Varadero holidays

Relax on the stunning beaches of Varadero

Varadero, known for its breathtaking coastline, boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba, making it a top destination for sun-seekers and relaxation enthusiasts. With miles of soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the beaches in Varadero offer the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable holiday experience. Here’s a closer look at some of the must-visit beaches during your Varadero holidays.

Pristine beach paradises

• Varadero Beach: Stretching for 20 kilometers, Varadero Beach is the crown jewel of the area. This iconic beach is famous for its powdery sands and gentle waves, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. With numerous beach bars and restaurants lining the shore, you can easily grab a refreshing cocktail or a bite to eat while enjoying the stunning ocean views.

• Playa Azul: Located a short distance from the bustling main beach, Playa Azul offers a more tranquil setting. This beautiful beach is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful day by the sea. The calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, allowing you to explore the vibrant marine life just below the surface.

• Playa de los Muertos: Known for its striking natural beauty, Playa de los Muertos is a hidden gem that offers a quieter alternative to the more popular beaches. With its soft sands and picturesque surroundings, this beach is perfect for a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle. Bring a picnic and enjoy the serenity while soaking up the sun.

Activities and water sports

• Snorkelling and diving: Varadero’s beaches are not only beautiful but also home to some incredible underwater adventures. Snorkelling and diving tours are readily available, allowing you to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Keep an eye out for colourful fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures that call these waters home.

• Water sports: If you’re looking for excitement, the beaches of Varadero offer a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing. Rentals and lessons are available, ensuring that you can make the most of your time in the sun while enjoying thrilling activities on the water.

Practical tips for beachgoers

• Best time to visit: The ideal time to enjoy Varadero’s beaches is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is warm and sunny, creating perfect beach conditions.

• What to bring: Don’t forget your sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay hydrated while enjoying the sun. Beach towels, snorkelling gear, and a good book will enhance your relaxing day by the sea.

With its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere, Varadero is a true paradise for beach lovers. Whether you’re lounging on the soft sands, exploring the underwater wonders, or engaging in thrilling water sports, the beaches of Varadero promise unforgettable holiday experiences that will leave you longing to return.

Local dishes in Varadero

One of the best parts of holidays to Varadero will be the chance to explore the vibrant flavours of Cuban cuisine. From hearty meat dishes to fresh seafood, there’s something to suit every palate. Here are some of the best dishes and drinks to look out for during your stay:

Some typical dishes

• Ropa Vieja: This Cuban classic consists of shredded beef slow-cooked with tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic. It’s often served with rice and black beans.

• Moros y Cristianos: This is a traditional Cuban dish of rice and black beans cooked together, often served as a side dish at most meals.

Meat dishes

• Lechón asado: This delicious roast pork dish is marinated in garlic, citrus and spices and cooked slowly to perfection.

• Picadillo: A comforting dish of ground beef simmered with tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives and raisins.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Lobster enchilado: Lobster cooked in a rich tomato and garlic sauce – a true Cuban delicacy.

• Pargo frito: Fried snapper, often served whole with a squeeze of lime and a side of plantains.

Street food

• Cuban sandwiches: Layers of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard pressed together on Cuban bread – a perfect grab-and-go option while strolling Varadero’s streets.

Sweets and desserts

For dessert, don’t miss flan and tres leches cake. Both are rich and creamy Cuban favourites.

Local drinks

• Mojito: The quintessential Cuban cocktail, made with rum, sugar, lime, soda and mint.

• Cuba Libre: A simple yet refreshing mix of rum, cola and a squeeze of lime, perfect for those warm Varadero evenings.

Best things to do in Varadero

Varadero is the quintessential Cuban beach destination, famous for its pristine white sands and turquoise waters. However, there’s more to this vibrant spot than just lounging by the sea. Here’s what Varadero holidays can offer beyond the beach:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Mansión Xanadú: This beautifully restored mansion, once the home of American millionaire Irenée Dupont, offers sweeping views of the ocean and the Varadero golf course. Take a moment to enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar while admiring the surroundings.

• Varadero Beach: This 20km stretch of soft sand and clear blue water is one of the best in the Caribbean.

Historical monuments

• La Casa de Al (Al Capone’s House): Step into history at this former holiday home of the infamous gangster Al Capone. Now a restaurant, it retains much of its original charm with its grey stone arches and wooden balconies.

• Parque Josone: Originally built in the 1940s, this park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle surrounding it. Take a boat ride across the lake or stroll through the well-manicured gardens.

Day trips in the area

• Cuevas de Bellamar: Located just outside Matanzas, these caves are one of Cuba’s oldest tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the underground caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

• Hershey Train: Although the journey is slow, this electric train takes you through some truly beautiful countryside and offers a nostalgic travel experience. The route runs between Matanzas and Havana.

Activities for families in Varadero

Varadero is a paradise for families looking for sun, fun and adventure. Here are some of the best activities to keep all ages entertained:

• Swimming pools: Most resorts in Varadero boast large swimming pools, some with water slides, perfect for cooling off in the midday heat.

• Dolphinarium: Kids will love watching dolphin shows or even swimming with these playful creatures at the local dolphinarium, which sits in a natural lagoon.

• Beaches: Varadero's beaches' shallow, calm waters make them ideal for children to swim and play safely. Beach sports like volleyball and paddleboarding are also available.

Free things to do in Varadero

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the best of what Varadero holidays have to offer. Here are a few activities that cost nothing but time and enthusiasm:

• Free events: Look out for local music and dance performances happening along Varadero Beach, especially during summer. These spontaneous displays of Cuban culture are a real treat.

• Free guided tours: Many local companies offer free walking tours of Varadero town (tips are welcome). During these tours, you can learn about the area’s history and culture while admiring the colonial architecture.

• La Casa de la Cultura: This local cultural centre offers free art exhibitions and occasional concerts.

Wellness in Varadero

• Spas and thermal baths: The all-inclusive resorts in Varadero are home to some of Cuba’s top wellness spas. One standout is the Melia Las Américas, where visitors can indulge in a full range of spa treatments, from deep-tissue massages to luxurious body wraps. Many resorts offer a mix of traditional therapies combined with Cuban techniques, creating a unique wellness experience.

• Traditional body care: Many of Varadero’s spa facilities offer Cuban-inspired treatments using natural products such as coconut oil, sugar cane and honey. These locally sourced ingredients are used for exfoliation, hydration and relaxation treatments, providing a sensory journey that reflects the island’s tropical environment.

• Yoga and meditation: Hotels and wellness centres in Varadero provide yoga and meditation sessions, often held outdoors with an ocean backdrop.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Water sports: Varadero is a hub for water-based activities, with kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing on offer across its turquoise waters. Diving enthusiasts will enjoy exploring coral reefs and shipwrecks, especially around the nearby cays, such as Cayo Blanco, where you can spot tropical fish and other marine life.

• Scuba diving: The Barracuda Diving Club is one of Varadero’s best-known dive centres. It offers guided dives for beginners and experienced divers alike. The nearby Playa Coral and Cueva de Saturno are popular dive spots with underwater caves and vibrant reefs.

• Río Canímar excursions: Take a break from the beach and embark on a riverboat cruise along the Río Canímar. The scenic journey winds through lush greenery, allowing explorers to spot native wildlife or take a swim in the calm river waters.

• Nature trails in Varahicacos Ecological Reserve: For a quieter, more relaxed outdoor activity, the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve offers a few nature trails that meander through low-lying vegetation. Visitors can spot birds, crabs and even ancient cave paintings in the Cueva de Ambrosio.