"COLONIAL GIBARA" Tour

"COLONIAL GIBARA" Tour

Gibara, known as La Villa Blanca de los Cangrejos (The White Town of Crabs), is a charming coastal city located in the province of Holguín, in eastern Cuba. Founded in 1817, Gibara stands out for its elegant colonial architecture, maritime heritage, and tranquil atmosphere, making it one of Cuba’s most distinctive and authentic historic destinations. The city’s historic center reflects its prosperous past as an important port during the 19th century. Strolling through Gibara reveals beautifully preserved neoclassical and colonial buildings, wide streets, and white-painted façades that overlook the bay. Landmarks such as the Iglesia San Fulgencio, the city’s emblematic church, and the historic Battery of Fernando VII, built to defend the coast from pirate attacks, offer valuable insight into Gibara’s strategic and cultural importance. Gibara’s identity is deeply linked to the sea. Its picturesque bay, calm waters, and natural surroundings have shaped the city’s economy, traditions, and lifestyle for generations. Today, the waterfront promenade and viewpoints provide stunning panoramic views, especially at sunrise and sunset, creating an ideal setting for photography and relaxed exploration.

Culturally, Gibara has gained international recognition as the host city of the International Festival of Poor Cinema (Festival Internacional de Cine Pobre), founded by renowned Cuban filmmaker Humberto Solás. This event has positioned Gibara as a vibrant cultural hub, attracting artists, filmmakers, and visitors from around the world while preserving its intimate and welcoming character. Beyond its historical and cultural appeal, Gibara offers an authentic Cuban experience far from mass tourism. Local life unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing visitors to interact closely with residents, enjoy traditional cuisine, and experience genuine hospitality. Its proximity to the city of Holguín makes Gibara an ideal excursion for travelers seeking to combine heritage, coastal scenery, and cultural discovery.

A visit to Gibara City is a journey into Cuba’s maritime past and living traditions. With its well-preserved architecture, rich history, cultural vitality, and serene coastal charm, Gibara is a must-see destination for travelers looking for meaningful, elegant, and authentic experiences in eastern Cuba.

Tour Itinerary:

• A panoramic tour, accompanied by a local guide, through the main streets of this old colonial town, its beautiful bay, fishing communities, and stops at emblematic sites.
• You will visit the following parks: Las Madres (named after the monument dedicated to mothers); Calixto García (the main park, formerly the town's Plaza de Armas, which features a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty in its center. This replica was acquired through public fundraising and commissioned from Italian sculptors. It is dedicated to the entry of the Mambí troops on July 25, 1898, symbolizing liberation from Spanish rule); Colón (known as Plaza de la Cultura due to its proximity to the House of Culture).
• You will also have the opportunity to visit various museums such as the Natural History Museum (housing an interesting exhibition of Cuban fauna); the Municipal History Museum (containing artifacts from the indigenous settlements in the region, documents, and belongings of prominent figures from the area); the Decorative Arts Museum (possessing one of the most important collections of its kind in the country and home to the largest semicircular stained-glass windows in eastern Cuba); the House of Culture (a venue for activities and events showcasing artistic expressions, customs, and traditions of local and national cultural identity); the Artisan's House (where more than 50 members contribute their works to the creative development of the city); and the Fernando VII Battery (built on January 16, 1817, on a promontory overlooking Gibara Bay, as protection against pirate attacks. This date is also considered the founding date of Gibara).