Top Things to do in Holguin
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Holguin, Holguin Province
Set in rugged, mountainous territory in the east, Cuba's fourth largest city is known as the City of Parks. Columbus called the area "the most beautiful land eyes have ever seen" and much of the surrounding area hasn't changed. Officially called San Isidro de Holguin, the city's elegant plazas, scatter of colonial buildings and few museums make for a pleasant daytrip. More wonders lie offshore. Swim with dolphins in Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park. Dive to sites off Playa Esmeralda and Guardalavaca.
Restaurants in Holguin
1. Cubaguider
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 97 reviews
Cubaguider offers the best quality tours for all the sights in Guardalavaca and the surrounding area at great prices. I will tailor-make your tour to suit your interests from factory tours to historic museums and Cuban landmarks. Relax and enjoy on your own schedule. I provide excellent English translation, and will negotiate the best arrangements and prices for tours and great Cuban dining.
2. Guayabo Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By X6676ZYkarenk - Peterborough, United Kingdom
A long drive through the "real" country gives a wonderful experience and chance to appreciate the authentic beauty of Cuba away from the resorts. It is a long drive from the coast so be prepared to set aside a day of your trip to visit. That said, it is well worth the jeep ride down and offers some of the most scenic and breaktakingly beautiful views of the natural landscape. It really is out of this world. Take your swimming costumes along as the natural salt water pool and chance to go inside the waterfall is a highlight of this trip. An experience which appeals to adults and children alike and is one of the most family-friendly day trips out of Holguin. I felt that the lunch served in the restaurant was also one of the best meals I had during my time in Cuba, which was unexpected given we were a long way from the resorts. It was a peaceful and educational experience, which left me feeling I'd gained an insight into the true beauty of this country.
3. Guardalavaca Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,343 reviews
Reviewed By willychel - Toronto, Canada
Took the $5 Guardelavaca Hop in Hop Off Bus for $5 cuc, went down at Guardelavaca Flea Market then took a Calesa going to the Beach. Warm water, white sand and Torquise water. You can walk till the end and take some pictures in a cave, rocks and coconut trees.
4. Hill of the Cross (Loma de la Cruz)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 731 reviews
Reviewed By CubaScot - Port Perry, Canada
Part of a day trip to Holguin, the view from the top is SPECTACULAR. If you have the opportunity to go up there, don't pass it up...Holguin is Cuba's third largest city and you get a prime view of Cuban-urban sprawl!!!
5. Playa Esmeralda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 461 reviews
Reviewed By 421AnnaM
We visited that beach on several occasions since 2015. Perfectly white sand and perfectly blue and warm ocean. Great for snorkeling. There are few places to get some food or buy some souvenirs.
6. BioParque Rocazul
7. Cayo Saetia Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
Reviewed By kathyhayward3 - Victoria Harbour, Canada
This island has amazing beaches with interesting shells. The surf was up the day we were there and it was great to watch the waves crash and splash high off the rocks. The food for lunch was very good. But the safari was the best. I didn't think we would really see many animals - boy! was I wrong! There are at least 3 different kinds of antelope, tiny deer, zebras, water buffalo, and even ostriches! They are all healthy looking and have great grazing areas. There were lots of all of them. The ride was rough in the truck so bring something to sit on.
8. Cristobal Colon Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Mikethecoach - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
The park is worth a half day or so visit. We got a taxi (1950s Ford) from our hotel - driven by Urli, a former guide and ex-Thomas Cook rep. His English is excellent and he's very knowledgeable; he also gave us a great price and was in no hurry. The park has many attractions, a native village recreation (you'll be met by Columbus himself) which has an archaeological exhibition and the site of Columbus' landing in the Caribbean. It also has a campasino homestead, a Spanish fort and an installation to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus bumping in to Cuba. Urli can be reached from a mobile phone on, 0053 5262 9705.
