The eastern Cuban province of Holguín is one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean Island's tourist industry, due to its unique natural wealth and the existence of excellent places where vacationers can spend their vacations.

In that array of excellent attractions stands out the province's northern coast, where Bariay, the spot where Admiral Christopher Columbus first landed in Cuba on his quest for a new route to the Indies, is located.

According to history, the breathtakingly beautiful natural environment – with pristine beaches and exuberant vegetation – made the admiral exclaim, "It is the most beautiful land man has laid eyes on".

Holguín, which is some 800 kilometers east of Havana, offers a wide range of options for visitors to enjoy Cuba's history, nature and beauty.

Fourteen of Cuba's major cities are in Holguín, including Banes – considered the archeological capital of the Caribbean Island – and Gibara, whose buildings from the Spanish colonial period are well preserved.

Tourists can take a refreshing swim in eight beaches, including Guardalavaca, Estero Ciego, Esmeralda and Don Lino, just to mention some, visit several keys and natural parks, and enjoy excellent extra hotel offers.

Nature lovers can tour Sierra Cristal, where unique plant species like palms, coconuts, tropical fruit trees, ferns and precious timber trees grow.

Divers can enjoy a one-of-a-kind option in Tanque Azul de Caletones, a flooded cavern that is located in the region's most important route of migratory birds.

Tourist programs also allow vacationers to discover the northern Caribbean coast of the province, which holds valuable natural, historic and cultural treasures, including the archeological museum, the Taino village in Chorro de Maíta, and the fishermen's city of Gibara, which boasts well-preserved colonial architecture.

Sunset on the northern coast is a unique and peculiar moment that contrasts with the progressive predominance of green vegetation over the blue of the sea.

Valleys and hills are complemented by exuberant vegetation and endemic fauna, including Cuba's national bird, the tocororo (Cuban trogon), and woodpeckers, parrots, hutias and wild horses.

In addition, the natural environment is characterized by rich diversity and breathtaking beauty, including one of the largest bays in the country and Pinares de Mayarí, the habitat par excellence of a true world relic: the ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis). Manatees still swim in the province's rivers.

Cayo Saetía complements Holguín's tourist options with a game preserve where travelers come face to face with deer, wild boars, buffaloes, ostriches, peacocks and wild bulls, among other animals.