At a glance
It’s been more than 500 years since explorer Christopher Columbus fell under Holguin’s spell and this pretty province continues to woo travellers. Off the ‘all roads to Havana’’ mojito-fuelled tourist trail, this tropical spot has its share of Cuban clichés. You’ll find flash Grease-inspired cars, a bevy of revolutionary monuments and, of course, all those photo album-friendly beaches made for sun bathing. But, Holguin’s real magic is in its laid-back character and sleepy charm.
In the perfect spot for sun-drenched holidays, Holguin’s not as busy as Cuba’s other holiday spots. But with white sandy beaches and tropical waters, it’s a well-kept secret worth discovering.
Things to do
Memorable moment...
If you’re a green space person, Holguin’s a great place to relax. The provincial capital’s dubbed the ‘’city of parks’’ there are plenty of shady squares to rest walking-weary feet. And, although there’s not a great deal of colonial architecture, it’s worth checking out the many monuments that pay tribute to heroes of the wars of independence. The area’s scattered with places to spend your Cuban Peso Convertible. And whether you’re a shop-a-holic or not, a wander through the local market is a must. Culture vultures will enjoy the San Isidoro Cathedral and Museum of History. But, Holguin’s famed for its natural attractions and here no visit is complete without a dip in the warm tropical waters of its soft, sandy beaches.
Beaches
There’s no doubt, Holguin’s beaches are its A-list attraction. There’s more than 40km of coastline here and this means there are plenty of options when it comes to bucket and spade and snorkel and flipper action. But the real ace up Holguin’s sleeve is Guardalavaca and, very close behind, Playa Esmeralda. Both are daydream-worthy stretches of sand and sea and thanks to the nearby coral reefs, you get calm waters.
Highlights
- Make the long day trip, or book a few nights in the Cuban capital, Havana. There’s a reason this city’s a hot-to-trot party destination. Be sure to dig out your snazziest threads and liberate your rhythmic inhibitions after a few Cuba libres.
- Go for sea and coral action by popping on a snorkel and flippers and heading off Guardavaca’s coastline to its tropical coral reefs.
- Wander the capital’s UNESCO-listed Old Havana quarter. This world heritage site, is the place to snap 1950s American classic cars against the backdrop of impressive buildings.
- Before your bell tolls, head to Ernest Hemmingway’s favoured haunt, the Floridita, and sip an ice-cold mojito.
Food and drink
There’s no doubt Cuba’s culinary contributions hit a high when it comes to the alcoholic variety. It’s hard to imagine a cocktail menu without a sweet, minty mojito or the cola and rum combination of the Cuba libre. But Cuba’s domestic goddesses are no slouches in the kitchen. Cuban dishes mix rice, oranges and sweet potato with maize and seafood – a legacy of the country’s Spanish, African and Caribbean influences. A spit-roasted pig or calf is a popular choice to get a party started and pescovegetarians will be smiling with lobster and grilled fish a feature on restaurant menus. Of course, Holguin doesn’t aim for the starred restaurant highs of Havana, but you’ll find family-run, palm-fringed huts along the beach. Pull up a chair in one of these and your appetiser mojito will slip into three before you’ve even opened the menu.
Evening Flavour
For hot, sultry nights teamed with very early mornings, Havana’s your spot. Yet, while it’s low-key that’s not to say Holguin’s all about early nights. This university town knows how to let its hair down and it’s generally with a rum-based cocktail in hand in one of its few nightclubs and bars. But, if you’re after salsas and rockin’ rhythms, the local hotels have regular entertainment.
Shopping
Forget about glitzy malls and designer brands and save your serious shopping expeditions for Havana. Here, it’s all about traditional and authenticity. Head to Guardalava’s regular artisan market where, between the salsa CDs and Che Guevara T-shirts, you’ll find bongo drums, soapstone carvings and that must-have knick-knack for your mantelpiece. But, you can’t go to Cuba without shopping for one of its most famous exports – cigars. To be sure you’re buying an authentic hand-rolled smoke head to a specialist ‘Cade del Habano’ store and if you’re buying boxes, don’t forget your customs voucher.
For the Family
- Unleash your creativity and head to Holguin’s pretty beaches for some sandcastle-building action.
- Visit the Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park and – if you’ve got your cossies – you can even swim with the dolphins.
- Tick off the educational side of your trip and check out some of the monuments to Cuba’s national heroes.
- Package holiday
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Resorts in Cuba - Holguin
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