Holguin is located in the east of Cuba. In 1492 Christopher Columbus landed in Bariay, on the coast of Holguin and declared that it was ‘the most beautiful land ever seen by human eyes’. The City of Holguin, 65 kms from Frank Pais International Airport, is close to the cities of Banes and Gibara, Gibara being the only Cuban city other than Havana to be surrounded by walls. Tourist attractions in Holguin Province include 34 rivers, 6 waterfalls, 6 dams, 5 submarine areas, 19 historical and cultural sites, 135 archaeological sites and 22 coastal bays.
Holguin features a warm subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The year round mild climate creates only two distinctive seasons – the summer and winter. Temperature averages at 25C on the yearly basis, while the peak summer months often exceed 30C. The daytime climates throughout the coldest months of winter (December and January) rarely fall below 18ºC. This is the best time to visit Holguin as rainfall is at its minimum and the scorching summers climates have lowered to a more comfortable level.
BEACHES
Holidays in the Holguin region are perfect for tourists wanting a quiet, relaxing vacation on some of Cuba’s most beautiful and unspoilt beaches. Guardalavaca (1,200 metres long) is one of the most famous beaches in the province, with coral reefs, cliffs and fascinating vegetation. Guardalavaca is close to Gibara, the place where Colon first landed in Cuba. Boca de las Esponjas, El Salto and Canon de los Aguajies are all great for scuba diving. Tanques Azules, in Gibara, is a group of unique flooded caverns which offer special challenges for underwater cave divers.
ATTRACTIONS
The Saetia Key is a beautiful natural park in the Bay of Nipe. Antelopes, deer, wild bulls, zebras, boars and other animals freely roam this park. The Loma de la Cruz (the Hill of the Cross), probably the most famous place in the city, features a 450-step stairway that is steeped with history and legends. For years it was the site of pilgrimages and more recently it has been the site for the Romerias de Mayo, a festival that brings together the modern and traditional. The stunningly beautiful Naranjo Bay Nature Reserve gives an opportunity to swim with dolphins. Maybe Lookout is another elevation in the southeast of the city with wonderful views of the city.