Port of Veracruz

Veracruz was the first port of New Spain and was a major trade link for ships coming from Spain with colonists and returning there laden with gold and treasures. In the 16th Century, the fort of San Juan de Ulúa, visible across the bay from the town, was built to protect the port from pirates and marauders, and was later turned into a prison. The fort can be toured from Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to 5 pm.

The city of Veracruz has a typical port feel to it combined with an afro-caribbean rhythm. The Malecon or harbor-side walk, is lined with small shops selling seashell souveniers, embroidered blouses and the and the typical men's guayabera - a light, short-sleeved shirt with small pleats and a straight bottom hem that is worn with no tucking into the pant waistline. Spiffily uniformed sailors stroll the streets portside and music and color infuse the Plaza de Armas, or town square, with life.

The Portales or arches that line the sides of the plaza are haven to a series of cafes and bars where vendors hawk their wares and harp and marimba players offer up their tunes. It's a good place to try the local Veracruz coffee, strong and sweet, and the regional drink called menjulep (mint julep!) akin to the Cuban mojito - a refreshing combination of dark rum, dry sherry or vermouth, sugar and crushed mint.

Some of the notable Colonial era buildings of the city include the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, which was built in 1721, the Palacio Municipal, constructed in 1627, the Teatro Clavijero, on Emparán Street, which was originally built of wood in 1700 and reconstructed, after being ravaged by fire, in 1834, and a collection of pre-columbian artifacts and regional arts and crafts is on view at the City Museum (Museo de la Ciudad) located on Ave. Zaragoza.

The Baluarte de Santiago (Fortress of Santiago) is the last standing fort of a series of seven that were connected by massive protective walls to protect the city. It is now a small museum.

The stately form of Venustiano Carranza lighthouse overlooking the port area gleams brilliantly in the tropical sun. It has been the home to Naval Secretariat since 1935.

Along Vercruz's malecon stretching to the south lie many of the town's beachfront hotels. The beaches here are not the white-sanded strands of the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, but they attract a great many visitors who enjoy the normally calm waters without any challenging surf.