Regions of Cuba

Covering around 9,300 km2, Holguín is Cuba’s fourth largest province and the landscape is very green and varied, going from plains to mountain ranges and valleys. The mountainous area has rich nickel and cobalt deposits and reserves, which form en important part of the region’s economy and which continue to be mined to this day.

Agriculturally, Holguín has extensive sugar plantations and citrus orchards, which are also key players in the region’s economy. A small but very efficient fishing industry has also been developed here and also contributes to Holguín’s economic production.

The region’s capital city bears the same name as the province, which was named after captain F. García Holguín, and was declared a city by a Royal decree issued by the King of Spain in 1751.

Tourism has come to be an important source of income for the region in recent decades. With its considerable surface area, it has versatile landscape and characteristics which are attractive to visitors. Towards the north, an extensive reserve called “Barjay National Park” includes exquisite beaches such as Guardalavaca, Pesquero and Esmeralda beaches. This northern portion of Holguín has undergone considerable development in the last few decades to encourage the tourism industry that is gradually growing from year to year.

Ecotourism is also a growing attraction and such activities are found mainly in the Mayari Mountains, the Sierras de Nipe and Cristal, a biosphere reserve in the region.

The peaceful beach of Guardalavaca, derives its name from times long past when cattle and other goods were being traded by buccaneers and Creole traders who preferred to by pas the strict Spanish colonial trading regulations. Guardalavaca literally means “watch the cow” and it is believed the beach was used for these clandestine operations. One of the beach’s great features is the extensive vegetation made up of Mahogany, Almond and other trees, which make for great shelter when the sun’s relentless rays are at their hottest.

Countless small coral reefs, water sports facilities and small beach restaurants and bars featuring thatched roofs complete the picture of a perfect paradisiacal destination.