Varadero, Cuba: travel guide
A long white-sand peninsula of resorts and warm Caribbean water
Cuba's premier beach resort on the Hicacos Peninsula in Matanzas: 20 km of white sand, all-inclusive resorts, and cays.
About Varadero
Varadero is Cuba's best-known beach resort, occupying the narrow Hicacos Peninsula on the island's northern coast. A long strip of fine white sand runs along its length, and warm, shallow, clear water makes it ideal for a classic sun-and-sea holiday.
Most visitors stay in the resorts along the beach, but there are things to see beyond the sand. Parque Josone is a pleasant green space with lakes and cafes, the Mansion Xanadu is a grand house overlooking the sea, and the Varahicacos reserve has coastal vegetation and caves such as Cueva de Ambrosio. Boat trips visit nearby cays for snorkelling.
Varadero suits beach holidays, couples and families. The drier months from November to April are the most comfortable, and the town can easily be combined with Havana, which lies to the west.
- Country
- Cuba
- Currency
- CUP
- Time zone
- America/Havana
- Nearest airport
- VRA
Last updated
Top places to visit in Varadero
Parque Josone
park · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Lush lakeside park with gardens, rowing boats and restaurants in the heart of Varadero town.
Playa Varadero
beach · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The 20 km white-sand beach that made Varadero famous, with calm turquoise water.
Mansión Xanadú
mansion · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The 1930s clifftop DuPont mansion, now a golf-club restaurant and bar with sweeping sea views.
Reserva Ecológica Varahicacos
reserve · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Protected scrub-forest reserve at the peninsula tip with cactus, caves and coastal trails.
Cueva de Ambrosio
cave · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Cave in the Varahicacos reserve with pre-Columbian pictographs.
Museo de Varadero
history · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A restored wooden beach house telling the resort's history.
Things to do
- Catamaran Cruise to Cayo Blanco Boat · 8 h · from USD 90 per person
- Varadero Scuba Diving Adventure · 4 h · from USD 70 per person
- Jeep Safari to Matanzas & Caves Tour · 8 h · from USD 80 per person
- Seafari Snorkel Boat Trip Beach · 4 h · from USD 40 per person
Day trips and tours
- Cayo Blanco Catamaran Day 9 h · from USD 90
Where to stay in Varadero
- Varadero Town (West) about CUP 60 per night
Walkable end of the peninsula with budget casas, the beach boulevard, Parque Josone and independent restaurants.
- Peninsula Resorts (East) about CUP 220 per night
All-inclusive resort strip toward Punta Hicacos with the best sand and marina.
Hotels
- Hotel Dos Mares 3-star
- Casa Onelia (Casa Particular) 2-star
- Starfish Cuatro Palmas 4-star
- Meliá Las Américas 5-star
- Meliá Marina Varadero 5-star
- Sol Palmeras 4-star
Getting to Varadero
Airport: Varadero (VRA)
Getting around
- Bus
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Unmetered taxi overcharge
Varadero peninsula
Taxis without a meter quote an inflated flat fare, especially resort-to-town.
How to avoid it: Agree the fare before getting in, or use the cheaper hop-on Varadero bus.
More in Cuba
Frequently asked questions about Varadero
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Varadero?
- The highest-rated places in our Varadero guide are Playa Varadero, Parque Josone, Mansión Xanadú, Cueva de Ambrosio, Reserva Ecológica Varahicacos.
- Where should I stay in Varadero?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Varadero: Varadero Town (West), Peninsula Resorts (East).
- How do I get around Varadero?
- Ways to get around Varadero covered in our guide: City bus, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Varadero?
- Scams reported to us for Varadero include Unmetered taxi overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Varadero?
- The nearest airport to Varadero has the code VRA.