Holguin, Cuba

Holguin Province is Cuba's fourth largest. The mountains of the region are home to deposits of nickel and cobalt which have been, and still are being, extensively mined. These industries play an important role in the productivity and wealth of the area, the main nickel mines and processing plants are situated around the town of Moa on the north coast, east of the city of Holguin.

Sugar plantations and citrus orchards also play a prominent role in the local economy, and the fishing industry, although small, complements the province's impressive role as a key producer in the Cuban economy.

The north coast has been a substantial amount of development over the last 10 to 15 years and the beaches of Playa Guardalavaca are now firmly established with foreign tour operators.

Holguin City
This city, 760km/495 miles southeast of Havana, is busy and not particularly attractive. But if you pass through, look in on the main square for its Art-Deco theatre, art gallery, and eclectic display of historical exhibits inside the Museo Provincial. The fine Carlos de la Torre Natural History Museum, just south of the square on Calle Maceo, in another colonial mansion, has a large collection of indigenous snail shells in dazzling colours.

To the west of Holguin is a vantage point, Loma de la Cruz, which offers wonderful views over the city and across the province.