Things to do & places to visit in Holguin Province, Cuba

Holguin Province #9 destination in Cuba 2023. The average rating score is 4.27 based on 6.702 traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: America/Havana, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 4:00.

Top things to do (17)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Delfinario Cayo Naranjo (12 reviews)
- Swimming with dolphins is fantastic!
Spent More than 3 hours Aquariums

This was the top experience of our three weeks vacation in Cuba. You will never forget those gentle animals. Touching their skin is something special. We were staying in casa particular and it was easy to book the tour for the next day. The price was not high for what we got. I recomand it to anyone. See more..
4.5 Guardalavaca Beach (1.351 reviews)
- A must to visit when in Holguin
Beaches

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. See more..
4.5 Hill of the Cross (Loma de la Cruz) (733 reviews)
- Free and worth doing if you have time to burn
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

The hill of the cross is located on the periphery of the town of holguin. You can visualise it from the town centre and it is within walking distance so cab’s/buses are not required. It is free to enter. Once you get to the base you will have a steep climb, through about 450 steps. These are arranged in lots of 25 with benches on the platforms between sections. Therefore, even if you aren’t fit you can just have extended rests between sections. The top of the hill affords 360 degree views over both the city and the surrounding countryside. I think things have changed since COVID-19 as there was only a single vendor there when we went up in August 2022. It took us about 1.5 hours to complete this activity, including the walking time from our centrally located casa particulares. It’s a decent activity to do if you have some time free in holguin, particularly given its free but probably not a ‘must do’. See more..
4.5 Playa Esmeralda (464 reviews)
- Stunning, tranquil, hospitable
Beaches

Absolutely amazing weather, water temperature, incredible views. The resort we stayed at was very serene with no party vibe at all. We did some incredible excursions - we actually significantly preferred all the local excursions to our trek to Holguín. A fantastic place to stay if you’re looking for a budget friendly trip without the party scene of Veradaro. See more..
4.5 Cayo Saetia Island (409 reviews)
- Bay Adventure - Well Worth It
Islands

We booked this tour through our Sunwing Rep (they call it 'Bay Adventure') and would rate it very good overall. There is a lot of time spent 'at sea' which was even longer in our case as a mooring rope got tangled around one of the props! The crew kept everyone in drinks and the boat was clean and spacious. Shade is limited on-board; bring coverups and sunblock. The snorkeling was good, along with the equipment (you keep the snorkel). The 'jeep' safari portion was in the back of a truck. A very bouncy ride - avoid if you have back issues. Lunch was simple but delicious. The nearby beach is small but heavenly with crystal-clear water and powder sand beach. Recommended. See more..
4.5 Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park (307 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Went as part of a Sunwing excursion and was nervous the experience would leave me feeling sad for the dolphins but we had an excellent time! Although I would prefer to see wild dolphins to captive you can see the trainers really love them, care for them well and treat them amazingly. We met Brenda and Paola, I was really happy to see although they were both encouraged to do tricks and pose for photos they weren’t forced into anything, the younger one mostly just played around nearby and visited who she felt like, we still got to interact with her but to me this relaxed atmosphere was far preferable for us and them. I also was happy to see there is another larger area for the dolphins off display and that it is all still part of the ocean at least. Food and drinks were good here too! See more..
4.5 BioParque Rocazul (122 reviews)
- Nice ride through a beautiful park
Parks

Took a taxi from our hotel and took 2 young teenagers for a 2 hours horseback tour along the bank of a bay along the ocean. We are experienced riders but they gauge the ride to your skill. We saw beautful scenary, overlooked the bay and dolphinarium. Our tour guide (Ernest) was a wonderful man who had taught himself 4 languages. Although they present this park as a farm in Cuba, it is not what we see in the countryside by any means. It is nice for a farm in Ontario! Cost was $24 CCP each. Tipped $3 CCP. Would do this ride again. See more..
4.5 Las Guanas Eco-Archaeologic Trail (94 reviews)
- Short hike on archaelogic trail
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

Took a horse and buggy from brisas guardalavaca resort, driver offered to wait, self guided interpretive trail of geology, Flora and fauna about 1 I'm. Took about an hour stopping to read all info. (English signs) includes info about indigenous, a burial cave and a beautiful lookout cliff overlooking ocean. Cost was 3 cuc per person, we added 2 cuc tip for 4 of us. Horse and buggy was 25 cuc there and back total for all 4 of us and we gave 5 cuc tip and paid for a couple drinks for him while he waited at trailhead. There's a small concession where you pay for entrance to trail. Loved it. Nice afternoon. No bugs when we went. We were warned to negotiate ride price first, clarify its total cost, not per person. Our driver was great. See more..
4.5 Guayabo Falls (64 reviews)
- Natural beauty- a must whilst visiting Holguin
Waterfalls

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. See more..
4.5 Playa Blanca (52 reviews)
- Campismo Playa Blanca
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Campismo Playa Blanca is 2 times better and cleanerthan Don Lino for only 13$ by night breakfast included See more..
4.5 Cristobal Colon Park (27 reviews)
- Fabulous horseback riding!
Parks

