Varadero

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 coming 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.

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.

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.

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).

Cárdenas City, 12km (8 miles) from Varadero, is a small and colourful 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 harbour. 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.

Varadero is a family-friendly destination. Its beaches, museums, cafes, restaurants and parks are all accessible to children. The natural pool for dolphins, the Delfinario (Carretera Las Morlas, kilómetro 13), is one of the main attractions offered here.

Shopping in Varadero is very easy. There are shops in every single hotel offering typical products like cigars, Cuban coffee, rum and T-shirts, souvenirs and CDs of Cuban music. Beach shops also sell usual holiday items such as sunglasses and sun cream. Plaza América (Autopista Sur, kilómetro 11, Varadero) is an international convention centre that incorporates souvenir shops, shopping mall, boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops. Craft markets are open during the whole week in downtown Varadero.

Most of the hotels offer night-time entertainment, but for those looking for other possibilities, Hotel Internacional (Avenida Las Américas), offers a show called Cabaret Continental, a colourful 1950s extravaganza. Hotel Tuxpan (Avenida de las Américas, kilómetro 4), with its disco La Bamba, is a sophisticated nightclub that combines Latin and European rhythms. La Comparsita (Calle 60 y Tercera Avenida) is a pleasant cabaret-style nightclub, with dancing shows and live Cuban music in the heart of Varadero. All beverages are included in the cover charge.

Even though every hotel is all-inclusive, there are a lot of restaurants and coffee shops all over Varadero, offering a variety of food for all tastes. Chinese, Cuban, Italian, Mexican, barbecued meat and seafood restaurants can be found in the heart of the peninsula and are open all day. Specialised restaurants in different hotels need to be booked a day in advance. Chez Plaza Restaurant, in Plaza América Convention Center (Carretera Sur, kilómetro 11) specialises in seafood, one of a few restaurants offering diners a selection of live lobsters. La Vicaria Restaurant (Avenida Primera y Calle 38) is a good value fast food place offering Cuban food. Dante Restaurant, in Josone Park (Avenida Primera y Calle 56), is the best Italian in town and boasts panoramic views of the lake.

Downtown Varadero is easily navigable on foot; it also has a good panoramic bus service serving all the main hotels. For the hotels located far from the heart of the peninsula, there is a taxi service. Taxis can be found all over Varadero, and there are bicycle and scooter hire offices in most hotels. There are no regular buses.

Josone's Park (Avenida Primera y Calle 56), is an old mansion converted into a restaurant in a lush palm trees grove with a beautiful artificial lake, four restaurants serving international, Italian and Cuban cuisine, and a bar on the shore of the lake. Varadero's Golf Club (Carretera de las Américas), just beside Villa Xanadú, is a magnificent 18-hole championship course, with an intricate system of lagoons in the ‘British' link tradition. Its attractions include fairways in the shape of islands, lakes and, because the peninsula is very narrow, natural obstacles such as the wind and sea on both sides of the course.

Villa Xanadú (Carretera de las Américas), the house of the founder of Varadero, has beautiful rooms decorated with precious wood and Italian marble. A panoramic piano bar on the top floor, offers a more intimate setting, where gorgeous sunsets can be enjoyed in a peaceful atmosphere.

Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport (VRA)