Top Things to do in Holguin
Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids 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. Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By 421AnnaM
Superb, magical experience! I visited that wonderful place twice, back in 2015 and more recently with my parents. The group is usually contained with 10 + people and the staff make sure everyone has a chance to play and swim with dolphins. it is a must for the whole family!
4. 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.
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.
9. Campina Taina
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By sburris2014 - Bridgewater, Canada
We respect the Cuban authorities for preserving this most important archeological and cultural site. The guide is amazing and the artifacts impressive. Thanks for an important experience.
10. Playa Pesquero
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,297 reviews
Reviewed By 306carlat
I went for a "girls only" trip with a couple of friends and we were all very happy with our stay at Playa Pesquero. As women travelling alone there is a worry about safety - we felt very safe at the resort. The room was large and clean, the beds (King size plus a single bed was added) were comfortable - the rooms were quiet so we all slept really well. The staff was very friendly and the grounds kept in excellent condition. Many of the staff are bilingual, and in some cases trilingual (Spanish, English and French) The beach was fantastic, all that powdery white sand and turquoise water - we were there every day! You DO need to get down there early if you want a spot with shade - no problem for me as I am an early riser. There are plenty of water activities too: we did some aqua fit/dancing in the ocean, took out a paddle boat and went kayaking. We also borrowed snorkeling gear and swam out to the reef - I wish I had an underwater camera because there were schools of fish that came quite close to us. We ate at 4 of the a la carte restaurants for dinner (Yareyal - grilled food; Caletones - seafood; La Gondola - Italian and the Trattoria - Mediterranean) we were quite happy with the quality of food served and the friendly staff. The fish was terrific and I think we ate lobster every day - quite a treat! We ate breakfast at La Pipa (24 hour beer garden) and were served by the lovely Ada (she is so sweet and friendly!) I am crazy about their little hot cakes and the sausage ???? People do need to realize that, except for the Romantic and Italian restaurants, it is all open air eating - there is a roof, but no walls. Same with the Lobby - which had a large bar and lots of seating for evening socializing. We took the Catamaran - Sun Cruise excursion from the hotel. Another great time! The Captain, Orlando and Alex were entertaining, took us to a reef for snorkeling then the dolphinarium to swim with dolphins. Amazing day! best 95 pesos we ever spent. The only negative thing I have to say is it would be nice if there were more hooks at the hotel- such as in the bathroom stalls or in the hotel rooms - so we can hang our purses/bags when using the facilities or hang our towels after use. But that is a minor inconvenience. I would happily recommend Playa Pesquero and hope to return for a family vacation.
