Villa Clara is a land of beaches, tobacco fields and lakes brimming with fish. It is home to the Buenavista Biosphere Reserve, which contains protected ecosystems that include mangroves, coral reefs, active dune zones, keys and reproductive zones for aquatic birds. On its northern coast, the 48 km el pedraplén causeway connects Villa Clara to the Cayerías del Norte, a series of tropical offshore islets, where the popular resort destinations of Cayo las Brujas and Cayo Santa María are located.
In the capital city, Santa Clara, you’ll find fascinating and historically significant sites commemorating the exploits of revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara, among them the mausoleum containing Che Guevara’s remains, as well as several museums documenting his life.
To the west lies Remedios, a charming colonial town that hosts the famous Parrandas de Remedios, a festival featuring fireworks, floats and dancing in the streets each December.
Outdoor enthusiasts head south to Embalse Hanabanilla, one of Cuba’s largest lakes, noted for excellent bass fishing; and to the mighty Escambray Mountains beyond.
Local flavour
Don’t miss Remedios’ famous parrandas. Most notorious is the December festival, with its floats and fireworks, but there are also lively celebrations in May and June.
Beaches
Villa Clara has a wealth of beaches on the Cayerías del Norte – hundreds of small keys along the province’s Atlantic coast. The largest are Cayo Las Brujas, Cayo Ensenachos and Cayo Santa María. The islets are linked to the mainland by causeway.
Playa Las Salinas
This unspoiled beach is located next to Villa Las Bruias.
Perla Blanca
Bask in the rays on this sunny beach situated on the tip of Cayo Santa María.
Playa Periquillo, Cayo Santa María
Follow the causeway across the lagoon to get to this warm and inviting beach. Divers can explore the colourful coral reefs and shipwrecks dotting the shallow waters.
Water adventures
Boating and sailing
Marina Gaviota
Book a catamaran cruise at this marina located next to Villa Las Brujas.
Fishing
Marina Gaviota
Book a deep sea fishing excursion at this marina.
Hanabanilla Lake
Reel in a large mouth bass or a tasty trout at this mountain reservoir, one of the largest in Cuba.
Scuba diving and snorkeling
Marina Gaviota
Book a scuba or snorkeling session at this busy marina. Take advantage of the area’s shallow waters boasting colourful coral reefs and intriguing shipwrecks.
Land excursions
Excursions
Fábrica de Tabacos Constantino Pérez Carrodegua
Tour one of Cuba’s finest tobacco factories, and see how the world’s favourite cigars (like Montecristos, Partagás and Romeo y Julieta) are made
Ecotourism
The Buenavista Biosphere Reserve is a prime attraction for ecotourists. Its diverse ecosystem includes mangroves, coral reefs, active dune zones and reproductive zones for aquatic birds. Don’t miss the spectacular Arroyo Trinitario waterfall.
Biospheres
Buenavista Biosphere Reserve
Encompassing 11 core areas, spanning across 313,502 hectares, this UNESCO-recognized biosphere protects ecosystems including mangroves, coral reefs, active dune zones, keys and vital reproductive zones for aquatic birds. Caves within the reserve hold historically significant paintings.
Nature
Arroyo Trinitario waterfall
The 1.5 km hike to reach this scenic waterfall is well worth the effort. Cool off with a dip in the pool.
Hanabanilla Lake
Explore this picturesque reservoir framed by a lush tropical forest.
Arts and culture
This is the place to satisfy your curiosity about Che Guevara. Explore Santa Clara’s oldest church or cheer on the local baseball team at a stadium that seats 20,000.
Architecture
Visit Santa Clara’s oldest church, or see the mausoleum containing the remains of Che Guevara and his troops.
Monumento Ernesto Che Guevara
Visit the mausoleum containing the remains of famous revolutionary and the other guerillas that were killed during the Bolivian revolution attempt. The site also hosts a monument and museum dedicated to Che Guevara’s life.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen
This church located north of Parque Vidal was erected in 1748, with its distinctive tower added in 1846. The sizeable monument out front commemorates Santa Clara’s creation in 1689.
