Santa Clara

The city of Santa Clara is best known as the place where the dictator Batista surrendered to Che Guevara in 1958. The province of Villa Clara is also noted for its production of sugar, coffee and tobacco. A recently built causeway linking the mainland to the offshore islets has helped open the beach areas to tourism.

In 1958, guerilla troops commanded by Ernesto Che Guevara attacked the industrial centre of Santa Clara after a hard, 400-kilometre march that had begun in the Sierra Maestra mountains. The dictatorship finally surrendered to Guevara’s troops.

The province of Villa Clara is a traditional sugar producer. Excellent coffee grows on its southern mountain slopes, as does one of Cuba’s important tobacco crops. A recently built causeway linking the mainland to the keys has helped open the beaches to tourism.

Places to visit

Che Guevara Mausoleum 
Is where the bodies of Che and his troops, who died in battle in Bolivia, are buried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elguea
A spa on the northern coast about halfway between the city of Santa Clara and Varadero Beach, is noted for its mineral springs and mud baths.

 

 

 

Remedios
Founded in 1514, is a well preserved town with large colonial houses and a church. It is famous for its parrandas, or street festivals, and known for its museum, where artifacts relating to music, dancing and fireworks are on display.

Beaches
On Villa Clara’s northern coast include the pristine Santa María and Las Brujas, across from the Old Bahamas Channel.

San Pascual's Pontoon 

Hotel is a 130-metre, concrete ship that was built in San Diego, California in 1920 and ran aground north of Villa Clara.

Hanabanilla Lake
Is a large, fresh-water mountain reservoir surrounded by tropical forest. It is a popular Cuban trout-fishing spot.