The natural splendor of Holguín is conserved in twelve reserves and beautiful beaches.
Bahia de Naranjo is a national park with 32 km of coast with mangroves, coastal brush and various tree species.
The national park Alejandro de Humboldt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is split between two provinces: Holguín and Guantánamo. The park contains the most diverse flora in the Caribbean.
Located 33 km from Holguín, Gibara is a quiet, picturesque 19th century fishing village with interesting colonial-era architecture and the blockbuster annual film event: Festival del Cine Pobre .
The Bariay National Monument Park, where Columbus first sighted Cuban soil in 1492, is of historical significance.
On Cayo Saetía , close to the Bay of Nipe , there are exclusive beaches and exotic wildlife such as antelope, zebra, deer, and water buffaloes roaming free.
The Pinares de Mayarí area is perfect for hiking, bird watching and horseback riding. Also of interest is the impressive Gran Salto del Guayabo waterfall.
GUARDALAVACA
Guardalavaca’s white sand beaches, coral reefs, rolling hills, impressive cliffs and varied vegetation make it a very attractive destination.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, pirates regularly plundered coastal towns, including this one. Legend has it that Spanish settlers used Guardalavaca (“hide the cow”) as a hideout for their cattle, giving the town its name. It’s also said that on the beaches of Guardalavaca, settlers used to trade leather goods and salted meat in exchange for European goods smuggled by buccaneers.
GIBARA
In 1492 Christopher Columbus sighted Cuban soil. While the history books pinpoint his landing at the Bay of Bariay, locals in Gibara will tell you his galleons actually sought shelter in their bay.
The town was officially founded in 1817. The privileged bayside location, together with the surrounding rivers, favored the transportation of cedar and mahogany. Additionally, tobacco, banana and sugar plantations, plus cattle farms, brought prosperity to the village.
Today Gibara – also called La Villa Blanca (the White Village) – is a small city with a rich history and palpable culture.
It’s an understatement to say that Cubans are fond of cinema. Passionate moviegoers, Cubans carry film in their genes and blood.
The International Low-Budget Film Festival (generally held in April) is one of the most popular events on the alternative film circuit and considers movies made with a budget below $300,000.
