Room 1
Varadero holidays
Cuba’s top beach destination sits on a 13-mile-long peninsula with stunning views and easy access to soft sandy beaches on both sides. This popular beach town is a Cuban beauty and there is so much to do on this idyllic strip of paradise, including the only 18-hole golf course in Cuba. The beach takes centre stage in Varadero, locals refer to it as Playa Azul (Blue Beach) and it is perfect for swimming, watersports and relaxing on the white sand next to the blue as can be sea.
- Flight time
- 10h
- From London
- Currency
- CUP
- Cuban Peso
- Time Zone
- GMT - 4h
Getting to Varadero
Varadero is a peninsula on the northwest coast of Cuba - just a two-hour drive east of Havana. It is the closest point in Cuba to the United States, situated between the Bay of Cardenas and the Straits of Florida. The Peninsula is only 1.2km wide and is separated from the island of Cuba by the Kawama Channel.
The closest airport to Varadero is Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport (VRA), which is the second busiest airport in Cuba after Havana's Jose Marti International Airport. From the UK, you can either get an indirect flight to Varadero Airport or fly directly to Havana Airport then take a bus or taxi to Varadero. Buses take approx. 3 hours via Matanzas or a taxi will take approx. 2 hours.
Average weather in Varadero
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Holidays in Varadero
Party the night away in one of the many fantastic bars and clubs in Varadero. Calle 62 turns into one of the busiest nightspots with live music, great cocktails and salsa dancing. La Comparsita is a lively open roof bar with a mix of music, live performances and a wide range of drinks.
Varadero has some seriously sumptuous specialities to try on your holiday, especially when it comes to seafood. There is a large range of charming traditional eateries, trendy hotel restaurants and local food stalls.
Salsa Suarez restaurant bar offers a wide range of food and some excellent mojitos while boasting a cosy atmosphere and great service.
With some reviewers saying La Gruta El Vino produces the best steak in Varadero, if not the whole of Cuba, this restaurant is a great choice for fine dining.
If you are looking for authentic Cuban cuisine, check out Bistro Bar Atlantida with recipes that mix traditional dishes with a modern flare.
There are very few shopping centres in Cuba, but about 5 miles north of Varadero town centre is Plaza America. Built in 1997, it was one of the first shopping malls in Cuba. There is a wide range of shops to buy beach essentials and souvenirs. Once you've had enough of shopping, take a stroll to the nearby beach with gorgeous views of the bright blue sea. You'll also find street marketing and cigar shops dotted around Varadero for more souvenirs and specialities.
Activities in Varadero
Enjoy a wide range of activities when you jet off to spend your next holiday in paradise. Not only can you soak in the sun while you relax on the white-sandy beach with a fresh mojito in hand; you can also scuba dive with trained divers, snorkel with your family, try out kitesurfing for the first time, or explore the seas and the peninsula on a boat tour or hire your own for the day!
Watersports
Diving in Varadero
Cuba’s reefs have been astonishingly well preserved and are the most dazzling in the whole Caribbean region. Luckily, you can explore them and marvel in their beauty in person. Head to the Neptuno Wreck, or the Caribe Wreck for a diving adventure to remember.
Scubalibre Varadero is a privately owned company that offers several scuba diving trips including Reef Diving, Wrecks and Cave dives and unforgettable snorkelling tours. Atlantis Varadero Scuba Diving Center is located at the beach of Blau Varadero Hotel and is a part of the Marlin Marinas Varadero group, which offers daily boat trips to reefs, wrecks and caves and snorkelling tours as well as night dives.
Surfing in Varadero
There isn’t much decent surfing in Varadero but there are some good locations closer to Havana if you are keen to catch some waves.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Varadero
Kitesurfing is a popular sport in Varadero. On the west side of the Varadero Peninsula, there is a beach with crystal clear waters and plenty of space for everyone to try out this fun activity.
Caribbean Riders Kite school is one of the best kiteboarding schools in Varadero and was founded by local riders. Varadero kiteboarding is another school offering kiteboard lessons that want to make sure you progress and learn how to have fun during your time out at sea.
Sailing in Varadero
There are various boat tours offered in Varadero, depending on your specific taste. From entertainment. From informative boat tours to a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, there are multiple tour operators with trips best suited to your needs.
Fishing in Varadero
The deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida provide excellent opportunities for big-game fishing. Wahoo, barracuda, grouper and tuna can be caught there. Local fishermen claim the best fishing season is between May and August for the best chances for a decent catch.
Canoeing & kayaking in Varadero
With calm waters surrounding Varadero, kayaking is a fun water activity that the whole family will enjoy. Kayaks are available in many resorts and available to hire from selected watersport outlets.
Land activities
Golf in Varadero
Varadero Golf Club is the only 18-hole golf course in Cuba. There is only one other golf course on the island, Habana Golf Club but Varadero is considered the leading course. Sometimes the sea breeze can be strong so that should be taken into consideration when taking shots, but the overall course is great for all skill levels and has some stunning views.
Cycling & mountain biking in Varadero
There are some great bike trails that allow you to take in the spectacular views of the sea and beach. Travel up and down the east side at your own pace and capture the beauty of Varadero as you do.
Walking & hiking in Varadero
Varahicacos Ecological Reserve is a great park for walks and hikes but remember to bring bug repellent! Along the trail, there are 3 caves that you can climb into, and it takes roughly an hour to walk the entirety. The trail is easy to follow with signs and for 5CU you can purchase a map to help you further.
