Varadero
Varadero travel guide
Let us help you plan your perfect Varadero vacation. Our travel guide highlights things to do, places to see, favorite vacation rental amenities in Varadero, and more.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular vacation rental amenities in Varadero?
- Non-smoking
- No pets allowed
- Towels
Where Is Varadero, Cuba?
Situated on the Hicacos Peninsula, Varadero lies in the Cuban province of Matanzas. One of the largest resort areas in the Caribbean, Varadero is located between the Bay of Cárdenas and the Straits of Florida, approximately 140 kilometers east of Havana.
What Is Varadero, Cuba Known For?
Located on the 20 kilometer long Hicacos Peninsula, Varadero stands strong as a prime example of Cuba’s most buzzing industry: tourism. One of the most popular beach resorts in the Caribbean, Varadero guards an expansive hotel complex, a cluster of tourist shops, and offers plentiful opportunities to visitors to engage in high-activity water sports or spectate at relaxing poolside entertainment. Above all, this tourist-friendly mega-resort is ideally perfect for those who wish to have the Caribbean vacation experience of stretching out on a white-gold stretch of beach, look out to the aquamarine seas and let your worries wash away.
Where to Go in Varadero, Cuba?
- Museo Municipal: Take a step back in time and discover the peninsula’s rich history in a pleasant seaside setting at the Museo Municipal. Housed in a 1920s beach house, the Museo Municipal houses a confusing yet fascinating collection of artifacts, from old photographs, documents, and maps to period furniture, stuffed animals, and the remains of a small two-headed shark.
- Parque Josone: A peaceful urban oasis in the heart of Varadero, Parque Josone makes the perfect place to escape to when the heat of the city gets too much. Paths wind like serpents around well-manicured floral gardens, fountains shoot out powerful jets of water, and an ornament bridge crosses a small lake where ducks bob happily. Locals and tourists alike congregate here to paddle or glide around the lake on rowboats or relax in the shade of the poinciana and palm trees.
- Varadero Street Market: There’s nothing like visiting a good old authentic market to get a sense of the true Cuban culture. Here at Varadero Street Market, you will be spoilt for choice with the range of dining and retail gems on offer. Walk around the various stands and marvel at the gorgeous artisan-made goods produced by the locals. Amble around the market and take in the sensational sights — whether you choose to people watch in a super cool restaurant, take in your surroundings at the street vendor stalls, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage!
Popular Destinations Near Varadero
- Cárdenas: The epitome of Cuban charm, Cárdenas is steeped in unadulterated Latin flavor. Preserving the traditional values and essence of pre-Castro Cuba, Cárdenas is rich in color and history. Home to colonial buildings and 19th-century arches, the historic ruins of the old-world buildings preserve the untouchable magic of an impalpable age that cannot be found anywhere else in the country.
- Matanzas: Due to its rich cultural heritage, Matanzas has earned the moniker of “Athens of Cuba.” Surrounding a quiet bay, this northern coastal city is steeped, soaked, and drenched in art, poetry, and dance. Watch locals perform a traditional dance, marvel at the magnificent theater shows, and visit the standard urban sights of fascinating museums, historical monuments, and terrific beaches.
Best Neighborhoods in Varadero, Cuba
- Varadero Beach: Spanning 20 kilometers along the sleek Peninsula de Hicacos, this blonde bombshell of a beach is one of the Caribbean's best. As palapas sprout proudly from powder-fine sands and palm trees rustle above, the golden shoreline slopes sensually into the aquamarine-hued waters. Attracting beach bums, sun-seekers, and water sports enthusiasts alike, everyone can either catch some rays or partake in some active aquatic pursuits from snorkeling and swimming to kayaking and sailing.
What is the price range for rentals in Varadero?
Vacation rentals in Varadero have a price range between $73-$118. The average price for rentals in Varadero is $81 per night.