Visit Varadero on the Hicacos Peninsula to enjoy the long, beautiful expanse of white-sand beach. Luxuriate with up-scale amenities on an all-inclusive resort vacation, enjoy thrilling watersports or simply relax in the sun. This area has over 50 hotels and continues to expand tourist-focused services for the increasing numbers of foreign visitors to Cuba.
Varadero Beach is the area’s prime attraction. Its sands stretching for 12 miles (20 kilometers) have been described as being as soft and white as powdered sugar. Plant an umbrella in the sand and relax beneath it with a cool drink. Wade into the clear, warm water and watch schools of colorful fish swim around your feet. Snorkel in deeper water you may find yourself swimming next to a ray or turtle.
Beyond the beach, find other activities for the family. Walk through the centrally located Parque Josone to enjoy its lake and landscaped gardens. Rent a rowboat or waterbike and glide across the water with the resident geese.
The caves in the region offer opportunities to cool off while doing some exploration and learning about interesting geology. Bring your kids and a flashlight to Ambrosio Cave to see pre-Columbian cave paintings and fruit bats. Saturno Cave off the road to Matanzas includes a subterranean pool for snorkeling and swimming.
The region has excellent restaurants and clubs, with new and exciting developments opening on a frequent basis. Visit a marine park, try scuba diving and arrange an aerial tour of the peninsula. If you enjoy golf, try Varadero Golf Club’s 18 holes on a nicely landscaped area. Have a post-round cocktail on the rooftop of the mansion built by American industrialist Irénée du Pont.
Varadero is less than a 3-hour drive from José Martí International Airport in Havana. Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport, 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Varadero, receives some international flights. Travel to Matanzas in less than 1 hour by car to explore more traditional Cuban culture away from the beach resort area.
