Aptly named, the Hill of the Cross (Loma del Cruz) has a large wooden cross at the top, along with a lookout tower and a restaurant. The cross dates back to 1790 and is one of the most recognizable sites in Holguin. Pilgrimages were taken to this hill to remember when Saint Elena, Constantine the Great's mother, found the cross of Calvary. There is an easy way and a hard way to get to the top of the hill. The easy way is to drive; the more difficult method is to hike up the more than 450 steps. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy the view of the surroundings from an 856-foot perch. Each May, the hill hosts a festival celebrating Hispanic culture.
The Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park is located in a cove surrounded by beaches and mountains. The site is also home to an aquarium for dolphins and sea lions. Dolphins are taught to perform tricks, such as jumps and dances, and put on shows for visitors. If so inclined, guests can even swim with dolphins and get their pictures taken with the friendly sea creatures.
Saetia Key is a nature park in Holguin that spreads across 26 miles. The park offers visitors the chance to see a wide range of animals---including buffalo, antelope, ostriches, deer, hogs and zebras---that roam free. Visitors can enjoy safaris via jeeps or go horseback riding along the coast. For a different perspective, travelers can take a helicopter tour of the park.
Visitors to Holguin will have no problem soaking in rays along the beach. The area is home to 25 miles of white sand beaches and warm, clear water. More than 40 beaches can be found in Holguin, including Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda, Cayo Saetia and Playa Pesquero. While basking in the sun, visitors can take in the tropical landscape, which includes palm trees, fruit trees, coastal bush and coconut groves. Tropical fish and birds are also found at the beaches. Scuba diving in the waters off of Holguin is a popular activity. Divers can explore numerous underwater locations and see various formations, including coral barriers. Reefs offer underwater viewing for various types of fish. Divers can discover a variety of sea creatures anywhere from about 15 to 130 feet deep.
The Museo Provincial is a national monument in Holguin. The building is an old mansion and is also known as La Periquera, which means parakeet cage. The building is associated with Cuba's battle for independence from Spain, dating back to the 1860s. The mansion was overtaken by Spanish troops, and Cubans mocked the Spanish uniforms, which looked similar in color to Cuban birds. Visitors can see documents and archeologic artifacts that showcase Holguin's history, including an ax that has come to represent Holguin.
