Why Holguín Should Be on Your Cuba Itinerary – Complete Travel Guide

Welcome to Holguín! Often overshadowed by Havana and Santiago de Cuba, Holguín remains one of Cuba’s most authentic and versatile travel destinations. Nestled in the island’s eastern heartland, Holguín offers a blend of colonial elegance, natural beauty, Caribbean beaches, and vibrant local culture.
 

Whether you’re a history buff, beachgoer, ecotourist, or cultural explorer, Holguín is Cuba without the crowds — a perfect fusion of coast and countryside.

📌 Holguín at a Glance

📍 Location: Eastern Cuba, capital of Holguín Province

👥 Population: ~300,000 (4th largest city in Cuba)

🏛️ Nickname: “The City of Parks”

🏖️ Nearby beaches: Guardalavaca, Playa Pesquero, Playa Esmeralda

✈️ Airport: Frank País International Airport (HOG)

🗺️ Nearby attractions: Loma de la Cruz, Gibara, Cayo Saetía, Bariay National Park

🏙️ Exploring the Heart of Holguín City

🌳 The City of Parks

Holguín’s nickname is well-earned. Its central core is filled with leafy plazas, colonial buildings, and open-air meeting spots that give the city a welcoming, social vibe.

Top Parks to Visit:

Parque Calixto García – The main square, featuring a statue of the independence hero, cafes, and music at night.

Parque San José – Beautiful colonial surroundings, including the Church of San José.

Parque Peralta – Also known as Parque de las Flores, it's full of color and ideal for photos.

These spaces are not just tourist spots — they’re where locals gather, debate, celebrate, and relax, giving visitors a true taste of Cuban urban life.

🏞️ Climb Loma de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross)

This 458-step climb is a rite of passage for visitors. At the top of Loma de la Cruz, you’ll find:

⛪ A large cross first placed in 1790

📷 Panoramic views of Holguín and the surrounding hills

🎶 Live music and cultural events during local festivals

🍹 A hilltop bar for a post-hike mojito

If the hike feels daunting, taxis can take you up a parallel road.

🌊 Best Beaches Near Holguín

Though the city itself isn’t on the coast, Holguín Province is home to some of the best beaches in all of Cuba, accessible within 1–2 hours by car.

🏖️ 1. Guardalavaca Beach

📍 55 km from Holguín city

🌊 Calm turquoise waters and white sand

🐟 Excellent snorkeling near the reefs

🏨 Lined with resorts like Brisas Guardalavaca and Club Amigo

Despite its popularity, Guardalavaca retains a laid-back charm, with local vendors, horseback rides, and easy access to nature parks.

🌴 2. Playa Pesquero

📍 Near Rafael Freyre

🏖️ Known for luxurious all-inclusive resorts

🤿 Great diving and snorkeling

🧘 Ideal for couples and honeymoons

Home to Hotel Playa Pesquero, one of Cuba’s largest and best-equipped resorts.

🌺 3. Playa Esmeralda

💎 “Emerald Beach” for a reason – shimmering green-blue waters

🌿 Backed by cliffs and jungle

🐬 Close to Delfinario Cayo Naranjo, a dolphin and marine park

🛶 Offers kayaking and eco-excursions

Perfect for travelers looking to combine comfort, nature, and sustainability.

🛶 Nature and Outdoor Activities

Holguín is a nature lover’s playground. Beyond its beaches, the province offers protected parks, caves, wildlife reserves, and unique biodiversity.

🦌 1. Cayo Saetía

🏝️ Island reserve in Nipe Bay

🦓 Spot exotic animals like antelope, ostriches, and zebras

🚙 Jeep safaris and horseback riding

🏖️ Unspoiled beaches and coral reefs

It’s like a Cuban safari island, reachable by boat or day trips from Guardalavaca.

🥾 2. Pinares de Mayarí

🌲 Mountain pine forests

🏕️ Camping, hiking, birdwatching

🦜 Spot the Cuban trogon (national bird)

🏞️ Beautiful waterfalls like Salto del Guayabo

This cooler highland region is great for eco-tourism and adventurous travelers looking to escape the heat.

