Things to do in Guardalavaca, Cuba
Guardalavaca is eastern Cuba's main beach resort: a white-sand beach on the north coast of Holguín province, with a coral reef just metres offshore. It is quieter and more nature-focused than Varadero, and the usual base for exploring the east — Playa Esmeralda, Bahía de Naranjo and the Taíno archaeological site of Chorro de Maíta are all short trips away.
Must-visit attractions in Guardalavaca
Playa Guardalavaca
Main white-sand beach with a coral reef just offshore.
See stays near Playa Guardalavaca →Playa Esmeralda
Quiet turquoise-water cove next to Bahía de Naranjo.
See stays near Playa Esmeralda →Bahía de Naranjo
Nature park with an aquarium and dolphin swims out in the bay.
See stays near Bahía de Naranjo →Chorro de Maíta
Taíno archaeological site and museum — the Caribbean's largest aboriginal cemetery.
See stays near Chorro de Maíta →
How to make the most of Guardalavaca
- Coral reef metres from the beach — snorkel straight from the sand
- Quieter and more natural than Varadero
- Base for Playa Esmeralda, Bahía de Naranjo and Chorro de Maíta
- Direct flight into Holguín airport (~1 h from the beach)
Where to stay in Guardalavaca
We manage 10 casas particulares in Guardalavaca, bookable directly with local hosts and 24/7 WhatsApp support.
Browse stays in Guardalavaca →Getting there
Holguín airport (Frank País, HOG) is about 54 km away — roughly 1 hour by taxi (25–35 USD). It is ~750 km from Havana (far east of the island); most visitors fly in directly rather than drive.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main attractions in Guardalavaca?
The essentials include Playa Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda, Bahía de Naranjo and 1 more sites. Each is a short distance from the casas particulares we manage in the area.
Where should I stay near the attractions in Guardalavaca?
RentalHo manages casas particulares in Guardalavaca that you can book directly — no OTAs — with secure payment and 24/7 WhatsApp support from a local host.
How do I get to Guardalavaca?
Holguín airport (Frank País, HOG) is about 54 km away — roughly 1 hour by taxi (25–35 USD). It is ~750 km from Havana (far east of the island); most visitors fly in directly rather than drive.