Located on Cuba's Hicacos Peninsula, this resort town is known for its 20-kilometer-long beach with white sand and turquoise waters. Popular for water sports and nearby coral reefs.
Varadero, a resort town on Cuba's Hicacos Peninsula, is known for its 20-kilometer stretch of white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. You can swim in underground caves, play golf at the Varadero Golf Club, or take a catamaran trip to nearby islands. The town also has several art galleries, music venues, and restaurants where you can experience Cuban culture.
Varadero's Beaches
Varadero Beach runs along the northern coast of the Hicacos Peninsula, drawing many visitors each year. The beach has soft white sand and calm, clear waters, making it good for swimming and sunbathing. You can rent umbrellas and loungers from nearby hotels or bring your own. At the Cayo Piedra Underwater Park, you can snorkel or scuba dive to see colorful fish swimming around shipwrecks.
Natural Areas
The Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, at the eastern end of the peninsula, shows a different side of Varadero's environment. You can walk on trails through native plants and see local bird species. The reserve includes the Cueva de Ambrosio, an 820-foot long cave with pre-Columbian drawings. For a different swimming spot, visit the Cueva de Saturno, a flooded cave with clear freshwater.
Cuban Culture in Varadero
Varadero has several places where you can experience Cuban culture. The Varadero Municipal Museum displays artifacts from pre-colonial times and tells the area's history. At the Taller de Cerámica ArtÃstica, you can see and buy local pottery and ceramics. In the evenings, you can listen to live music at various venues in town, including traditional Cuban son and modern salsa.
Accommodation and Dining
Varadero has different types of places to stay for various budgets. All-inclusive resorts are common along the beach, with pools, restaurants, and organized activities. For a more local experience, you can stay in a casa particular (private homestay) in the town center. Many visitors eat at their resort's restaurants, but you can find more authentic Cuban food in town. Local paladares (privately-owned restaurants) serve dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef) and fresh seafood.
Getting Around
Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport is about 25 kilometers from Varadero and has both domestic and international flights. From Havana, you can get to Varadero by bus, taxi, or rental car in about two hours. In Varadero, a hop-on-hop-off bus travels the length of the peninsula, making it easy to visit different areas. Taxis are also available for shorter trips.
