Its major cities include Holguín (the capital), Banes, Antilla, Mayarí, and Moa.

Like much of Cuba, Holguín's economy is based around sugarcane, though other crops such as corn and coffee, as well as mining, are also large earners for the province.

A large nickel plus cobalt processing plant with shipping facilities was built in Moa, using foreign investment, much of it from Canada.

Recently a large number of tourists are reported to have visited the city and its rich culture and beauty.

[citation needed] Direct flights to Canada and Europe from Holguin airport limit transfer time to around 1 hour to most resorts on the Costa Holguinera.