The Town
On Arrival
The first thing you will find when you arrive in Gibara, besides a spectacular view, is an old tunnel. This was once part of a railway line that transported goods and people to and from Gibara. The construction of the line was started by the Spanish architect Nicolas Perez Sancho, who supervised the project from 31 May 1883 to 1885 - an outstanding achievement for the time. The slightly curved tunnel was one of the first in Cuba and had one of the longest service lives; even today it is still used by smaller vehicles.
Statue of Liberty
The city is home to one of three Statues of Liberty in Cuba. It was once financed by the local inhabitants themselves and created by the sculptor Hugo Luisi from Carrara marble. The trigger was the claim that Gibara did not deserve such a monument because no freedom fighter came from the city. But the inhabitants saw it differently and without further ado laid the foundation stone themselves, because they thought that Gibara very well deserved a statue of liberty.
By the way, the statue bears the face of a real Gibareña named Aurora Desdín. The face of the statue was formed from photos of her that were sent to Italy. On the scroll in her hand is the date when the Mambíses (Cuban freedom fighters) took the city.
The Main Street
The main street of Gibara is called Independencia. Alongside of it you will find most shops and parks, which have a public WLAN area. To get access to the Internet in Cuba you need a prepaid card, which you can buy in hotels or ETECSA offices.
The gibareños spend most their life in plain air, where they meet in the streets or parks.
Other Sights
There are two cigar factories in Gibara that can be visited and where it is permitted to take photos. Thus, you may learn how the world famous Cuban tobacco is processed.
The Casa de los Artesanos, located in Parque Colon, offers souvenirs and handicrafts.
History
Discovery and Foundation
The bay of Gibara was discovered by Christopher Columbus, who mentioned the natural beauty of the area in his logbook on 29 October 1492.
Located on the northeast coast of Cuba and only 30 km from the provincial capital Holguín, this place, whose name comes from the indigenous word jiba (tree), has preserved something mystical to this day.
Since its foundation on January 16, 1817, Gibara has developed and preserved its own culture and history. The Spanish, who settled in the region and built the city, skilfully arranged its streets, parks and houses. Throughout the years the town has kept its original structure. Some of its houses are now more than 100 years old, such as Casa Da Silva, located in the square of the same name.
Gibara is the second largest fortified city in Cuba and has been declared a National Monument.
Strategic Location
Throughout the years, Gibara has benefited from its strategic location, its natural harbour, which is important for shipping traffic, and its connection to the road network. This gave the "White City" great splendour, the remains of which can still be seen today in the many Moorish-style buildings and cobblestones.
Gibara is one of the Cuban cities that was built like terraces on several levels by the sea. One of these terraces can still be seen today in the place known as "Los Colgadizos“.
Population
The warm waters of the Caribbean sea, the light, the lush nature and the generosity of the inhabitants have made Gibara a popular tourist destination in recent years. But the greatest wealth is its people, warm, helpful and accommodating. Today, about 16'000 people live in the city centre.
The main local economic sectors are tourism, fishing and agriculture.
Culture
Cultural Centres
Gibara has a lot to offer to those interested in exploring the local culture. The town houses a small library with various vintage books, as well as a bookshop. There is also a natural history museum with a collection of polimítas (mussels) and butterflies.
The collections of the Museum of Art and History include more than 2,000 decorative pieces and are a jewel of Cuban heritage.
For Cinema Lovers
The White City is the venue of an international film festival founded by Humberto Solas, a famous Cuban filmmaker. Originally launched under the name Festival Internacional de Cine Pobre, the week-long festival attracts cineastes from all over the world every year.
Those days, Cuba's pearl of the north mutates into a destination for many local and international artists, musicians, directors and film lovers. Since 2003, Gibara has thus become the center of international cinema in Cuba.
Image by Getty Images
Further Events
There are other cultural and artistic events, such as the Festival de Cine de la Cavernas, a cinematographic show that is shown in the Cueva los Panaderos cave.
The Tango Festival shows a tango competition for about a week, and gives a guest performance in the Casa del Tango on Independencia Street.
