Varadero, Cuba is synonymous with powdery white sands and clear, aquamarine waters stretching for over 20 kilometers along the Hicacos Peninsula. This iconic resort town is renowned for its laid-back beach vibe, all-inclusive hotels, and seamless blend of relaxation and adventure. The gentle waves and palm-fringed shores make it a favorite for sun-seekers, couples, and families looking for an easygoing Caribbean getaway without the bustle of bigger cities.
Varadero’s main draw is its spectacular coastline, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. Beyond the beach, visitors will find intriguing caves at Cueva de Saturno, opportunities to interact with dolphins at Delfinario, and the beautifully landscaped Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. The lively Varadero Golf Club attracts golf enthusiasts, while boat excursions invite travelers to explore cays and coral reefs beyond the mainland.
The town itself has an unmistakable Cuban feel, with classic cars cruising the main boulevard and local markets selling crafts, cigars, and art. Many visitors take a day trip to nearby Matanzas or explore Varadero’s nightlife scene, which includes salsa bars and open-air cafes. Evenings often bring live music and dancing on the beach, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and relaxed.
Getting around Varadero is straightforward, with tourist buses and taxis available along the hotel strip. Most accommodations range from luxury all-inclusives to charming guesthouses, and there are plenty of restaurants and paladares where you can try Cuban staples like ropa vieja or fresh seafood. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, though a few Spanish phrases will enhance your experience.
The best time to visit Varadero is from November to April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and the risk of rain and hurricanes is lower. Pack light, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and don’t forget snorkeling gear if you prefer your own. Booking excursions in advance can help secure the best experiences, especially during peak travel months.
Varadero’s main draw is its spectacular coastline, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. Beyond the beach, visitors will find intriguing caves at Cueva de Saturno, opportunities to interact with dolphins at Delfinario, and the beautifully landscaped Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. The lively Varadero Golf Club attracts golf enthusiasts, while boat excursions invite travelers to explore cays and coral reefs beyond the mainland.
The town itself has an unmistakable Cuban feel, with classic cars cruising the main boulevard and local markets selling crafts, cigars, and art. Many visitors take a day trip to nearby Matanzas or explore Varadero’s nightlife scene, which includes salsa bars and open-air cafes. Evenings often bring live music and dancing on the beach, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and relaxed.
Getting around Varadero is straightforward, with tourist buses and taxis available along the hotel strip. Most accommodations range from luxury all-inclusives to charming guesthouses, and there are plenty of restaurants and paladares where you can try Cuban staples like ropa vieja or fresh seafood. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, though a few Spanish phrases will enhance your experience.
The best time to visit Varadero is from November to April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and the risk of rain and hurricanes is lower. Pack light, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and don’t forget snorkeling gear if you prefer your own. Booking excursions in advance can help secure the best experiences, especially during peak travel months.
Expected Weekly Budget
$800–$1200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Unwind on Varadero Beach
- Snorkel or dive at Coral Beach
- Visit Cueva de Saturno cave for swimming and exploration
- Play a round at Varadero Golf Club
- Take a catamaran tour to Cayo Blanco
- Meet dolphins at Delfinario Varadero
- Stroll through Josone Park
- Shop for local crafts and Cuban cigars at street markets
Notable Sites
- Varadero Beach
- Cueva de Saturno
- Delfinario Varadero
- Varadero Golf Club
- Josone Park
- Varahicacos Ecological Reserve
- Museo Municipal de Varadero
- Cayo Blanco
General Advice
Varadero is designed for easy travel, with most resorts and attractions located along a single main road. While all-inclusive options are plentiful, venturing into town for local restaurants and experiences is worthwhile. Early planning helps secure the best accommodation rates, especially in the high season, and it’s a good idea to bring any specialty items or toiletries as local shops can be limited.
Security & Safety
Safety levels in Varadero are generally high, especially in resort areas, but standard precautions are still important. Avoid leaving valuables on the beach unattended, and use hotel safes when possible. At night, stick to well-lit areas and opt for official taxis when venturing beyond your accommodation. Be cautious when exchanging money and avoid street currency exchangers.
Travel Tips
- Carry cash (preferably Euros or Canadian dollars) as ATMs can be unreliable.
- Pack insect repellent for evenings, especially near parks or nature areas.
- Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for hotel staff.
- Book dolphin encounters and boat tours ahead of time during high season.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and your own snorkel gear for convenience.
- Try local cuisine at paladares for an authentic meal away from resorts.
- Expect limited Wi-Fi access—most hotels sell hourly internet cards.
- The open-top Varadero Beach Tour bus is a convenient way to visit multiple sites.
