To discover Guardalavaca, one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba and enjoy the magical tropical landscape created by nature. Guardalavaca, in the province of Holguin, is the third tourist destination Cuban. It is one of the first ports frequented by Christopher Columbus who was enchanted by the splendor of the place.
Guardalavaca was a hideout for pirates and corsairs, ideal for smuggling activities, especially of products from Europe, in exchange for cattle skins. According to ancient stories, the name of the territory is linked to this activity. In fact, legend has it that the natives shouted this phrase: "Guarda la vaca" when they saw looters approaching from the sea.
The Guardalavaca area was a well-known place until the end of the 1990th century, around XNUMX, when it developed rapidly thanks to the creation of many tourist complexes in the area. Guardalavaca beach is the jewel of the coast. And during your stay you can go on excursions to discover the most evocative corners of the whole area and get to the archaeological museum and Gibara.
Guardalavaca beach is characterized by its shell shape and the very fine white sand that laps against crystalline waters. To the north the coral reef gives tranquility to the waters, while to the south there is dense vegetation. There are many opportunities such as relaxing in the sun, or practicing water sports such as windsurfing, diving, kayaking, boat trips and much more.
There is one near Guardalavca Pesquero Beach. Shallow waters and golden sand, in the municipality of Rafael Freyre which has superior category villages and 4 large resorts. The beach is truly wonderful. The warm and shallow waters offer great opportunities for diving enthusiasts. The beach is protected by a large coral reef, reefs and vegetation that covers the entire area.
emerald beach. Formerly known as Playa Estero Ciego because it is located in the Ciego Caleticas estuary, Playa Esmeralda is just over 5 kilometers from Guardalavaca and is characterized by its clear, intense green waters. A small paradise surrounded by cliffs and steep slopes and is populated by a large number of plant species that make the place nothing short of fascinating. Playa Esmeralda can only be accessed by guests of one of the three large tourist villages built around it and to which many snorkelling and diving lovers go every year due to the beauty of its coral formations, which are immersed in the their warm waters. Furthermore, the resorts also offer the possibility of windsurfing and sailing.
The other beach not to be missed in the area is Playa Don Lino which takes its name from Villa Don Lino tourist installation a few kilometers from Guardalavaca and Playa Pesquero. A beautiful beach 50 meters wide and 285 meters long, which has become famous for its beauty and hospitality. Furthermore, it is surrounded by native vegetation rich in grape and coconut plants. A magnificent place for relaxation in eastern Cuba.
Also near Guardalavaca Blocked it is a true pearl of Cuba, a colonial town of great charm. On the top of the hill overlooking the city there is the Baterìa de Fernando VII which had the task of protecting boats from attacks by corsairs. The city of Gibara then developed from this military fortress to defend commercial traffic and the white wall was built which gave the city the name of Villa Blanca.
From the ancient wall you can now observe the remains of the ancient Baterìa de Fernando VII and the fortresses and ruins of the Cuartelòn. In Gibara there is also the last stately home of the colonial period, the 19th century casona di Santa Maria. Among the many points of interest are the Natural History Museum of Gibara, the church of San Fulgencio, the neoclassical house which houses the Art Museum and the Municipal History Museum.
Also not to be missed is the excursion to Bariay Monument National Park, Columbus' first place of contact in Cuba, the site of the Genoese navigator's landing on October 28, 1492. The area offers visitors a landscape similar to what Columbus found centuries ago. There is the natural port formed by volcanic stones and the commemorative plaque at the exact point of the landing. Furthermore, here in the surroundings of Guardalavaca you can visit the archaeological museum which shows the remains of the 1992th century Spanish fortress; but above all you cannot miss the famous monument erected in 500 to celebrate the 2th anniversary of the historic event. Monument that represents the meeting of XNUMX cultures: the European one described by the ruins which recall the development of neoclassical culture, and the Aboriginal one. You can see replicas of the objects recovered during the excavations, a symbol of their culture and development.
