What few people recognize is that when Christopher Columbus pronounced the now famous “the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen” It was when he got his first glimpse of the Holguin coastline in 1492.
As a beach destination, Holguin’s pristine sands and azure waters of Guardalavaca. Located approximately 50 kilometers from the city of Holguin, Guardalavaca offers visitors a stunning beach setting along a 1,200 meter long bank of the Cuban seashore. Spectacular beaches can also be found at the enclaves of Playa Esmeralda and Playa Pesquero, the latter having Cuba’s largest hotel all to itself.
But Holguin is not just about beaches. The province is considered to be one of the most significant burial grounds in the Caribbean region; known as the “Chorro de Maita” there’s a site of a village and a burial ground of Arawak Indians dating back to 1490-1540. Excavations at this site have uncovered 108 remains, including the skeleton of a European.
Your stay in Holguin won’t be complete without a visit to the nearby Dolphin Aquarium in Guardalavaca. At the dolphinarium visitors will have a chance to see some of the most loved mammals in the world perform and learn about their habits in a natural environment. Swimming with the dolphins is also an option at the Aquarium.
Pristine reefs and abundant marine life ensure excellent diving and snorkeling in the warm, clear shallows of the Atlantic. Farther inland, rolling hills and rugged mountains provide a stunning landscape just pleading to be explored.
Legend states that the coastal area of Holguin was a favorite place for pirates and buccaneers due to the isolation and low population. In fact, the name of Holguin’s famous beach, Guardalavaca, means “put the cow away”, said to be from the settlers hiding their cattle when they saw the raiding vessels approach the shore. Rumors speak of hidden treasures buried along the coastline of the Holguin province waiting to be dug out from under the sands.
In addition to Holguin’s natural wonders, there are urban adventures waiting for you here too. The provincial capital, Holguin city has a fascinating museum in an old colonial barracks, as well as galleries and commemorative monuments sprinkled around its lively public squares. In fact, the town has so many historic plazas; it has been called ‘the city of parks.’
The resort area of Guardalavaca offers visitors a secluded tropical setting and has quickly grown to be the second largest tourist destination in Cuba. The clean, warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean are calm and offer great conditions for water sports. Guardalavaca is an ideal place for those who want to get away from it all.
If you are into contemporary history, in the town if Birán, you can visit the farm where Fidel and Raúl Castro grew up; or view the only known gold figurine created by Cuban aboriginals at the Archaeological Museum in Banes. The seaside town Gibara, once the main port on the northeastern coast of Cuba, is a quaintly charming slice of the Spanish Mediterranean.
Holguin is a province of contrast, offering interesting things to see and do for both young and old.
