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City guide

Guardalavaca, Cuba

Guardalavaca is a town in the Holguín Province of Cuba. It is a tourist location due to its white sandy beaches and warm waters.

Type City

Why go

  • Village in Holguín, Cuba.
  • 1 curated must-see attraction on record, including Playa Esmeralda (Emerald Beach).
  • Served by Guardalavaca Airport.

History

Guardalavaca is a town in the Holguín Province of Cuba. It is a tourist location due to its white sandy beaches and warm waters. Guardalavaca beach is protected by a large coral reef and is visited by both local Cubans and tourists. Most Cuban workers in the all-inclusive hotels are transported daily in buses from neighbouring cities like Holguin, Banes, and Rafael Freyre, as only a few Cubans live in Guardalavaca due to the small size of the resort. Between Guardalavaca and Playa Esmeralda are dry tropical forest where endemic Cuban birdlife like hummingbirds Cuban emerald can be seen. Endemic Cuban knight anole lizards are numerous in these forest.

Must-see attractions

Airports

Guardalavaca Airport 1.8 km to the centre
Yaguajay, 11, CU
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Muelle
Ferry terminal · 6.2 km from the centre
Outdoor
Muelle Boca de Samá
Ferry terminal · 6.4 km from the centre
Outdoor
Ferry Hacia Delfinario
Ferry route
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Guardalavaca Airport. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 2 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Muelle, 6.2 km); routes include Ferry Hacia Delfinario.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Guardalavaca, Cuba. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Tours & experiences

Sightseeing