🐢 3. Bariay National Park

🌅 Where Christopher Columbus is believed to have landed in 1492

🗿 Features sculptures and monuments to indigenous peoples

🌿 Nature trails, mangroves, and lookouts

🛶 Boat rides through lush estuaries

A wonderful mix of history and ecology.

🏛️ Cultural Experiences in Holguín

🎭 Casa de la Trova

Enjoy authentic Cuban music in this beloved venue. Grab a drink, listen to son Cubano, and even join locals for a spontaneous salsa.

🎨 Holguín Arts Scene

🖼️ Visit Centro de Arte for local contemporary pieces

🎭 Check event listings at Teatro Comandante Eddy Suñol

🎉 Time your visit with Romerías de Mayo, Holguín’s week-long cultural festival featuring parades, music, and global artists

🕍 Colonial Churches

Iglesia San Isidoro – Baroque architecture and stained glass

San José Church – Located in one of Holguín’s oldest plazas

Many churches double as performance spaces and community centers

🍽️ Where to Eat and Drink

Holguín offers a mix of traditional Cuban food, seafood, and creative paladares (private restaurants).

🍤 Top Recommendations

1910 Restaurante & Bar – Colonial atmosphere, gourmet Cuban cuisine

La Torre – Offers panoramic city views from the 9th floor

El Aldabón – Cozy spot with Cuban and Spanish fusion dishes

Bistro El Chino – Known for dumplings and unique East-meets-West menu

Don’t forget to try:

🐖 Lechón asado (roast pork)

🥘 Ropa vieja (shredded beef)

🍌 Tostones (fried plantains)

🍹 Fresh sugarcane mojitos or Cubanito (spicy Cuban Bloody Mary)

🛏️ Where to Stay in Holguín

🏨 In the City:

Hotel Pernik – Popular with tour groups

Islazul El Bosque – Budget-friendly and quiet

Casa particulares – Stay with local families for an authentic experience

🏖️ By the Beach:

Hotel Playa Pesquero

Sol Río de Luna y Mares

Brisas Guardalavaca

Most beach resorts offer transport to Holguín city for day trips.

✈️ Getting to Holguín

🛬 By Air:

Frank País International Airport (HOG)

Direct flights from Canada, Europe, and Havana

🚗 By Road:

From Havana: ~10 hours by car or 1-hour flight

From Santiago de Cuba: 3 hours by road

Reliable Viazul bus routes connect Holguín to major cities

🕰️ Best Time to Visit Holguín

🌞 Dry Season (Nov – Apr): Best weather for outdoor activities

🌧️ Wet Season (May – Oct): Fewer tourists, lush landscapes

🎉 Don’t miss:

Romerías de Mayo (May)

Fiesta de la Cultura Iberoamericana (October)

📚 Fun Facts & History

Christopher Columbus reportedly said the Holguín coast was “the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen.”

Holguín is the birthplace of Fidel Castro (Birán, nearby town)

Known for the Cuban guitar tradition and vibrant poetry scene

🧳 What to Pack

Light clothing

Comfortable walking shoes

Sunscreen and insect repellent

Spanish phrasebook

Reusable water bottle

Camera or phone with good battery life!

🔍 SEO Keyword Strategy

Primary Keywords:

Holguín Cuba travel guide

Things to do in Holguín Cuba

Holguín beaches

Holguín tourist attractions

Holguín Cuba points of interest

Where to stay in Holguín

Guardalavaca beach Cuba

Loma de la Cruz Holguín

Long-tail Keywords:

Best time to visit Holguín Cuba

Cultural festivals in Holguín

Family-friendly resorts in Holguín

Holguín local cuisine and restaurants

Ecotourism in eastern Cuba

🏁 Final Thoughts: Why Visit Holguín?

Holguín isn’t just a stop — it’s a destination in its own right. It offers the rare opportunity to experience genuine Cuban life, explore diverse landscapes, relax on world-class beaches, and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere far from mass tourism.

Whether you’re watching a sunset from Loma de la Cruz or sipping a mojito under the palms of Guardalavaca, Holguín stays with you long after your journey ends.

🎒 So come, take the road less traveled, and discover the magic of Holguín.