Cuba Guide
Northern Oriente
Traditionally, the whole of the country east of Camagüey is known simply as the "Oriente", a region that in many ways represents the soul of Cuba, awash with historic sites and political passions. Running the length of the area's north coast, northern Oriente features a landscape of panoramic mountains fringed by flatlands, with some of the country's most breathtaking peaks and striking white-sand beaches.
Holguín province has a variety of attractions. It was here that Christopher Columbus first came ashore, the stunning countryside and beautiful beaches prompting his famous utterance that "the island is the most beautiful eyes have ever seen". Chequered with parks, the busy and crowded provincial capital, San Isidoro de Holguín, manages to be modern and cosmopolitan while still retaining the feel of its colonial past, with several handsome old buildings, museums and antique churches.
The once-mighty nineteenth-century port of Gibara, presiding over the north coast, also has vestiges of its former glory visible in a few fine buildings and an old fort, while the gently undulating hills honeycombed with underground caves surrounding the town are perfect for independent exploration. Holguín's biggest attraction is the Guardalavaca resort, where dazzling white beaches and a lively atmosphere draw hundreds of holidaymakers.
The best known province in the Northern Oriente is undoubtedly Guantánamo, with the notorious US naval base at Caimanera. Although the town of Guantánamo is largely unspectacular, it forms a useful jumping-off point for the seaside settlement of Baracoa, one of Cuba's most enjoyable destinations. Sealed off from the rest of the island by a truly awe-inspiring range of rainforested mountains – which are fantastic for trekking – Baracoa's small-town charm is immensely welcoming and a visit here is the highlight of many trips to Cuba.
Highlights
1 Holguín Smart parks, a cosmopolitan air, and one of the finest restaurants outside of Havana make Holguín worth a visit.
2 Gibara This picture-perfect town is the base for travelling to the geologically rich Cavernas de Panadernos, one of the region's treasures.
3 Playa Guardalavacasdf
With over a kilometre and a half of sugar-white sand, this beach is the crown jewel of Northern Oriente's coastline.
4 Baracoa This vibrant small town set on Cuba's southeast tip is surrounded by some of the country's most breathtaking mountains and countryside.