Varadero

Varadero is in Matanzas Province, Cuba, in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, located on the Península de Hicacos, 93 miles east of Havana. With a well preserved coastal ecosystem and a very special collection of local fauna, Varadero occupies a flat and narrow peninsula constantly cooled by tropical breezes, with a small population. Matanzas and Cárdenas city lie to the west.
Located in the province of Matanzas, Varadero is the most famous beach resort in Cuba, and one of the largest resorts in the Caribbean. Also known as ‘Blue Beach’ because of its clear, calm waters, Varadero was founded in the 19th century by a group of rich families from Matanzas city. However it became famous after the millionaire Irenée du Pont de Nemours built his estate on the so-called Península de Hicacos, although hotels only started to be built later in the 1950s. Since the early 1990s most of the peninsula has been developed for international tourism and the majority of the 50 or so hotels are co-owned by a foreign business. Varadero is fronted by a 12-mile fine white sandy beach, which is bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Varadero’s beach is the ‘backyard’ of all of the hotels in Varadero.

Varadero has a hot, sub-tropical climate all year. Most rain falls between May and October and hurricanes can occur in autumn (August to November). Humidity varies between 75% and 95%. Cooler months are January to April when the least rain falls.

Reserve of the Biosphere

Cárdenas City, 8 miles from Varadero, is a small and colourful city noted for three unusual structures, a replica of a bicycle, a horse-drawn carriage and a big crab cast in concrete representing the abundant crustaceans in the area. There is also a bus stop in the shape of a big nose. Matanzas City, 20 miles from Varadero, is the capital of the province and has a beautiful harbour. Guamá, 86 miles from Varadero, is a UNESCO Reserve of the Biosphere, and boasts the largest crocodile breeding centre in the country. Crocodile meat can be eaten here.

Josone’s Park is an old mansion converted into a restaurant in a lush palm trees grove with a beautiful artificial lake, four restaurants serving international, Italian and Cuban cuisine, and a bar on the shore of the lake.

Varadero’s Golf Club (Carretera de las Américas), just beside Villa Xanadú, is a magnificent 18-hole championship course with an intricate system of lagoons in the ‘British’ link tradition. Its attractions include fairways in the shape of islands, lakes and, because the peninsula is very narrow, natural obstacles such as the wind and sea on both sides of the course.

Delfinario

Varadero is a family-friendly destination. Its beaches, museums, cafes, restaurants and parks are all accessible to children. The natural pool for dolphins, the Delfinario, is one of the main attractions offered here.

Even though every hotel is all-inclusive, there are a lot of restaurants and coffee shops all over Varadero, offering a variety of food for all tastes. Chinese, Cuban, Italian, Mexican, barbecued meat and seafood restaurants can be found in the heart of Varadero and are open all day. Specialised restaurants in different hotels need to be booked a day in advance. Chez Plaza Restaurant, in Plaza América Convention Center specialises in seafood, one of a few restaurants offering diners a selection of live lobsters. La Vicaria Restaurant is a good value fast food establishment offering Cuban food. Dante Restaurant, in Josone Park, is the best Italian in town and boasts panoramic views of the lake.

Most of the hotels offer night-time entertainment, but for those looking for other possibilities, Hotel Internacional (Avenida Las Américas), offers a show called Cabaret Continental, a colourful 1950s extravaganza. Hotel Tuxpan (Avenida de las Américas), with its disco La Bamba, is a sophisticated nightclub that combines Latin and European rhythms. La Comparsita is a pleasant cabaret-style nightclub, with dancing shows and live Cuban music in the heart of Varadero.