Angel and Javier, our guides, were absolutely amazing. They were patient and informative about the region. We were with s group of 10 people and horseback ride into the mountains. A must do! The horses were gentle and well trained. My 9 year old daughter especially loved Liviendo the horse and Javier the guide who was very attentive to her throughout the two rides we went on. Thank you for such a memorable experience. See more..
4.5 Plaza de La Marqueta (15 reviews)
- Closed on Sundays
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Bright and new looking Plaza just off the main square, plenty of statues and signs of investment, unfortunately it was closed when we visited Holguin See more..
4.5 Salto Del Guayabo (14 reviews)
- One of the most spectacular natural sites in Cuba
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Waterfalls

We were on an active trip of kayaking and hiking with Cuba Unbound and went here in the morning. Beautiful views of two waterfalls, about 95 and 120 meters (not 900 meters as one person said). Nice pool for swimming at the top of the lower falls. You walk with a local guide who is fun and tells about the plants. Then the friendly staff serves lunch under a thatched roof. From here we went to Villa Pinares del Mayeri, a lovely place to spend the night. See more..
4.5 Cabaret Nocturno (13 reviews)
- Family and friends
Spent More than 3 hours Cabarets

We have been visiting couple times the cabaret show in HolguinCuba . Both times show been different and amazing experience, the all staff are professional and friendly security is 100 % professional. Highly recommend visiting the Cabaret Nocturno. Love lt❤️ See more..
4.5 Cementerio aborigen de Chorro de Maita (11 reviews)
- life in banes
Cemeteries

a wonderful part of history, well worth seeing. Banes provides the tourist of a good look of everyday life. walk the streets, go the la vicario to eat, las 400 rojas to drink mingle with the locals and enjoy, but there are no taxis, you need to arrange to be picked up or have someone call a taxi from guadalavaca. fare is about $20- each way. enjoy See more..
4.5 Conjunto Histórico de Birán (11 reviews)
- Castro childhood home
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

You can't really not go to Cuba and then not visit where Fidel Castro was born. Considering its importance, it is actually not really marketed in Cuba. I got the impression that it is a place tourists are eager to see but not one that the locals hold in high regard. maybe a cultural thing with Cuban more interested in what Castro did in power and the whole revolution history than some (insignificant to history?) childhood home. I thought it would be a really busy place but we were the only ones there. That could be because the road to get to it is really, really bad! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit though and found it extremely interesting. There are many items and photos from Fidel's adult life here not just his early years. It's actually a large ranch/estate and not just one house so much to see. See more..
4.5 Cueva de los Panaderos (8 reviews)
- A highlight of my time in Gibara
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Caverns & Caves

My visit to the Cueva de los Panaderos was a highlight of my time in Gibara. I met a man at the ferry dock named James. He convinced me that a trip to the cave would be a good idea. He was right on. For 5 CUC for him, and 5 for an expert guide, the 2 1/2 hour hike and exploration of the cave was money well spent. It is spectacular. So spectacular that I paid double their fee! It is not for those who hate dark and enclosed spaces, with bats and big spiders! But it was fascinating. Adrian, our guide is a master cave guide, a firefighter, and does rescue work as well. The photos I took do no justice to the beauty and unique sites inside the cave. Another post by "penaleyva" has some excellent pics. Check them out. See more..
4.5 Guardalavaca Beach (1.351 reviews)
- A must to visit when in Holguin
Beaches

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. See more..
4.5 Hill of the Cross (Loma de la Cruz) (733 reviews)
- Free and worth doing if you have time to burn
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

The hill of the cross is located on the periphery of the town of holguin. You can visualise it from the town centre and it is within walking distance so cab’s/buses are not required. It is free to enter. Once you get to the base you will have a steep climb, through about 450 steps. These are arranged in lots of 25 with benches on the platforms between sections. Therefore, even if you aren’t fit you can just have extended rests between sections. The top of the hill affords 360 degree views over both the city and the surrounding countryside. I think things have changed since COVID-19 as there was only a single vendor there when we went up in August 2022. It took us about 1.5 hours to complete this activity, including the walking time from our centrally located casa particulares. It’s a decent activity to do if you have some time free in holguin, particularly given its free but probably not a ‘must do’. See more..
4.5 Playa Esmeralda (464 reviews)
- Stunning, tranquil, hospitable
Beaches

Absolutely amazing weather, water temperature, incredible views. The resort we stayed at was very serene with no party vibe at all. We did some incredible excursions - we actually significantly preferred all the local excursions to our trek to Holguín. A fantastic place to stay if you’re looking for a budget friendly trip without the party scene of Veradaro. See more..
4.5 Cayo Saetia Island (409 reviews)
- Bay Adventure - Well Worth It
Islands

