Parque Nacional Monumento Bariay

Holguín Province


Ten kilometers west of Playa Pesquero and 3km west of Villa Don Lino is Playa Blanca. Columbus landed somewhere near here in 1492. The meeting of two cultures is commemorated with a goofy reenactment and through varied sights, including an impressive Hellenic-style monument designed by Holguín artist Caridad Ramos for the 500th anniversary of the landing in 1992.

Other points of interest include an information center, the remains of a 19th-century Spanish fort, three reconstructed Taíno huts and an archaeological museum. It makes a pleasant afternoon's sojourn.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Holguín Province attractions

1. Playa Blanca

5.42 MILES

Across the bay from Gibara, this small sandy beach begs for bathers. From the Gibara dock, take a local lancha (open boat ferry; CUC$2) across Bahía de…

2. El Cañonazo

6.78 MILES

There's nothing else quite like this in Cuba. Known as the patriot, Miguel Flores has a quirky collection of homemade satire memorabilia featuring the…

3. Parque Calixto García

6.81 MILES

A central plaza lined with weird robles africanos, African oaks with large pods. The Statue of Liberty in front commemorates the Spanish–Cuban–American…

4. Iglesia de San Fulgencio

6.81 MILES

Built in 1850, this church still gleams from its last renovation. Twin cupolas face Parque Calixto García, and its hushed stately interior is worth a peek.

5. Museo de Historia Natural

6.84 MILES

Housed in a worn colonial palace (more interesting than the stuffed stuff it collects) is the Museo de Historia Natural. Through barred windows you can…

6. Spanish Fort

7.15 MILES

At the top of Calle Cabada, this crumbling brick Spanish fort with graceful arches provides stunning town and bay views. Continue on this street for 200m…

7. Caverna de Panaderos

7.92 MILES

This complex cave system with 19 galleries and a lengthy underground trail is close to town at the top end of Calle Independencia. Guides are required as…

8. Bioparque Rocazul

8.29 MILES

Located just off the link road that joins Playa Turquesa with the other Pesquero resorts, this protected park in Parque Natural Cristóbal Colón offers the…