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Home / Destinations / Holguín

Holguín

Cuba · Coast · CUP · 20.887200, -76.263100
Family friendly 7.4/10 · Rank 429 of 2 709
Best season: November-April

Best for

Suitable for beach lovers, diving, families, couples, and those seeking a quiet holiday in Cuba

Best season

November-April

Daily budget
$52.00 (≈ 4 364 ₽ · ≈ 1 248 CUP)
For 7 days
$364.00 (≈ 30 547 ₽ · ≈ 8 736 CUP)
Holguín is a city on Cuba's northeastern coast, often called the "city of parks" for its abundance of green spaces. From here, the route opens to some of the country's best beaches in the Guardalavaca area, as well as the famous Loma de la Cruz hill with an impressive view of the city. This is an important tourist centre in the eastern part of the island.
Summer
33.1°C
Winter
20.0°C
Sea
29.4°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with rich cultural heritage

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Scenic beaches with white sand
  • Excellent diving conditions
  • Coral reefs
  • Affordable prices
  • Relaxed atmosphere without mass tourism

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • E-visa required
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few hotels in high season
  • Transport needed to get around the outskirts
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.9°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.1°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
23.3°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
27.9°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
20.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
27.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.4°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-October
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Guardalavaca
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Marine danger is minimal. Swimming in lagoons and following warning signs recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins found on rocky bottom areas near rocky shores
  • Water shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs present along the coast, popular diving spots

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear seasonally, caution recommended

Sharks — details

  • Sharks inhabit waters beyond the reef, attacks in lagoons are extremely rare
Attractions

Playa Guardalavaca

Scenic beach with white sand and coral reef, popular for diving

Playa Esmeralda

One of Cuba's most beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise water

Playa Pesquero

Wide beach with fine white sand, popular for families

Mayarí Mountain

Viewpoint with panoramic coastal views, UNESCO site

La Mensura National Park

Park with wildlife and tropical forests

Best areas

Holguin Center

Main area with hotels, restaurants, and market

Playa Guardalavaca

Area near best beach with hotels and restaurants

Playa Esmeralda

Beach area with hotels and restaurants

Must-try food

Ropa Vieja

Stewed beef with vegetables, traditional dish

Ajiaco

Traditional meat and vegetable soup

Congri

Rice with black beans, popular side dish

Tostones

Fried plantain, popular side dish

Flan

Caramel pudding, popular dessert

Where to go next

Playa Guardalavaca

Scenic beach with diving, 1 hour away

Playa Esmeralda

One of Cuba's best beaches, 1 hour away

Mayarí Mountain

Viewpoint, UNESCO site, 1.5 hours away

Bayamo

City with history, 2 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт имени Франка Паиса (HOG).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required (eVisa, 30 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 360 CUP
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 840 CUP
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 1 680 CUP
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 2 880 CUP
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 2 400 CUP
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 960 CUP
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 120 CUP
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 240 CUP
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 36 CUP
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 48 CUP
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 12 CUP
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 144 CUP
Burger
Average price for a burger
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 96 CUP
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 48 CUP
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 96 CUP
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 360 CUP
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 12 CUP
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 72 CUP
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 1 200 CUP
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 120 CUP
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 360 CUP
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 600 CUP
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 960 CUP
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 600 CUP
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 192 CUP
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 240 CUP
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Frequently asked questions
Holguín: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Holguín: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.1°C, during the day — up to +31.9°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Holguín: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +20.0°C, during the day — up to +27.9°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Holguín: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.4°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Holguín: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Holguín: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, white sand, crystal water. The most popular beaches: Playa Guardalavaca. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Holguín: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Holguín: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals, jellyfish, sharks. Marine danger is minimal. Swimming in lagoons and following warning signs recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Holguín: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $52.00 (≈ 4 364 ₽ · ≈ 1 248 CUP) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Holguín: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $35.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $70.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $120.00 per night, an apartment — $40.00 per night, a villa — $100.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Holguín: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $10.00, a cup of cappuccino — $1.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Holguín: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Holguín: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Playa Guardalavaca — Scenic beach with white sand and coral reef, popular for diving; Playa Esmeralda — One of Cuba's most beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise water; Playa Pesquero — Wide beach with fine white sand, popular for families; Mayarí Mountain — Viewpoint with panoramic coastal views, UNESCO site; La Mensura National Park — Park with wildlife and tropical forests. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Holguín: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Ropa Vieja — Stewed beef with vegetables, traditional dish; Ajiaco — Traditional meat and vegetable soup; Congri — Rice with black beans, popular side dish; Tostones — Fried plantain, popular side dish; Flan — Caramel pudding, popular dessert. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Holguín: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Holguin Center — Main area with hotels, restaurants, and market; Playa Guardalavaca — Area near best beach with hotels and restaurants; Playa Esmeralda — Beach area with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Holguín: is a visa required?
Visa: required (eVisa, 30 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Holguín: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт имени Франка Паиса (code HOG). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Holguín: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CUP. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $52.00 (≈ 4 364 ₽ · ≈ 1 248 CUP). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Holguín: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Holguín: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Holguín: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Playa Guardalavaca — Scenic beach with diving, 1 hour away; Playa Esmeralda — One of Cuba's best beaches, 1 hour away; Mayarí Mountain — Viewpoint, UNESCO site, 1.5 hours away; Bayamo — City with history, 2 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.4/10
Overall rank: 429 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 297

Best season

November-April

Useful information

Currency: CUP
Coordinates: 20.887200, -76.263100