Holguin
The province of Holguin lies in the northeast of the island of Cuba and is one of the most famous resort destinations in the country, second in importance after Varadero. The beaches of Holguin are located on the Atlantic coast of the island. This is one of the most charming places on the entire island: here, mountains of extraordinary beauty lean towards picturesque fertile plains that attract travelers, and the coast is washed by turquoise ocean waves. The trade winds blow here all year round, creating special conditions for a pleasant temperate climate.
The administrative center of the province of Holguin is the city of the same name, the fourth largest in Cuba. The distance from Havana to the city of Holguin is 840 kilometers (one and a half hours of flight).
In the capital of the province, almost no buildings of the colonial period have been preserved. The main attractions of the city are numerous parks and squares, as well as the symbol of Holguin – the 300-meter Hill of the Cross. A staircase with 460 steps leads to the top of the hill, where a large wooden cross is installed. The observation deck offers a breathtaking panorama of the surroundings. Also of interest in Holguin are the churches of San Isidoro and San Jose and the Museum of Natural History – one of the best in the country.
The province of Holguin is rich in natural attractions. There are six waterfalls here, among which the Guayabo waterfall is the largest in Cuba. You can visit the Alexander Humboldt National Park and the nature reserve on the island of Cayo Saetia in the country’s largest bay, Nipe.
It should be noted that Holguin is a more expensive and quiet resort compared to Varadero. There are exclusively hotels of 4 * and 5 * categories, many of which operate on an all-inclusive basis and offer guests all kinds of entertainment. Holguin is recommended for respectable holidays and romantic trips.
The province of Holguín has some of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba, the most famous of which are Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and Playa Pesquero.
Guardalavaca is Holguin’s most popular beach and resort, located less than an hour from Holguin Airport. Most of the hotels and entertainment are concentrated here, there are shops. The length of the beach is about 3 kilometers. Water activities are very popular, and coral off the coast attracts snorkellers. There are several dive centers on the beach.
The calm and secluded beach of Playa Esmeralda is located 5 kilometers from Guardalavaca. Its length is 900 meters. The name “Playa Esmeralda” in translation means “Emerald Beach”, which fully reflects the reality – the sea here is surprisingly clear, emerald color. Playa Esmeralda has several expensive resort complexes with a full range of services, there is a dive center.
Playa Pesquero is Holguin’s youngest resort. There are only a few hotels here. The length of the beach is a little less than a kilometer. Playa Pesquero is a good and quiet place for a relaxing measured rest.
Climate
You can relax in the resort all year round; the high season lasts from December to April – this period is characterized by dry and warm weather with unlikely precipitation; hurricanes are possible from August to October.
CAYO ENSENACHOS
This is the most picturesque Cuban island, located off the northern coast of the province of Santa Clara near the island of Santa Maria and part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago. The island is connected to Cuba by a huge dam 48 kilometers long. On the nearby Las Brujas has an airport where planes of local airlines arrive; a domestic flight to Havana takes 50 minutes.
There is only one Royal Hideaway hotel on Cayo Ensenachos, opened in 2005.
The nature on the island is really virgin and unique. Some species of animals and plants of the island are not found anywhere else on our planet. On a horseshoe-shaped island, there are amazing beaches: Ensenachos and El Megano, as well as two water sports centers and a boat station.
60 km from the island is the town of Remedios, whose historic center has been declared a national monument. You can also visit the capital of the province, the city of Santa Clara, famous for its vast historical and cultural heritage, as well as the hospitality of the locals.
Climate The
beach season continues on the island all year round; high season – from December to April (the driest time of the year); Hurricanes are possible from August to October.
