We got up early and had our small breakfast for 3CUC in our casa – fried eggs, pan and coffee and we decided to go to the beach in Gibara. We were considering Playa Blanca, which we should have went there instead to be honest.
Table of Contents
The Road to the Beach
The road from Holguin to Gibara was quite good and we got there in 30-40min as it was around 30km. As we drew through Gibara we saw some small beaches and one of them was so tiny that you had to squash by the wall if you didn’t want the water to reach you.
I suggested to drive further and see if there is another beach as it was shown on the map. The paved road disappeared and there was only unpaved road. It was getting worse and worse as we pushed forward. Coast seemed very rocky, so was the road. We could see some electricity wind turbines and it seemed that area is well guarded, due to those turbines.
Even after another 15min drive when we passed the spot marked as beach, there was nothing, just many wind turbines. We were impressed that they had so many and none of them were spinning. Each sector of them had a guard in a box sitting and watching and we’ve got some strange looks from the guards, but no one said anything. Maybe they thought, someone is lost as nobody in their right mind would go in those roads
We turned back and drove to Gibara city center. Then we found a parking spot in Plaza de Silva as we couldn’t find anywhere to park closer to the beach.
Gibara History
Gibara is a small fishing town in the Holguin province of Cuba. It is the fourth largest town by population and the ninth by area in HolguÃn. Founded in 1817, it is known as the “Pearl of the North” for its natural beauty and historical significance. Its port has been active since the 18th century and it has been a popular destination for Cuban and foreign visitors for many years.
In the 19th century, Gibara was an important trading port, connecting the northern Cuban cities with Havana and other Caribbean ports. Its economy was based on the export of sugar and tobacco. During this period, the town was also home to a large number of Afro-Cuban slaves.
In the early 20th century, Gibara was the site of a major uprising against the Spanish colonial government. Led by General Máximo Gómez, the rebellion resulted in the establishment of the Cuban Republic in 1902.
In the 1950s, Gibara was the center of the Cuban Revolution. The town hosted Fidel Castro’s first speech after coming to power and was the site of many important meetings during the revolution.
Gibara is quite a popular tourist destination. It is known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and stunning beaches. Every year, the town hosts the Gibara International Film Festival, which celebrates Cuban and Latin American cinema.
Gibara Beach
The barrow Beach was too narrow, so we decided to go to another one, which turned out to be too dirty and full of trash, hence we didn’t stay there. It was really sad that such a beautiful beach with a lot of potential was so trashed with plastic and other stuff. Locals don’t care and tourists probably don’t go there. To attract tourists they should maintain it. I even wouldn’t mind to pay 1CUC to enter it.
Back to Civilisation
And finally, after a short tanning session at the Gibara beach, we went back to the airport to leave Cuba for good.
