In Holguin, you don't need to go far for a taste of authentic Cuban life. Large Catamarans are waiting in the town port to whisk you away to the very best snorkelling spots and Jeeps are always ready to lead you into the jungles of Cuba's most adrenaline-filled destination.
The water in Holguin really is blue, the sand white and the rum is as delicious as people say. It's hard to understand why Christopher Columbus, who first set foot in Holguin province in October 1492, ever left this place. When you arrive at the Frank Pais Airport, you'll be transported to one of three regions that make up the resort area: Guardalavaca, Esmeralda and Playa Pesquero. On your way there, you'll pass by banana plantations and travel over rolling hills once home to sugar cane fields. Sharing the road with other travellers and locals, don't be surprised if you pass by mopeds, modern tour buses and horse-drawn carriages called coches de caballo. The resort area of Holguin offers a tropical kiss from the Caribbean and keeps couples and families equally happy with a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Be sure to head to Guardalavaca Beach, where you can kick back in the shade of a mango tree and take a short stroll to a sand-floored bar for a bottle of local Cristal, Bucanero or beer.
Popular things to do and see and unmissable experiences
Whilst in Cuba, make sure you do the dolphin swim. An unforgettable experience swimming with these beautiful mammals in a near natural environment.
Climate
Holguin is a place where different months of the year can deliver completely different getaway experiences. Come in January for daytime highs in the mid-20s C or wait until April when it's truly tropical and a day below 30 C is rare.
Other information
- Best time of year to travel: All year round - however August to September is hurricane season.
- Currency: Peso
- Flight time from UK: 8 hours
- Visa and passport information: A visa is not required for Cuba