We booked this tour through our Sunwing Rep (they call it 'Bay Adventure') and would rate it very good overall. There is a lot of time spent 'at sea' which was even longer in our case as a mooring rope got tangled around one of the props! The crew kept everyone in drinks and the boat was clean and spacious. Shade is limited on-board; bring coverups and sunblock. The snorkeling was good, along with the equipment (you keep the snorkel). The 'jeep' safari portion was in the back of a truck. A very bouncy ride - avoid if you have back issues. Lunch was simple but delicious. The nearby beach is small but heavenly with crystal-clear water and powder sand beach. Recommended. See more..
4.5 Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park (307 reviews)
- Beautiful!
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Went as part of a Sunwing excursion and was nervous the experience would leave me feeling sad for the dolphins but we had an excellent time! Although I would prefer to see wild dolphins to captive you can see the trainers really love them, care for them well and treat them amazingly. We met Brenda and Paola, I was really happy to see although they were both encouraged to do tricks and pose for photos they weren’t forced into anything, the younger one mostly just played around nearby and visited who she felt like, we still got to interact with her but to me this relaxed atmosphere was far preferable for us and them. I also was happy to see there is another larger area for the dolphins off display and that it is all still part of the ocean at least. Food and drinks were good here too! See more..
4.5 BioParque Rocazul (122 reviews)
- Nice ride through a beautiful park
Parks

Took a taxi from our hotel and took 2 young teenagers for a 2 hours horseback tour along the bank of a bay along the ocean. We are experienced riders but they gauge the ride to your skill. We saw beautful scenary, overlooked the bay and dolphinarium. Our tour guide (Ernest) was a wonderful man who had taught himself 4 languages. Although they present this park as a farm in Cuba, it is not what we see in the countryside by any means. It is nice for a farm in Ontario! Cost was $24 CCP each. Tipped $3 CCP. Would do this ride again. See more..
4.5 Las Guanas Eco-Archaeologic Trail (94 reviews)
- Short hike on archaelogic trail
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

Took a horse and buggy from brisas guardalavaca resort, driver offered to wait, self guided interpretive trail of geology, Flora and fauna about 1 I'm. Took about an hour stopping to read all info. (English signs) includes info about indigenous, a burial cave and a beautiful lookout cliff overlooking ocean. Cost was 3 cuc per person, we added 2 cuc tip for 4 of us. Horse and buggy was 25 cuc there and back total for all 4 of us and we gave 5 cuc tip and paid for a couple drinks for him while he waited at trailhead. There's a small concession where you pay for entrance to trail. Loved it. Nice afternoon. No bugs when we went. We were warned to negotiate ride price first, clarify its total cost, not per person. Our driver was great. See more..
4.5 Guayabo Falls (64 reviews)
- Natural beauty- a must whilst visiting Holguin
Waterfalls

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. See more..
4.5 Playa Blanca (52 reviews)
- Campismo Playa Blanca
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Campismo Playa Blanca is 2 times better and cleanerthan Don Lino for only 13$ by night breakfast included See more..
4.5 Cristobal Colon Park (27 reviews)
- Fabulous horseback riding!
Parks

Angel and Javier, our guides, were absolutely amazing. They were patient and informative about the region. We were with s group of 10 people and horseback ride into the mountains. A must do! The horses were gentle and well trained. My 9 year old daughter especially loved Liviendo the horse and Javier the guide who was very attentive to her throughout the two rides we went on. Thank you for such a memorable experience. See more..
4.0 Playa Pesquero (1.514 reviews)
- A relaxing week away in Holguin
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

The ocean & white beach was breathtaking. Leo & the entertainment staff did a wonderful job keeping the kids & adults entertained every evening … we loved the live music & bands the magic show was great…. The only disappointment was the lack of variety in food and the shortage of supplies but that’s a post covid & hurricane Ian issue … the level of service we received was wonderful … we would definitely recommend Playa Pasquerò to those visiting Holguin…the ocean & beach will not disappoint See more..
4.0 Guardalavaca Flea Market (766 reviews)
- Guardalavaca market
Flea & Street Markets

There are 2 pretty good markets in Holguin Cuba. 2 markets: the one close to Club Amigo, was a 2 min walking distance. It was a nice market with approx 25 vendors & the Pesquero market had about 18 vendors. The Pesquero market was considered a mall and has a bowling alley with pool tables but was not in use. I don’t know if it was broken or simply no one was playing. You could sit inside and have coffee. There were a few government run stores and a few stores closed. There was plenty of seating while you waited for the bus. The Pesquero market was worth the trip as it was a nice bus ride and there was some different items there. The Guardalavaca market had approx 30 vendors and some changed daily. This market is 100% worth checking out. I recommend See more..
4.0 Parque Calixto Garcia (155 reviews)
- El "Parque Calixto Garcia" is one of Holguin's many beautiful tourist attractions"
Parks

Lots of shade and a nice breeze while you are sitting in one of the many benches all over the park. Very entertaining watching the people walk by. At night is a fun place to meet and mingle with locals. A very large and beautifully designed park. A nice and fun place to visit in Holguin. I sure do recommend it! See more..