Varadero beach
Varadero, nestled on the sinuous Hicacos Peninsula, ranks among the Caribbean's most renowned resorts. With its natural splendor harmoniously paired with exceptional beach amenities, grooming, and safety, it welcomes up to one million international tourists annually. For countless visitors, Varadero Beach is akin to a magical fairy tale - a captivating realm they enter, only to yearn for a return.
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Beach description
A wide strip of fine white sand, ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 km in width, stretches for 20 kilometers along Varadero Beach. The coastline gently slopes into the warm, clear sea. At the bottom, there are neither steep slopes nor stones, which is crucial for a safe holiday with children. The water, in a wide variety of shades of blue, is as transparent as crystal. A coral reef acts as a sturdy shield, protecting the beach area from erosion by sea waves.
The surroundings are abundant with caves, picturesque cliffs, and pristine lagoons. Lush, fragrant jungles and low dunes, blanketed with tropical greenery, border the sandy expanse.
The welcoming sun shines in a cloudless sky throughout the year, delighting visitors. Although the peak of the holiday season falls in the summer months, winter also offers a pleasant stay with air temperatures not dropping below +25ºC. The natural splendor of Varadero is enhanced by its meticulous upkeep. The exemplary cleanliness of the beach is maintained by municipal services and the presence of numerous waste containers.
- When is it better to go
The best time to visit Cuba for a beach vacation is typically between December and May. This period falls within the dry season, offering sunny days with clear skies and minimal rainfall, ideal for beach activities and lounging by the sea.
- December to February: These months are cooler but still warm enough for a comfortable beach experience. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds.
- March to May: This is the sweet spot for a Cuban beach holiday. The weather is warmer, but the heavy tourist traffic starts to wane. You'll enjoy the best of Cuba's beaches with fewer people and still great weather.
While the summer months from June to August can be tempting, they coincide with Cuba's wet season, bringing hot, humid conditions and the possibility of hurricanes. For those willing to take a chance, however, summer can offer a more authentic experience with fewer tourists and vibrant local festivals.
Video: Beach Varadero
Infrastructure
Accommodating guests in Varadero is a breeze, with approximately 60 economical hotels and luxurious all-inclusive resorts dotting the area. This accounts for 55% of all hotel rooms in Cuba, ensuring a variety of options for every traveler.
Hotel and resort guests enjoy complimentary umbrellas and sun loungers, enhancing their beach experience. The shoreline is dotted with an array of bars, pizzerias, and steakhouses. Restaurants typically feature international cuisine alongside Cuban favorites such as lobster and steak, often paired with Spanish or Chilean wines at attractive prices. To complete the dining experience, a cigar and coffee laced with rum are customary offerings.
For those seeking an active vacation, Varadero offers an extensive selection of activities:
- Scuba diving: With 23 dive centers and over 30 underwater exploration sites, enthusiasts can discover marine life and artifacts, including sunken planes and frigates.
- Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant underwater world close to the water's surface.
- Kite and windsurfing: Harness the power of the wind for an exhilarating ride.
- Water biking: Pedal through the waves for a unique aquatic adventure.
- Kayaking, catamarans, and yachts: Sail the seas in style or paddle peacefully along the coast.
- Submarine tours: Dive deep without getting wet and witness the ocean's mysteries.
- Sport fishing: Cast a line for the catch of the day.
- Aqua fitness: Stay fit with water-based exercise routines.
- Beach volleyball: Spike and serve on the sandy courts.
- Golf: Play a round amidst tropical scenery.
- Tennis: Serve and volley under the sun.
- Latin American dance training: Move to the rhythm and learn sultry steps.
- Excursions on bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, or cars: Discover the area's charm through various modes of transport.
For the inquisitive traveler, Varadero offers intriguing attractions:
- Pointe Hicacos Natural Park: Home to Ambrosio Cave and Mangon Lake, this park is a sanctuary for 31 bird species and 24 reptile species.
- Municipal Museum of Varadero: Delve into the local history and culture.
- Crocodile nursery: Located in the Guam tourist complex, this nursery is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Dolphinarium: Enjoy the grace and intelligence of dolphins in their aquatic habitat.
Varadero is renowned for its plethora of supermarkets, boutiques, and souvenir shops. Tourists particularly favor stores specializing in iconic Cuban products such as rum, coffee, and cigars. As night falls, a vibrant scene unfolds in the numerous clubs, cabaret cafes, and discobars, promising unforgettable nocturnal adventures.
Weather in Varadero
Best hotels of Varadero
All hotels of VaraderoUseful information
- The toponym “Varadero” comes from the name of one of the species of cacti.
- The first guests visited Varadero back in the 1870s. For many years it was considered an elite resort. The famous gangster Al Capone liked to relax here (today his villa has been transformed into a chic restaurant).
- Tourism began to develop on Varadero beach since the 1930s, when Irene DuPont, an American millionaire, built his estate on the peninsula (DuPont House). In 1963, after the death of Dupont, these properties were turned into a golf club.
- You can get from Varadero airport from Moscow by direct flight. From Havana to the beach you will get any kind of transport: plane, cruise ship, train, bus or taxi.