The Festival de Música Electroacústica Estéreo G is held every August in Playa Caletones, about 18 km from Gibara. Then a large influx of young people and music lovers from all over the island come to the big party in the sand.
Image by Getty Images
Nightlife
The city is very safe and the nights are calm and cool. Those who like to go out in the evening or at night can visit for example the Batería Fernando VII, which has been converted into a discotheque. In the past, this gun emplacement was the most important defensive structure of the city, whose cannons have been preserved until today.
Then there is the recently renovated Almacén, right on the sea front, which serves as a night-time leisure centre, or the Siglo XX, with live music and a colourful programme of local and foreign singers. The Artex, which is particularly appreciated by the locals and has its own atmosphere with good music and dance.
Lovers of nightlife and karaoke will enjoy Saturday nights along the Independencia street. This is when the locals meet their relatives and the shops are open.
The Ocio Club is an offer for the younger guests who need a safe and comfortable place to play while their parents enjoy a good Cuban coffee.
Nature
Explore the Surroundings
The wider surroundings of Gibara have much to offer. E.g. the Silla de Gibara, an approximately 300 m high elevation, which resembles the Cerro de los Enamorados in Spain and looks like a horse saddle. The nature surrounding these hills is rich in endemic plants and animals. The contrast between the sea, the mountains and the vegetation, which can be found in practically all the patios in the city, is a miracle for many.
The varied environment therefore has many surprises in store for connoisseurs and lovers of photography and outdoor life. Thanks to the pleasant temperatures, various activities are available, such as hiking, cave exploration, bicycle tours, water sports and much more.
Playa Caletones
Not far from Gibara is the fishing village of Playa Caletones. It is surrounded by beautiful natural cenotes (limestone holes) such as the Posa Fría, the Posa Bella or the incredible Tanques Azules. These are practically untouched, water-filled pools or caves - including the largest in Cuba - with a depth of more than 20 metres and crystal-clear, warm water, surrounded by vegetation and nature.
Caves
The whims of nature have given the place a unique cave system. In the caves, which are more than 3 km long, there is an underground river, in which you can also swim. Visits to the caves are guided by a group of local speleologists, who can be contacted through local landlords.
Leisure
Dancing
In the immediate vicinity of the Hotel Arsenita and the Bar La Loja is the Casa de la Cultura, where local children attend music, dance and theatre classes, and where local teachers offer dance classes for domestic and foreign visitors.
Image by Getty Images
Water Sports
If you want to practice water sports, you will find various possibilities at the beach Club Nautico, such as water bikes, kayaks, sailing boats. Or you can just lie down in an armchair and enjoy the fresh sea breeze and tropical sun.
If you prefer to take it easy and enjoy fishing, try your luck at the Malecón, the shore road by the sea.
Cycling
The area around Gibara is ideal for shorter or longer bicycle tours. Since Gibara is at the end of the road to Holguín, and therefore has no through traffic, you can explore the surrounding area largely undisturbed, cycle to the beach, or specifically train your fitness. Robust and well maintained mountain bikes can be rented on site, e.g. in the Casa Luz del Norte.
Food
Restaurants and Bars
The region is characterized by its own gastronomic culture, a mixture of flavours of jaibitas (red crabs), paellas gibareñas, shrimps and the famous coquinas (small mussels) typical of the region. The ostiones (a type of shellfish eaten raw) and quail eggs, also endemic to the area, are offered by street vendors who can be found in the Ronda la Marina.
If you are looking for good food, visit the restaurant La Esperanza in Playa Caletones. It is run by Señor Nelson, an excellent cook, where you can enjoy freshly prepared local dishes.
If you are looking for peace and relaxation with your family, we recommend the restaurant Taina Cave, where you can enjoy an excellent meal in a cosy atmosphere, surrounded by a mini-zoo with local animals.
Visit Gibara
There are plenty of great accomodation opportunities in the town and its surroundings, from regular hotels to bed and breakfast.
To the Accomodation Overview