Gibara, Cuba

Welcome to Gibara, a picturesque town located in the Holguín province of Cuba. Founded in 1817 and also known as The White Town, Gibara boasts a beautiful and breezy landscape, excellent architectural designs, and a well-planned layout of its streets, houses, and parks. However, the biggest draw of Gibara is its people, who are described as cooperative, friendly, affectionate, and proud of their village and its history. It’s no wonder that Admiral Christopher Columbus once remarked that Gibara was the most beautiful land that human eyes saw. Despite its small size, The White Villa in Gibara possesses a peculiar charm, exhibiting an architectural patrimony reflecting almost two centuries of history, as well as its people’s cultural roots. Currently, some controversy exists about whether it was the Bay of Gibara or the Bay of Bariay that Columbus’ ships reached during his first voyage to Cuba. Regardless, Gibara was declared a National Monument in 2002, and since 2003, the International Festival of Cinema has been held in this small coastal town, where films are presented in a number of different categories. In 2004, the municipality of Gibara had a population of 72,810, with a total area of 630 km2 (240 sq mi) and a population density of 115.6/km2 (299/sq mi). The municipality is divided into the barrios of Arroyo Blanco, Blanquizal, Bocas, Candelaria, Cantimplora, Cupeycillos, Palmita, and Rabón. Visit Gibara for a taste of Cuban culture, hospitality, and history.