Varadero Cuba Travel Guide: Best Beaches, Resorts & Activities

When travelers dream of sun-drenched beaches and turquoise waters, Varadero is often the first place that comes to mind in Cuba. Located on the Hicacos Peninsula along Cuba’s northern coast, Varadero is renowned for its 20 kilometers of pristine white-sand beaches, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, and relaxed tropical vibe.

Whether you’re looking for pure relaxation, water sports, or romantic sunsets, Varadero is the ultimate Caribbean escape.

📍 Where Is Varadero?

🗺️ Located in Matanzas Province, about 140 km (2 hours) east of Havana

Situated on the narrow Hicacos Peninsula, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean

Easily accessible by car, tourist bus, or private transfer

🏝️ Why Visit Varadero?

🏖️ One of the best beaches in the Caribbean

🏨 Home to world-class resorts and boutique hotels

🌊 Ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, and kayaking

🌴 Surrounded by natural parks, caves, and eco-reserves

🍹 Perfect for honeymooners, families, and solo travelers alike

🧭 Top Things to Do in Varadero, Cuba

1. 🏖️ Relax on Varadero Beach

20+ kilometers of soft, powdery white sand

Warm, calm waters perfect for swimming

Shaded by palm trees and dotted with beach bars and loungers

Ideal for sunbathing, paddleboarding, or just soaking in the view

🏝️ The beach is public, even in front of resorts.

2. 🌿 Visit Josone Park (Parque Josone)

A peaceful green oasis near downtown Varadero

Features botanical gardens, paddle boats, and shaded walkways

Great spot for picnics or a family stroll

Restaurants and cafes within the park

3. 🛥️ Go on a Catamaran Cruise to Cayo Blanco

Full-day tours available from the marina

Snorkeling in coral reefs and swimming in crystal-clear waters

Includes lunch, open bar, and dolphin encounters (optional)

🐬 A top-rated experience for couples and families.

4. 🐠 Dive or Snorkel at Coral Beach

Located on the mainland near Matanzas

Features shallow reefs with vibrant marine life

Ideal for beginner divers and snorkelers

Equipment rental and guides available on site

5. 🕳️ Explore Cueva de Saturno (Saturn Cave)

Underground freshwater cenote with crystal-clear water

Great for swimming and snorkeling in a surreal setting

Stalactites and stalagmites create an otherworldly experience

Just a short drive from the Varadero airport

6. 🏛️ Stop by Varadero Museum

Housed in a charming 1920s beachfront mansion

Learn about Varadero’s history and development

Lovely ocean views and a quick cultural stop before the beach

7. 🎨 Shop at Varadero Artisan Markets

Browse handcrafted souvenirs, art, cigars, and jewelry

Located along Avenida Primera (1st Avenue)

Support local artists and find unique Cuban crafts

🏨 Where to Stay in Varadero

Varadero offers a wide range of accommodations, from all-inclusive beachfront resorts to cozy casas particulares.

🔝 Recommended Resorts:

Royalton Hicacos – Adults-only, luxury beachfront retreat

Melia Internacional Varadero – Large resort with pools, restaurants, and spa

Iberostar Selection Varadero – Family-friendly with lush gardens

Paradisus Varadero – All-suite luxury with beach views

🏠 Casas Particulares:

For a more authentic experience, stay in town with local hosts in private guesthouses offering warm Cuban hospitality and homemade meals.

🍽️ What to Eat in Varadero

Most resorts include buffet and à la carte dining, but local restaurants and paladares (privately run eateries) offer fresh seafood and Cuban cuisine.

Local Favorites:

Langosta a la plancha – Grilled lobster

Arroz con mariscos – Cuban-style seafood rice

Fried plantains and yuca with mojo

Piña coladas served inside fresh pineapples

Top Restaurants:

Varadero 60 – Elegant Cuban and international fusion

La Rampa – Great local seafood with a view

Paladar Nonna Tina – Cozy Italian-Cuban pizzeria

Xanadu Mansion – Fine dining in a historic setting with panoramic views

🛍️ What to Buy in Varadero

Cuban cigars – from Cohiba, Montecristo, or Romeo y Julieta

Local rum – Havana Club or Santiago de Cuba

Handmade crafts – leather, wood carvings, maracas

Cuban art and music CDs

Shop at local markets or duty-free stores for the best selection.

📅 Best Time to Visit Varadero

☀️ Dry Season: November to April

Sunny, breezy, and ideal beach weather

Peak tourist season, so book early

🌦️ Rainy Season: May to October

Warmer, humid, with occasional tropical storms

Quieter and more affordable

🌀 Avoid September–October due to hurricane risk.

🚗 How to Get to Varadero

✈️ Varadero’s Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA)

Direct international flights from Canada, Europe, and Latin America

Just 30 minutes from the resort strip

🚕 From Havana:

🚗 Private taxi: ~2 hours

🚌 Viazul bus: Comfortable and affordable

🚐 Shared tourist shuttles available through hotels

🎯 Day Trips from Varadero

🏙️ Havana

Only 2 hours away

Perfect for a cultural day trip — old squares, cigars, vintage cars

🌄 Matanzas

Known as the "Athens of Cuba"

Explore rivers, architecture, and live music

🏞️ Yumuri Valley

Rural countryside with horseback riding, hiking, and river excursions

🎵 Nightlife in Varadero

While quieter than Havana, Varadero has bars, live music venues, and beachfront lounges:

Casa de la Música – Live salsa and dance shows

The Beatles Bar – Rock tribute venue with fun vibe

Calle 62 – Open-air bar with DJs and local bands

Mambo Club – Dance the night away in Cuban style

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✨ Final Thoughts: Why Varadero Is the Crown Jewel of Cuban Beaches

Whether you want to sip mojitos by the sea, swim in crystal waters, or dance to salsa under the stars, Varadero offers it all. Its perfect combination of natural beauty, modern comfort, and Cuban culture makes it the ideal destination for sun-seekers and travelers looking to unwind.

With activities for every interest and resorts for every budget, Varadero promises the ultimate Caribbean beach escape — with an unforgettable Cuban twist.