The settlement was founded in 1523 on land donated by Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar to Captain Francisco García Holguín, a Spanish military officer.

[1] At present time, some of the above are part of other municipalities, but the following still belong to Holguín: Aguas Claras, Guirabo, La Cuaba, Las Calabazas, Purnio, San Andrés, Yareyal.

As of May, 2020, and after a major restoration, there's a third boutique hotel about to be inaugurated (Saratoga), right across one of the corners of the main plaza and heart of the city (Parque Calixto Garcia).

There, in the early years of the city, a large cross was erected with the belief that it would protect it from evil coming down from the North.

Holguín is served by Frank País Airport (HOG/MUHG), located at 20°47´08"N, 076°18´54"W, with flights to Havana and several other world destinations, mostly in Canada and Europe.