LAS TUNAS PROVINCE
The province of Las Tunas is also known as
"Balcony of the East" for its convenient geographical position in the center-east of the island.
Over the years, Las Tunas has gone somewhat unnoticed as an independent tourist destination, while it has functioned more as a transit point, ie, as a necessary stop for visitors seeking access to the eastern provinces.
However, in its territory there are locations of
stunning natural beauty; also, its northern coast exhibits a potential for beach tourism has been little exploited. In part, this contributes to the meager annual Las Tunas guests can enjoy a peaceful, refreshing holiday, and somewhat
'off the radar'.
In the present territory of the province of
Las Tunas we found important archaeological evidence of pre-Columbian aboriginal communities that made up the territory of
Cueibá.
In 1869, during the first battle for the independence of Cuba, the region would be named
Victoria de Las Tunas, in commemoration of an important battle that would leave a favorable balance for the Spanish side.
Because of its central position,
Las Tunas was one of the scenes of the bloody independence wars of the nineteenth century.
The city of Las Tunas, crossed by the Central Road, is a city of discreet charms, known by the nickname
"City of the Sculptures". In it, life seems to take a steady rhythm, completely different from other nearby cities of Camaguey and Holguin.
What to see?
Provincial Museum Vicente Garcia.Memorial Museum "Martyrs of Barbados"
Puerto Padre TownVisitors to the province may also know the charming town of Puerto Padre, which over the years who began the twentieth century was one of the most important sugar ports of Cuba. Moreover, the northern coast of Las Tunas has several suitable sites for diving, as well as some beaches favored by nature, among which Los Pinos, El Socucho and Covarrubias.
Cerro de CaisimúAs a postscript to the natural charms of the Cerro de Las Tunas Caisimú is, as it enables an inspiring panoramic view of the domains of the province.
Las Tunas city
Las Tunas city,is one of the prime tourist destinations in Cuba. The greatest charms of this city are not certainly in their locations, or the abundance of buildings of architectural interest, as in the case of other major cities, but in their imperturbable authenticity and the simple externalization of a spirit cheerful and hospitable.
In 1853 he was awarded the title of City, although
the town had been founded years earlier, in 1796, around the parish of St. Jerome.Later, in 1869, it would be renamed Victoria de Las Tunas, to commemorate an important victory in their lands by the Spanish army against the troops of the Cuban Liberation Army.
Its central position made it possible was one of the main scenario of battle during the Independence Wars in nineteenth century in Cuba.
In 1876, the troops of the local caudillo
Vicente Garcia torched the city, to complete one of the most cited historical sites in the region. Even today, the shield of the city proudly displays the phrase
"Burnt before Slave".REMEMBERING THE BURNING OF THE TUNAS
Currently, urban rhythm of Las Tunas is concentrated around the streets Frank País, Francisco Varona and Vicente Garcia, who converge on the Plaza Martí; in this way there are several low-profile restaurants that allow visitors an approach to everyday, real Cuba.
Las Tunas is known as the
"City of the Sculptures", for its abundance -more than one hundred throughout the city- such as artistic values that these possess.
Within a larger set include: The Monument to Work; Monument Literacy; and the enigmatic Statue of Cacique Maniabo and Jibacoa, a figure of two heads, representing an indian Taino.
Each year in the city celebrated the
Day Cucalambeana, the largest and most important peasant party in Cuba, in honor of the famous Cuban decimista Juan Cristobal Napoles Fajardo, nicknamed
"The Cucalambé". The festival brings together poets and peasants throughout the country, which boast rich peasant traditions in Cuba, through their clothing and the particular rhythm of their instruments.
The main museums are: the
Memorial Museum "Martyrs of Barbados" and Provincial Museum Vicente García, located in a building of beautiful eclectic style.
In addition, the City of Las Tunas, is a good destination for those who are trying to connect with the mythical and fascinating eastern provinces.Playa Covarrubias
The incredible
Covarrubias Beach,
one of the best in eastern of Cuba, is located on the north coast of the province of Las Tunas. Its coastline includes
11km of white sand and warm waters, making it ideal for relaxation and enjoyment of nature, almost unnoticed in a corner of the island site.
Punta Covarrubias is just 90 km from the capital city of Las Tunas and 42 km of poetic town of Puerto Padre, famous for being one of the main sugar ports in Cuba during the early twentieth century. The whole region in which includes
Punta Covarrubias seems to be another one of those privileged moments of the Cuban geography.
In their properties
Malagueta Bays and Puerto Padre, as well as the popular beaches J
íbara, La Herradura and La Llanita, which are some of the favorite local inhabitants for the summer period destinations they are located.
Punta Covarrubias visitors can also take local initiatives Puerto Padre and Playa La Jíbara both the accommodation in comfortable houses for rent, as to enjoy varied gastronomic offers in private restaurants.
In general,
Covarrubias Beach is one of the most frequented sites in the discrete province of Las Tunas, which is made possible by its many natural attractions, comparable with those of the best beaches in the east. Sun, blue and warm waters, diving spots, comfortable facilities and good weather.