be complete without investigating the island's most famous export, cigars. The art of cigar-making in Cuba is old and traditional, and three main factories in Havana offer tours for visitors to see cigars still rolled by hand. In the oldest factory, Partagas, founded in 1827, traditionally a reader is employed to keep workers entertained while they fashion the famous cigars. Apparently this is the reason some of the famous cigars are named after literary characters. Tours leave every 20 to 30 minutes, depending on what language you want to be guided in. The tour lasts about 45 minutes. Havana's other cigar factories are La Corona and the lesser-visited Romeo y Julieta. There are shops attached to the factories where cigars can be purchased. Visitors are advised not to buy cigars from people off the street, as these are usually rolled banana leaves fashioned into cigar look-alikes and the sellers are persistent hustlers. Los Cohiba Esplendidos are supposed to be the best cigars in Cuba, formerly only available to Fidel Castro.

Address: Partagas Factory: Calle Industria 520, Centro Habana

Telephone: Partagas: (0)7 338 060

Opening times: Partagas Factory tours operate Monday to Friday, from 9am to 2pm

Admission: CUC$10