Britannica Sources used in this answer

When did Christopher Columbus reach Cuba?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Christopher Columbus first sighted the northern coast of Cuba on October 27, 1492, and made landfall on the island the following day, October 28, 1492.12

Upon his arrival, Columbus mistakenly believed that he had reached the Asian mainland, specifically Cathay (China). This landing occurred during his first voyage to the New World, shortly after his initial encounter with the Bahamas.1