Varadero Highlights
On the picturesque Hicacos Peninsula, 140km east of Havana, sits Cuba’s most popular beach resort Varadero. More than 13 miles of beautiful coastline lie, waiting to be enjoyed. The safe, crystal-clear turquoise waters and sun-drenched powdery, white sands amaze many, but, beyond the shores, there is also a growing number of bars, restaurants and local handicraft markets which will happily present a flavour of the Cuban culture.
Although it is a main resort in Cuba, Varadero is relatively peaceful, especially further up the peninsula, where the more desirable hotels are located. With its amazing beaches, appealing cultural activities and easy to reach location, it is easy to see the draw of Varadero.
Visitors can also enjoy various eco-trails leading to the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, a protected area which houses the Cueva de Ambrosio, a large cave which features ancient wall paintings and the more macabre, Cueva de Musulmanes, a cave with human remains from over 2500 years ago. The flora and fauna and the aboriginal histories of Varadero are best appreciated here.
There are also a variety of water sports to enjoy and the only 18-hole golf course in the country, this PGA accredited links course holds a commanding position half way up the peninsula. Evening entertainment is beginning to develop in Varadero; there is enough to enable you to party until the early hours.
Visit nearby cities for more adventure. Close by, sits Matanzas, renowned for its folklore, poets and culture. Perhaps the beautiful landscapes of Yumuri Valley, seemingly untouched and unspoilt by tourism, in close proximity to Varadero, might appeal. The draw of Havana, approximately two hours away encourages tourists to make the journey to Santa Clara, Trinidad and Cienfuegos as they are also conveniently placed.
Accommodation in Varadero
Our Favourites
Our favourites are selected by us due to overall quality, hospitality, authenticity, location and also their consistently good customer feedback.
Hotels
A selection of the many hotels that we can book
Casas Particulares
The Casa Particular Experience
Highly recommended and extremely popular, Casas Particulares (often referred to as ‘Casas’) are fully-licensed private bed and breakfast accommodation, with many offering a more boutique hotel-style stay.
Our Most Popular Varadero Experiences
We can organise before you travel to Cuba, a wide range of fantastic experiences that can be completely tailored for you.Take advantage of our friendly and knowledgeable pre-booking service and save time making arrangements during your holiday.
We can also pre-book Cuba's amazing private hidden away restaurants (paladars), which are highly recommended, extremely popular and get booked up well in advance. Talk to our team about adding experiences and restaurants to your booking.
Varadero Golf
The first 18-hole Golf Course in Cuba and covers a narrow 3.5 Km stretch in the popular resort of Varadero. Enjoy a round of golf on this links course offering fantastic coastal views, as well as a few interesting challenges, especially on the back 9.
A Day on a Catamaran
A fantastic day cruising the clear blue waters off the coast of Varadero. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming Enjoy an open bar onboard the catamaran and a lunch by the beach on a beautiful island!
Sugar, Cigars and Al Capone
Visit a former sugar mill, Josone Park, Al Capone’s former residence, take in a panoramic tour of downtown Varadero, a local craft market, and specialist tobacco shop where you can experience the tobacco rolling process and enjoy a small cigar with a tot of rum!
Discovery Tour Jeep Safari
Either drive or be driven on this fascinating off-road trip. Admire fruit plantations, hidden local communities, Saturno Cave, Matanzas City, and Yumuri Valley with the opportunity to go boating or horse ride. Stop at Playa Coral to swim and snorkel.
Guama Steam and Sugar
Visit the steam locomotive workshop at the former sugar mill in the village called Australia! Gain an insight into the history of Cuba’s Sugar cane production, the slave trade and the present situation with sugar production, a vital ingredient in Cuba’s famous rum!
Buena Vista Social Club, Varadero
The Buena Vista Social Club encapsulate Cuba’s ‘golden age’ of music between the 1930s and 1950s and they focus on the legendary ‘Son De Cuba’ musical style with other musical genres such as jazz and soul. A truly amazing spectacle only found in Cuba.
Matanzas City and the Bellamar Caves
A prosperous city that was founded in 1693 and which some call the Athens of Cuba, in reference to its many poets. The Bellamar Caves are one of the oldest tourist attractions in Cuba open to visitors since the 1860s.
Varadero Scuba Diving
There are many areas of coral reef with up to 500 species of fish in the local habitat as well as over 200 species of coral sponges, sea fans, molluscs, crustaceans and gorgonians. There are also a number of ship wrecks in the area.
Deep Sea Fishing
Cuba offers some of the best deep-sea fishing in the world and has over 3,000 miles of coastline and an abundance of marine life. Whether you are an experienced fisherman, or a beginner, this fishing excursion is an adventure not to be missed.