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Holguin Vacations

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Our Opinion of Holguin

As you sit on a dazzling white sand beach gazing at the sparkling blue and green water, it's easy to imagine the scene that welcomed Columbus when he dropped anchor here in 1492. Holguin (pronounced hole-geen), the provincial capital, dates back to 1525 and today visitors love strolling the ancient plazas (or squares) and touring various museums.

Back at the beach (and there are 41 of them in the area!) there's a selection of top all inclusive resorts. Snorkelers and scuba divers love outings on the 900 metre coral reef. Excursions include swimming with the dolphins and a visit to the island of Cayo Saetia where on a jeep safari you can see lots of wildlife including zebras.

More Holguin Vacation Information

Located in the eastern part of the country, Holguin is a place of virgin land, 60 km of fine sand and a quiet and beautiful sea. Guardalavaca is one the area's most famous beaches, offering visitors amazing coral reefs, soaring cliffs and lush vegetation.

Among Holguin's other attractions, there are 34 rivers and six waterfalls, including Guayabo, the largest in the country, as well as 19 historical and cultural sites and much more. The most famous of Holguin's cultural attractions is the Loma de la Cruz or Hill of the Cross, which features a 450-step stairway that is replete with legends and site of an annual pilgrimage.

Holguin Hotels

All hotels in Holguin

Blau Costa Verde

Brisas Covarrubias

Brisas Guardalavaca

Club Amigo Guardalavaca

Don Lino

Paradisus Rio de Oro

Playa Costa Verde

Playa Pesquero

Sirenis Playa Turquesa

Sol Rio de Luna y Mares

Village Sirenis Playa Turquesa

Holguin Destination Reviews

Been to this destination?

Rating:

"Visit Holguin what a wonderful place to be. Nice people very down to earth and big hearts - we took candies and school stuff which was good. but people down there were looking for more household items, clothes - so you are planing to go down there take lots of clothes. They will appreciate.
We went to see the dolphin - what an experience. I would love to go back again."
Reviewer: 4n
Date: Jun. 23, 2009

Rating:

"We arrived at the Holguin airport and everyone was wearing masks (Flu protection). If you had a fever you were taken aside and a blood test was taken to ensure you didn't have the swine flu. You were also asked to fill out a form verifying that you were not sick (cough, sneezing, fever) or been around others that were sick before you left. Needed to fill out 4 documents and they only took two. Didn't take very long to get through the airport. Money could be exchanged at the airport and the resort. The rate was $1.27 Canadian for the Convertible Peso.
We traveled to the resort - Paradius Rio De Oro and were greeted by champagne and a cool cloth and seated while they checked us in. Very smooth process. We were then taken to our room by the bell boys. The room was roomy and clean. We traveled with 3 adults and they made sure we each had our own bed. It was great.
The resort is small so not alot of walking and they also had carts that would pick you up if you liked. You could become very lazy here. The 3 restaurants - Buffet, Pool and beach were great. Lots of food and well made. The buffet during the evening meal offered lots of seafood including fresh cooked shrimp and lobster. There were 4 Ala Carte's and they were all fantastic.
This resort has the most friendly staff and they all spoke very good English. Everything was wonderful. This was the first resort that I have been to that was Adults Only and I would do that again. The beach and water was great and only one other resort next door.
The only thing I can complain about is that there is no Pepsi or Coke, their pop is not to my liking. Also, we had one repair to the patio door that was never resolved. They did not stock our fridge very well but you can get bottles of water at all the restaurants and bars.
I would return to this resort again. Lots to do at the resort. The Staff were the best."
Reviewer: tmmanley4393
Date: Jun. 22, 2009

Rating:

"Beautiful, clean & quite place to relax. met wonderful and kind people.... we took candies and books for the kids... mistake as kids are provided for by the govt. its the older generation - if you do plan to go there - take clothes, shoes, home items - people will really appreciate...I would go back anytime!"
Reviewer: 4n
Date: Apr. 20, 2009

Rating:

"I'm not much of a beach person but the beach in Holguin was very nice. The markets were good I found a gift for everyone. I thought the food was really good i didn't have any problems finding something to eat. There were a lot of cats every where i went it was normal to everyone else.
The weather was great i went in April of last year. I would go again if i found another great deal."
Reviewer: amelia_ash
Date: Feb. 21, 2009

Rating:

"The beach at the Blau Coste Verde was made of fine white coral sand and the water is beautiful. The water is usually calm as the beach is situated in a bay which is protected from the wind. The beach at the other end of the bay at the Playa Pesquara is better as there are no rocks and coral and better for swimming. However, you can snorkel directly off the beach at the Blau Coste Verde. Catamaran, paddle boats, kayaks and snorkels are free to use. Hurricane Ike in Nov 2008 did alot of damage at the beach as most of the umbrellas are gone and the trees have been damaged. There are plenty of loungers and if you go early you can get in the shade of the remaining trees."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 23, 2009

Rating:

"GREAT PLACE."
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 06, 2009

Rating:

"Holguin is not very touristy yet so it was cool to get a feel of what the cubans actually live like. "
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 03, 2009

Rating:

"The Holguin area is a mucher poorer area than Varadero but it is an easy place to get to meet Cubans. "
Reviewer: Anonymous [via Escapes.ca]
Date: Jan. 03, 2009

Things to know about Holguin Vacations

Activities & Sports

The many beaches and reefs provide excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, as well as numerous other water sports. Golf , horseback riding, and sailing are also available. Dolphin Aquarium at Bahia Naranjo presents dolphins and seals in a natural environment and the opportunity to swim with the dolphins.

Dining & Nightlife

All of the resorts provide nightly entertainment but you can also find nightlife in the city of Holguin. Popular discotheques include El Petalo and Hotel Pernik, also La Roca, the most popular nightspot in Guardalavaca.

Shopping

Pottery and cigars are always popular souveniers found in Cuba. The Guardalavaca Market is a smaller market where you can find some nice handmade jewellery, wooden crafts, lace, and acrylic/oil paintings.

Flying time from:

Toronto: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

Montreal: Approximately 4 hours.

Calgary: Approximately 6 hours.

Vancouver: Approximately 6 hours.

Languages: Spanish, English widely spoken in tourist areas.

Currency: CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso); CAD dollars easily exchanged but subject to 8% conversion fee (10% for US dollars and 11.24% for credit card charges). US-issued credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted in Cuba.

Climate: Sub-tropical with an average of ten days of rain a month from May to October.

Electricity: 110V or 220V (converters required) depending on hotel.

Documents

Canadian citizens require a valid passport to enter Cuba. All other nationalities please consult a vacation specialist or the Cuban Consulate at (416)234-8181 or the Cuban Tourist Board at (416) 362-0700.

Cuba tourist cards are supplied & validated with vacation packages. Some restrictions apply to tourists 18 years & under, when travelling without parents.

Note: Some hotels require credit card imprint upon check-in for any incidental charges. Hotel check-in is typically between 3pm and 4pm. If your flight arrives early, it is a good idea to pack essential items in your carry-on luggage (i.e. bathing suit, suntan lotion, medications, etc.), so you do not miss any valuable vacation time.

IMPORTANT: Each travelling passenger is responsible to pay a local departure tax in Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC). This fee is payable in cash at the airport in destination prior to boarding your flight, in the amount of CUC$25 (subject to change).