Holguin, Cuba

The brochures also say Holguin but the all-inclusive resorts that draw so many Canadians are actually 60 kilometres away in Guardalavaca, Playa Esmerelda, Playa Pesquero and Playa Yuraguanal.

Those resorts are all reasons why, when it comes to popularity among Canadians, Holguin is right behind Varadero as a Cuban holiday destination.

Holguin’s sandy beaches -- protected by coral reefs and with mountains them – are in Eastern Cuba and rumour has it that when Christopher Columbus ship dropped anchor in the area he called it the most beautiful spot he’d ever seen. Mind you, he been at sea so long his crew was probably threatening to mutiny.

There are 41 beaches in all and Guardalavaca, which means watch the cow, was the first one developed back in the 1980s. Fidel Castro opened the first resort with a swim in the pool. Now, Playa Esmeralda, Playa Pesquero sometimes called Costa Verde) and Playa Yuraguanal also have all-inclusive resorts.

Holguin itself is a city of attractive parks and museums that most visitors seldom get to.

Guardalavaca has the widest beach and is most popular with the locals. There are even friendly vendors selling coconuts, cold drinks and snacks. Playa Esmeralda, Playa Pesquero and Playa Yuraguanal are significantly more private.

The area’s hotels are all-inclusive properties so most vacationers stay on their resorts. However, you can rent cars and mopeds and swimming with the dolphins at nearby the Bahia Naranjo nature reserve has become a MUST-DO excursion for many visitors.

Others check out the archeological digs that took place at Chorro de Maita, a village and burial ground of the Arawak Indians that populated the Caribbean prior to the arrival of Europeans.

Souvenir hunters like the craft market at Guardalavaca. There’s good diving. There are catamaran cruises. And there are also day trips to historic Santiago De Cuba and Banes, a small, unassuming town that was once the site of a Taino Indian settlement.

Batista was born there and Fidel Castro and his brother Raul were born nearby in Giron. Their house is open for visitors.

As a beach destination, we recommend the Holguin area as a good destination for cost-conscious beach lovers who want relaxing and lazy days of sun, sea and sand.