Weather Lowdown
As the spring weather comes around, you can see the heat increasing in Playa Pesquero. April is a great time to visit, as the dry season continues and temperatures continue to rise. 26°C average daily temperatures mean that you will always be warm, even when the days hit their lowest point at an average of 20°C. When the highs of around 31°C hit, you will want to make sure that you have plenty of suntan lotion around and a hat to protect your head!
With the dry season coming to its end, there is a little more rain than in March, but not by much. Just 58mm of rain will fall on average during this month, which covers around 5 days. This means plenty of time in bright sunshine and without even the threat of rain on the horizon! 9 hours of sunshine a day gives you plenty of time to explore the island, and you can check the weather forecast to see when those few isolated showers are due to hit. They will be over before too long, allowing you to get back to enjoying the sun!
You will definitely want to spend some of that time on the beach, and heading into the water is going to be a wonderful experience. For the first time in the year, the average sea temperature will rise, to a very pleasant 27°C. That's going to help you really enjoy your time on the beach, though you should of course always look out for warning signs on the sand red or yellow flags advise you that it is too windy to swim and you might get into trouble if you are not a strong swimmer. Many beaches in this area of Cuba enjoy a good amount of shelter, however, so on most days you will find the beach is a green flag zone where it is safe to swim.
Where to Stay
The Hotel Playa Costa Verde opens right onto the beach, which means it's perfect for sunny April. The activities programme here is great for families, and you can even enter competitions to win upgrades for your holiday. They can also organise parties for special events.
If snorkelling is your thing, then stay at the Blau Costa Verde Beach Resort for easy access to a popular site. You can also enjoy a pool on site, several shops, car and bicycle hire for your explorations, a medical centre, restaurants, bars, a spa, a hair salon, water sports, Spanish lessons, a disco, a gym, and sports facilities.
You could also enjoy a beautiful pool at the Hotel Riu Playa Turquesa. It's great for families as there is a kid's club and lots of play areas. You can keep fit with a gym or beach volleyball, and there is also a games centre for added entertainment.
Hit the Beach
Without a doubt, Playa Esmerelda is one of the best places to enjoy the sea temperature of 27°C during this month. 750 metres of sandy beach await you, with the chance to swim or snorkel wherever you like. There are beautiful coral reefs to explore, whether alone or with a tour group. It is known as the emerald beach because the water here is a deep green colour where it meets the soft white sand.
There are three hotels around this area, however, so you may find it can be busy at times. Make sure that you arrive early if you want your pick of the whole beach to set up your sunbathing area. It's great for families as safety in the area is very important.
Restaurants and Nightlife
La Begonia is the perfect local stop for a cold beer or a fruity cocktail, and it is a popular favourite amongst local residents. If that doesn't tell you about how high the quality must be, then you should also check out the lively atmosphere, creating an authentic Cuban night out just like the locals enjoy.
Seafood is served in spades at La Finquita Allegre. Their signature dish is called the Blue Crab Carousel, freshly caught by local fishermen, and they also serve clams, lobster, shrimp, and octopus. Another of their highlights is the Cuban pig roast, along with plantain.
La Loma is another great choice, which is known for cheap beer and delicious food served by a friendly team. Everything is cooked freshly caught, with crab and marlin being menu favourites. This is a great place to find cheerful, simple food which satisfies the appetite, without having to shell out at an expensive restaurant. Perfect for everyday eating.
Things to Do
Ernest Hemmingway moved out to Cuba in order to enjoy some deep sea fishing, and if one of the literary greats enjoyed it, it might just be right for you as well. If you have never fished before, you can go on a trip to learn the basics, and of course more experienced fishers can enjoy the location fully. You might be able to catch tuna, grouper, snapper, sailfish, or barracuda.
If dry land is more your thing, take a walk around the town of Holguin to see the largest urban area in this part of Cuba. You can go shopping, eat in local restaurants, and generally explore the culture of this area of the island. There are also plenty of historical monuments and buildings you can learn about.
