Swimming, (catamaran) sailing, kayaking, diving, snorkeling... it's all part of life at a seaside resort like Varadero. To add a little variation to your trip consider visiting the following sightseeing destinations.
A fun way to get to know the town is a tour with a double-decker Beach Bus. A day ticket – costing 4 to 5 euros - allows you to tour the peninsula for an entire day, hopping on or off as often as you like. Take a relaxed stroll along the art market, stop off at the dolphinarium, grab a cocktail in the village or tour the founder of Varadero’s home: Mansion Xanadu. Don’t forget to climb up to the roof to enjoy the view over both the Atlantic and Cárdenas Bay.
The Cuban capital of Havana is located about 85 miles west of Varadero. It’s a city not to be missed. The city is divided into several districts, the three most important being Havana Vieja, Centro Havana and Vedado. Havana Vieja, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is the oldest part of the city, characterized by numerous sites of historical interest. Centro Havana is a fascinating place, with buildings from different eras, built in a variety of styles. However, with its political buildings, stores and cinemas, Vedado is the most important district. The district is characterized by its broad boulevards, large mansions and abundant lights.
Once the home of sugar baron Cantero, the Municipal museum provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the sugar barons. Personal effects, documents, objects and the memoirs from patriots and the people involved are on display. The building’s architecture and location alone warrant a visit: copious hardwood in vibrant colors, surrounded by tropical gardens, right on the beach.
Calle 57 y Playa, Varadero
Varadero is the perfect base for exploring other parts of Cuba. The towns of Cienfuegos, Santa Clara and Trinidad (not the island!) are definitely worth a visit. The historical town centers will open a window to the country’s past. Trinidad and the nearby Valle de los Ingenios have even been on the World Heritage Site list since 1988. These three towns are easily reached over land, but the unforgettable, spectacular helicopter tour to Trinidad and the nearby mountains of Escambry is a much more exciting option.
The whirlwind Tropicana show from Havana is world-famous. Varadero now has its own open-air theatre on the left shore of the Canimar river. The bolero, the mambo, the son and Afro-Cuban rhythms resonate under starry summer skies as beautifully dressed performers dance the night away. Spectacular and atmospheric!
Visit the village of Cárdenas, located a mere 10 miles from Varadero, and travel back in time. Founded in 1828, its main claim to fame is the fact that the first Cuban national flag was raised here in 1850. The city was in the news more recently because of the little boy Elian, who lived there. Just take a cab from your hotel!