Holguin

The second most popular province (after Havana ) is Holguin province with territory extending over more than 9300 km2 and population of just over one million. The quarter of Holguin province is covered with awesome forests. Large economic earnings to Holguin bring sugar, mining, corn, vast nickel deposits and coffee. The Holguin province was discovered and claimed to be the most beautiful country human eyes have seen by Christopher Columbus on October 27 th , 1492 . The major cities are Holguin (capital), Gibara, Antilla and Moa.

Holguin province has just recently started being recognized as a popular holiday destination around Guardalavaca area where some nicest Cuban beaches like playa Esmeralda, Don Lino and Bahia de Naranjo are and where excellent hotels infrastructures are set. Guardalavaca, the most visited tourist spot in Holguin province, has some great cliffs and amazing vegetation in addition to whitest sandy beaches. Guardalavaca is sandwiched between magnificent coral reefs and lush green vegetation.

The Holguin province's northern coastline includes over 50 nice intimate beaches with especially calm waters that stretch over 40 km. On the eastern side of Holguin province is the 42 km2 are the meadows where wild animals roam freely. Naranjo Bay is a natural park that offers sea lions and dolphin shows, swimming with animals and other attractions.

Gibara, another nice city also being surrounded by walls like Havana , is important fishing center.

Photo of Holguin:

Holguin

The capital city, an important commercial and transportation center, Holguin , is famous for its beautiful and clean parks. The straight and narrow streets in oldest part of city are a special characteristic of Holguin . It is rich with many public squares like other major Cuban cities, the famous Museum of History and Natural Sciences, 18 th century cathedral and a 261 meters high Cruz Hill (Hill of the Cross), an excellent lookout point reached by climbing a single massive 458-step staircase where atmosphere is always bustling. The pilgrimage of May takes place once a year in Holguin and it is a cultural, traditional and religious festivity that takes places for several days and shows the city's heritage and tradition.

Cayo Saetía, a tiny island accessible by sea or airplane, is a home to zebras, buffalos, antelopes and other animals.

Holguin province offers some other potential tourist attractions such as 34 rivers, six gorgeous waterfalls, including Guayabo, the largest waterfall in Cuba , five submarine areas, and 135 archaeological sites. It is a home to about 40% of Cuba 's endemic vegetable species especially birds and butterflies. Its beauty stretches even underwater where amazing diving sites are located and below ground are the world's second largest deposits of nickel and cobalt. The tropical forests combined with beaches, lagoons and bays are irresistible for any visitor.

In Holguin province, one simply and harmoniously blends with nature, the sea and forest and is a must for most promising and restful holiday.

Photo of Holguin beach:

PINAR DEL RIO
HAVANA
ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD
MATANZAS
CIENFUEGOS
VILLA CLARA
SANCTI SPIRITUS
CIEGO DE AVILA
CAMAGUEY
LAS TUNAS
GRANMA
HOLGUIN
SANTIAGO DE CUBA
GUANTANAMO

Photo of Holguin Cuba: