Varadero is Cuba’s tourism capital, located on a sheltered peninsula 90 miles east of Havana. Bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, it features one of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. Tourists rule the roost here and most Cubans are only welcome if they are prepared to wait on the bronzing masses.
The resort is the perfect Caribbean vacation spot for combining beach and night life.
The wide variety of daytime activities includes excursions in submarines, scuba diving, parachute jumps, dolphin shows and golf. Explore the stunning beaches of the Cayos Blancos islands and the pristine Caribbean wilderness where coral reef snorkeling is de rigeur.
Entertainment rules in Varadero and caters almost exclusively to tourists. Cuban beats can be heard at the many elaborate cabarets, while theaters stage variety shows and cinemas show Cuban as well as foreign films. Over 100 discotheques, bars and cabarets cater to party-goers of all tastes, and many hotels have party rooms, piano bars and superb entertainment.
Highlights
Varadero Beach: offers fine, white sand and an average year-round water temperature of 73ºF to 80ºF.****
Cayo Piedra Underwater Park: boasts several shipwrecks, great for spotting schools of colorful, tropical fish and crustaceans.
Hicacos Point Natural Park: spans over 312 hectares and is home to many varieties of Varadero flora and fauna. ****
Ambrosio Cave: features well-preserved drawings and was originally used as a ceremonial spot by the region’s native inhabitants and later as a hideaway by slaves on the run.
Punta Frances: at the end of the Hicacos peninsula boasts a 600-year-old cactus the height of a tree.
Bellamar Cave: extends for over a mile and its underground passages have dozens of weird stalagmites, stalactites and calcite crystals.****
Mangón Lake: is the largest lake on the peninsula and home to dozens of species of birds (some of them migratory) and numerous varieties of reptiles.