Varadero: endless beaches

Varadero literally means ‘dry dock’, and was populated by fishermen and salt miners until Irénée du Pont (1876-1963), an American millionaire, built the first hotels and started creating what would become a luxurious seaside resort. And it worked; famous and infamous Americans spent their holidays in the town, whose popularity only grew, despite it being the headquarters for mob boss Al Capone’s smuggling operation. After 1950, Varadero was the place to be up until the Cuban Revolution in 1959, and the luxurious hotels and bungalows fell into the hands of the Cuban government. Times change, tourists come and go, but Varadero’s reputation as a first-class seaside resort remains unchallenged to this day.

Tourism is the cork that keeps the Cuban economy afloat. The branch focuses on Havana and the nearby luxurious seaside resort of Varadero that is almost inaccessible for ordinary Cubans. If you want to see the real Cuba, hop on a bus (not controlled by the government) and take a tour. Tourists and backpackers traveling on their own can get an even more interesting look at Cuba (although perhaps with fewer creature comforts) by staying at small privately run accommodations such as the casas particulares (renting a room in a home). The fact that private enterprise is being given a bit more freedom can also be seen in the paladares system in which individuals are allowed to run small restaurants in their own living rooms.

Famed author Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) lost his heart to Cuba. The American writer wrote his bestseller The Old Man and the Sea here, and reading it is the perfect way to prepare for your holiday in Varadero. While you’re at it, you might also want to read Graham Greene’s Our man in Havana. Highly recommended!