VARADERO
Twenty kilometres of soft, white sand stretches along the northern coastline of Cuba making up Varadero. As an Aussie it’s hard to impress me when it comes to beaches but Varadero was certainly an exception. The layers of dreamy, Caribbean blue water as far as the eye could see, made this the perfect place to end my Cuban adventure.
Varadero is divided into 3 main sections, Varadero Town West, Varadero Town East and the hotel zone located on the peninsula’s far eastern edge. Varadero Town East is home to the Viazul station as well as some main attractions and this is where I chose to base myself. While many tourists come for the beach front resorts and all inclusive packages, there are also museums, caves and a range of water sports to explore. But I could not bare to drag myself away from the shady palms on the beach.
WHAT TO SEE IN VARADERO
Playa de Varadero
I was speechless as I walked along the perfect sand on Varadero beach. It’s not often I see a beach this nice outside of my own homeland. There are several beach entry points along the peninsula as well as beach clubs and restaurants. The beauty of 20 kilometres of beach meant that I still had loads of space to relax away from the crowds. The water was absolutely stunning clear and blue and I never wanted to leave.
Parque Josone
One block back from the beachfront is Parque Josone. In the centre of the green park, the onsite restaurant overlooks an even greener lake where you can hire row boats.
Centro Comercial Hicacos
Although just a mall, the Hicacos Shopping Centre is worth a mention as it contains an actual grocery store! With an actual variety of items! Directly behind the beach in Varadero Town East, this underground centre also has clothing stores, a bank, spa, gym, and souvenir stores.
Cueva Ambrosio
As mentioned I chose to enjoy my beach days and spent them entirely at the beach. However if I was to return to Varadero I would visit Ambrosio Cave. Located on an ecological reserve in the hotel zone, this 300 metre long cave features rock drawings estimated to be over 2000 years old.
GETTING TO & AROUND VARADERO
Airport
Varadero has it’s own international airport, Juan Gualberto Gomez International (VRA), and is a common arrival point for those wishing to skip the lively capital and head straight to the beach. There are direct flights from Europe, Canada, USA & Mexico into Varadero.
Viazul
The Viazul bus operates in and out of the Terminal de Omnibus in Varadero Town East. They provide 5 daily services to Havana via Varadero Airport and Mantanzas. You can also travel to Trinidad via Cienfuegos and to Santiago de Cuba via Santa Clara.
Collectivo
I arrived in Varadero by collectivo from Santa Clara for $25CUC. It was much quicker than taking the bus and I got to take in the scenery and glimpse at local life along the way. As the main bus system in Varadero runs along the Autopista Sur with stops far between, I couldn’t pass up the convenience of door to door service.
Taxi
Taxi’s often run between Havana and Varadero with many people wanting to head straight to the Caribbean’s famous resort area. The drive is around 2 to 2 ½ hours and prices are advertised from $94CUC. Taxi’s from Varadero airport start at around $30-40CUC depending on your destination. Locally taxi’s range from classic American cars to coco taxis and bici taxis. Always negotiate a price beforehand.
Local Busses
There are local busses which run along the length of the Varadero peninsula, including bus 220 & 236. There is also the Varadero Beach Tour HOHO bus. This runs from Playa Caleta, along Avenida 1RA, all the way to the Marina Varadero, stopping at 46 designated stops along the way. It costs $5CUC for an all day pass which is valid from 9:30am-9pm.
