VARADERO

Beautiful Varadero Beach in Cuba

VARADERO VACATIONS

Located in the province of Matanzas, Varadero is the most famous beach resort in Cuba, and one of the largest resorts in the Caribbean. Also known as ‘Blue Beach' because of its clear, calm waters, Varadero was founded back in the 19th century by a group of rich families from Matanzas city. But it became famous after the millionaire Irenée du Pont de Nemours built his estate on the so-called Península de Hicacos, although hotels only started to be built later in the 1950s. Since the early 1990s most of the peninsula has been developed for international tourism and the majority of the 50 or so hotels are co-owned by a foreign business. Varadero is fronted by a 20km (12-mile) fine white sandy beach, which is bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.Who goes there?During most of December through to February, Varadero is mostly visited by European and Canadian tourists who come to relax and enjoy the warm sun. Locals visit Varadero during summer time, from June through to August, which means the beaches can be crowded during those months.Where in the world?Varadero is in Matanzas Province, Cuba, in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, located on the Península de Hicacos, some 150km (93 miles) east of Havana. With a well preserved coastal ecosystem and a very special collection of local fauna, Varadero occupies a flat and narrow peninsula constantly cooled by tropical breezes, with a small population. Matanzas and Cárdenas city lie to the west.When to go?Varadero, as with the rest of Cuba, experiences hot, sub-tropical climate all year. Most rain falls between May and October and hurricanes can occur in autumn (August to November). Humidity varies between 75% and 95%. Cooler months are January to April when the least rain falls.Beach The beach, Varadero's main attraction, is the ‘backyard' of all hotels in Varadero, whose 20km (12 miles) of turquoise water and sandy beach allow tourists to take long walks along the ocean. It presents a necklace of virgin cays easy to reach and a very well preserved natural landscape at the northeastern end of the peninsula. It is possible to dive, and the best place to take diving lessons is the Barracuda International Diving Center (Avenida Primera, esquina 59).Beyond the beac Cárdenas City, 12km (8 miles) from Varadero, is a small and colorful city noted for three unusual structures: a replica of a bicycle, a horse-drawn carriage and a big crab cast in concrete representing the abundant crustaceans in the area. There is also a bus stop in the shape of a big nose. Matanzas City, 32km (20 miles) from Varadero, is the capital of the province and has a beautiful harbor. Guamá, 140 km (86 miles) from Varadero, is a UNESCO Reserve of the Biosphere, and boasts the largest crocodile breeding centre in the country. Crocodile meat can be eaten here so plan to eat some great Cuban food on your next Varadero Vacation
VARADERO HOTEL LINKS