Dance
Sacromonte company
Spanish dance company formed by virtuous young dancers.
Galleries
La Casa de la Ciudad
Mingle with young artists at this multi-purpose arts building. It hosts regular art exhibitions and a permanent film museum.
Galería Martí, del Fondo Cubano de Bienes Culturales
The Fondo Cubano de Bienes Culturales Gallery is a cultural centre promoting and selling art and handicrafts by Villa Clara notable contemporary artists.
Galería de la Unión Nacional de Escritores y Artistas de Cuba
Promoting the works by artists salient in painting, drawing, ceramics, design, sculpture, art reproduction, environmental design, architecture and critique.
Galería Encuentros de la Casa de la Ciudad
Permanent contemporary art exhibition space basically comprising donations of works by Villa Clara artists, showing the local talent.
Museums
Peruse artifacts from Ché Guevara or explore the work of renowned Cuban musician Alejandro García Caturla.
Monumento Ernesto Ché Guevara
This bronze statue of Che Guevara was unveiled in 1987, 20 years after he was killed in Bolivia. This site also houses the mausoleum containing his remains, and a museum dedicated to his life and achievements.
Museo de las Parrandas Remedianas
Dedicated to the parrandas, popular fiestas deeply rooted in this Villa Clara’s town, as well as in other neighboring municipalities. It houses maquettes, costumes, lanterns and other items used in these activities, as well as photos, musical instruments, etcetera.
Museo de Música Alejandro García Caturla
Discover mementos from the famous Cuban composer García Caturla’s life at this commemorative museum in Remedios.
Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado
Explore this distinctive boxcar museum in Santa Clara. It documents the day in December, 1958 when Che Guevara and 18 revolutionaries derailed an armoured train, with the resulting surrender of its passenger troops.
Sports
Estadio Augusto César Sandino
Cheer on the Villa Clara’s team –known as the Naranjas (Oranges), because of their uniform color– at this baseball stadium that seats 20,000.
Theaters
Parque Vidal
Enjoy a performance by the municipal orchestra, which has played here twice a week since 1902. This bustling Santa Clara park was named after Colonel Leoncio Vidal y Caro, who was killed here in 1896.
Teatro La Caridad
This iconic theatre has hosted world-renowned performers including the legendary Italian opera singer Enrico Caruso.
City life
Explore the life of Che Guevara, mingle with local artists, shop along a busy Santa Clara boulevard, take a ferry to a truly unique restaurant or sip a cocktail at one of Cuba’s most vibrant nightclubs.
Nightclubs and Bars
Club Mejunje
This popular nightclub features an eclectic mix of entertainment, ranging from children’s theatre to traditional Cuban music.
Restaurants and Cafes
Río Negro
Take a ferry over to this Creole restaurant on the Hanabanilla Lake.
Shopping
Independencia
Stroll along this busy boulevard lined with local shops, including the handicraft purveyor Fondo Cubano de Bienes Culturales.
Spas and wellness
Steep in the sulfur springs or indulge in a restorative mud treatment at this long-standing health resort.
Hotel and Spa Elguea in Baños Elguea
Rejuvenate yourself with the sulfur springs and mud treatments used to relieve skin irritations, arthritis and rheumatism at this health resort located 136 km northwest of Santa Clara. This spa first opened in 1917, and is widely recognized as being one of the best of its kind in Latin America.
Festivals and events
Fiesta de San Juan
Enjoy the nightly theatre commemorating the birth of Remedios at this festival in June.
Semana de la Cultura (Week of Culture)
Visit the main square in Remedios in May or June to take in the Week of Culture’s festivities.
Las Parrandas
This spectacular street party typically takes place the week before Christmas, and includes floats, fireworks and dancing.