The close
to 50 beaches in Holguin's Province cover close to 25 miles (40 km) of
coastline. Very intimate, they are among the most pictoresque beaches
in the Caribbean
and have a warm turquoise water that is very calm, thanks to the protection
offered by nearby coral reefs. They are bordered by thick vegetation which
is typical for thisprovince, which has 12 wildlife refuges.
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Guardalavaca Beach
Is
a shell-shaped and over half a mile (almost a km) long. It is near several
sites of great archeological and natural interest.
Esmeralda Beach
Which
is over 2950 feet (900 meters) long, is protected by extensive coral reefs,
escarpments, cliffs and lush vegetation that provides shade. The area
also contains Pesquero Beach, rich in underwater scenery and good fishing
spots; Don Lino, a beautiful beach which blends open spaces, architecture
and the world of nature in perfect harmony; and Blanca (White) Beach,
another site with very fine sand and unbelievably beautiful water near
Cayo Bariay, the place where Christopher Columbus first set food on Cuban
soil.
Esmeralda
and Guardalavaca Beaches, which have great hotel infrastructure, share
an offshore area around 11 miles (18 km) long which contains 40 scuba
diving sites. The seabed is irregular and complex, forming high hillocks,
caves, small valleys and cliffs with vertical sides which in some
places descend gently to form terraces covered with Common Sea Fans
(Gorgonia spp.), other Gorgonians and coral. Many species of colorful
fish live there.
Activities
at Playa Esmeralda Beach include swimming, sailing lessons, scuba
diving, snorkling, other water sports, horseback riding, excursions
along the coast and inland, visits to farmer's houses, miniature golf,
tennis and cycling. At night, choose among the discoteque and other
attractions. |