Weather Lowdown
October in Playa Pesquero is the time when you can finally suggest that summer is over, but only very slightly. Autumn does not see a huge drop in temperature as it might elsewhere in the world, and the average daily temperature still maintains a very warm 27°C. This is higher than some close-by areas: in Guardalavaca, which is just along the coast, the daily temperatures at this point of the year drop down to 25°C.
This is very encouraging news for those who are trying to decide between the two resorts, as it gives us a very clear winner right off the bat! The highs and lows tell a similar story, giving you even higher temperatures at the hottest point of the day and not dipping down too low. They range between 22°C and 31°C. As for the sea temperature, this is still very encouraging at 29°C having not dropped at all since the start of the summer in June.
The rainy season is also still underway, having really come into force last month and now continuing to have an impact on your daily plans. It won't rain every day of your holiday normally just 10 days out of the month are wet, so this means that you have a 2 out of 3 chance of getting a dry day. 147mm of rain will come down, however, so when it does come down it is normally a real shower. You can check the weather forecast to be aware of when this is going to happen rather than having to keep an eye on the rainclouds constantly. Still, the rain will be gone before you know it, leaving you to enjoy the average of 8 hours of sunshine a day that this region boasts even this late in the year.
Where to Stay
Since the weather is rainy in October, you might not worry about the beach so much. Instead you might want to spend time by the pool, such as the private one offered to those staying at the Hostal La Casona Holguin. It's a residence with just three rooms, and a terrace for you to look around or relax. Each has a private bathroom, and all three meals of the day can be provided for you if you wish.
Then there is Islazul Pernik Hotel, which has a heated pool as well as two restaurants one serving international food, and one Creole. The bar is a refreshing place to make a pit stop, and you can shop for souvenirs or snacks on site. There is even a travel desk to help you plan out your excursions if you wish to see the rest of the island.
Home stays can be a lot of fun, and the welcoming environment at the Casa de Yodalis Trasobares is a good example of this. The family will look after you completely, serving up authentic Cuban cuisine at every meal time and serving as your guides to the local area too. This is a great way to get to know the real Cuba, staying with local residents.
Hit the Beach
Playa Blanca, or White Beach, is a great place to go for a swim and enjoy the waters. At this time of year, the average sea temperature is 29°C, so you will want to get wet even if you just wade in up to your knees. This is one of the quieter areas because the hotel which opens onto the beach is actually quite small, so there are fewer guests jostling for space.
The beach itself is 240 metres long, and is of course composed entirely of white sand. Natural green countryside extends right to the edge of the beach, and you can hire a scooter here if you want to speed along the sands and find the best place to stop and sunbathe. This is a lot of fun and certainly not something you would expect when coming to the beach.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Encuentro is a bar in nearby Holguin which offers a great chance to spend the whole night dancing. It is open until 6am, with a small dining area which offers great food and art on the walls. Later on, move into the bar and enjoy drinks with friends or make a few new ones on the dancefloor. The popular Cuban music played here gives you a glimpse of local tastes.
Presentation is the key at the Restaurant Maragato, where some dishes are laid out to look like animals or simply arranged in a stylish way to add a bit of flair to your meal. You have to go through a private residence to find the dining area and balcony upstairs, as this is a case of an enterprising local setting up shop at home. Dishes on the menu include shrimp, prawns, black beans, rice, and plantain.
Then you can also try Restaurante El Aldabon, a family-friendly restaurant with a great atmosphere. The food here is low cost and looks great, with big servings. One of the main draws here is a big wall on which guests are allowed to write down their name and the date of their visit, resulting in a vast display of these signatures and details which has built up over the years.
Things to Do
October is a great time to take a guided tour because of the fact that the temperatures are slightly cooler, without dropping to anything near cold. The Cuba Life tour is a good option which guides you around Guardalavaca, a nearby town, and shows you how Cubans really live. You will see the doctor, the local village shop, the school, and even a farm. The last stop is a native village which has been recreated faithfully in the mountains so you can understand the history of the region as well.
Horse rides can also be booking in this region, whether on a private island or on one of the beaches. Often you can simply arrive on the beach and book there and then, or you can ask at your hotel reception. The Sol Rio de Luna y Mares, for example, organises their own horse riding tours for guests only. This relaxing trek can be a fun way to see more of the natural local area.
