Varadero, located on the beautiful 20km-long Hicacos Peninsula, stands at the vanguard of Cuba’s most important industry, tourism. It is a large resort area in the Caribbean and has over 60 properties as well as many shops, water activities and poolside entertainment. The main draw for Varadero, is most definitely the stunning world class beach. Here you have an uninterrupted 20 km stretch of golden sand that is undoubtedly one of the Caribbean's best.
However, there is more to Cuba’s oldest tourist resort than sunbeds and mojitos. Explore mysterious caves, stumble upon ancient rock art or stroll along empty beaches on the nearby cayes. here is a list of some of the things we would suggest to do whilst in this beautiful city:
Stroll through history on the beaches: 20 kilometres long and a seductive shade of blonde, the beach at Varadero is the main, and sometimes only, reason people come to Varadero. It’s why Varadero is the largest resort in the Caribbean. Despite the development of the area, there are still pockets of coast where you can have the white sands and azure waters almost to yourself.
Explore Reserva Ecológica Varahicacos: Situated on the eastern tip of the Hicacos Peninsula, this small reserve is a rare ecological treat, one of the few places on the peninsula where you can imagine what Varadero was like before the developers arrived. It is the last stronghold of many plant species endemic to this part of Cuba and home to a giant 500 year-old cactus called El Patriarca.
Enter Cuevas de Bellamar (Bellamar Caves): Bellamar Caves are the oldest tourist attraction in Cuba, discovered by a local landowner when the earth ‘swallowed’ one of his ox carts in 1861. Formed over 300,000 years ago, the two-mile system of caves features mesmerising crystalline domes and an impressive display of stalagmites and stalactites.
Go to church: The tiny Santa Elvira dates back to 1938 and is known for its peculiar and irregular structure, a jumble of stone and wood that gives it an almost Alpine character. It features a horseshoe arch that serves as a bell tower with a cross at the top.
Visit the Cayes: Less developed than Varadero, but sharing the same azure sea and cool tropical breezes, the cayes to the east of the peninsula offer a reminder of what the peninsula was like before mass tourism arrived. Cayo Santa Mar, Cayo Ensenachos and Cayo Las Brujas are small islets connected to the mainland by a causeway, still covered in thick mangroves. They are important bird nesting sites, and offer idyllic beaches and sparkling seas.