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Traveler Comments
Traveled here in March 2024
The beaches in Varadero are some of the nicest I’ve ever seen. We stayed at a resort but wandered over to Josone Park for a change of pace—really peaceful and something different. It got a bit crowded during the weekend but the vibe was always chill. Highly recommend renting bikes to explore the area.
Visited in February 2024
Spent a family vacation here and the kids absolutely loved swimming in the caves at Cueva de Saturno. We took a catamaran trip to Cayo Blanco and saw plenty of fish while snorkeling. Our resort's food was surprisingly good, especially the fresh seafood. Would love to come back.
Visited in December 2023
Great destination for relaxation. The hotel staff were super friendly and I felt safe walking around even at night. I did find the prices in some shops higher than expected, but overall it was worth it for the experience. Spanish helped a lot when interacting with locals.
Stayed in May 2024
Varadero is beautiful but quite touristy, especially around the main strip. Loved the snorkeling and the dolphin show, but missed having more authentic Cuban nightlife away from the big resorts. Still, it’s a good spot for a few relaxing days on the coast.
Visited in April 2024
We spent our honeymoon in Varadero and the sunsets were unforgettable. Our favorite moment was a salsa night at a beachfront bar – everyone joined in, even the staff! The only downside was the slow Wi-Fi, but honestly we didn’t miss it much.
Traveled here in January 2024
I loved exploring the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve and learning about the local wildlife. The town itself is easy to get around, and the open-air markets had fun souvenirs. ATMs were hit-and-miss, so bring cash if you can.
Visited in March 2024
Great spot for a quick beach escape from Havana. The sand felt like powdered sugar and the water was warm even in March! We ate at a local paladar and had the best ropa vieja. Some areas get windy, so keep an eye out for jellyfish after storms.
Stayed in June 2024
Went as a solo traveler and felt really safe the whole time. I joined a snorkeling tour and made some new friends. Really liked that I could relax or be as active as I wanted. Would recommend bringing snacks, as options for vegetarians can be limited.
Traveled here in October 2023
We enjoyed kayaking and the catamaran tour to Cayo Blanco but found the nightlife a bit quiet mid-week. Shopping for cigars and art was a highlight, and we loved the street music in the evenings. Watch out for sunburn, even on cloudy days.
Visited in July 2023
Varadero was perfect for our family—clean beaches, calm water, and plenty of ice cream shops for the kids. We all enjoyed Delfinario and swimming with dolphins. Bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray; the mosquitos can be intense at dusk.
Traveled here in February 2024
Golfed almost every day on the Varadero course and it was challenging but so pretty! My wife spent time at the spa and raved about the massages. Service at some restaurants was slow, but everyone was friendly and helpful.
Stayed in April 2024
Nothing beats a lazy day on Varadero Beach with a book and a cold drink. My partner and I tried a dance class at our resort and had a blast. Evenings were always lively with music and dancing. Hope to return next year.
Traveled here in August 2023
Took my parents here for their anniversary and it was a hit with all ages. We loved Josone Park—it’s a beautiful green spot right in town. The heat got intense some afternoons, so plan for early beach trips or lazy pool days.
Visited in December 2023
Loved the color of the water and the friendly hotel staff. Took a taxi to see the Cueva de Saturno which is worth the trip. Food was good but a bit repetitive at the all-inclusive – would try more local restaurants next time.
Visited in January 2024
I made so many new friends at the resort and we all went salsa dancing together. The beach-cleaning crew does a great job, sand was spotless every morning. Some days it was windy, which kicked up some seaweed, but it didn’t bother us much.
Stayed in May 2024
Had my best vacation here—laid-back but with so many things to do. Swam with dolphins, hiked a trail in Varahicacos, and tried every flavor of ice cream in town. Wish Wi-Fi was faster but honestly it helped everyone just relax.
Traveled here in November 2023
We took the hop-on, hop-off bus to all the big spots—super convenient. I recommend the sunset catamaran trip for couples! A little hard to find good vegetarian meals though, so bring snacks if you need them.
Visited in February 2024
First time in Cuba and Varadero was the ideal place to start. Crystal clear water, lots of diving trips, and easy transfers from Havana airport. The art market near Josone Park had beautiful paintings and crafts.
Stayed in October 2023
Solo trip for my 30th birthday—super friendly locals, and I felt safe the entire time. Beach bars had great cocktails and live musicians most nights. Wish there were more unique shops, but it’s a great place to unwind.
Stayed in March 2024
The resort was nice and the sea views were amazing, but it sometimes felt a little tourist-centric. Really enjoyed the Cueva de Saturno and rented a classic car for a short ride, which was unforgettable. Would recommend for families, maybe less for solo travelers seeking local culture.
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