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Varadero, Cuba is a stopping point for many cruise ships. It’s beaches are lined with hotels waiting to pamper cruise guests before they depart to their next destination. But does Varadero deserve a vacation all on its own? Does this touristy resort town have any local culture? WELL it’s a good thing I’m here to answer all those questions!

First, I am a citizen of the USA. If you have any questions about visiting Cuba, YES – it is legal. And YES – you will need a visa. Check out this post for more questions on getting to Cuba from the United States of America. But yanno, once you get INTO Cuba, it’s smooth sailings to get to Varadero. Or rather, I should say, it’s smooth driving.

After having spent a week in Havana, I wanted to get out of the city and go see the stunning beaches that the Caribbean is known for. My next destination = Varadero, Cuba.

When I told my casa host over breakfast that I was moving on to Varadero, she was surprised. “You’re staying in a resort?” She kept her face neutral, trying not to show judgement. “You don’t seem like you would. Well, I’m sure it will be nice.”

“Not a hotel, I’m staying in a casa!”

She blinked. “A casa?? In VARADERO?” She thought about it for a second. “Mm, no, it must be in Santa Marta. It’s basically Varadero, but a little bit outside. That’s where most people live.”

“Really? I’m pretty sure the address was Varadero.”

She shrugged. “Huh. Maybe then. I’ve never met anyone that lived IN Varadero. I’ve heard the beach is beautiful.” And then she called a cab to take me over.

Where to Stay:

This is basically what Varadero looks like.

It’s pretty narrow, as you can see. It has all the basics that a town needs. Also the line for internet is a lotttt shorter than in Havana. So if you want to stock up on Internet cards, I’d suggest doing it here.

The drive wasn’t too bad, an easy 2 hours. We took the route along the coast, passing beautiful playas and a few small towns. Our casa in Varadero was ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. Our casa was called Guajiro House, and it is easily the best airbnb in Varadero – and one of my favorite airbnbs I’ve stayed EVER. So, highly recommend staying there for your time in Varadero. It’s about two blocks from the main road and three from the beach. AND, the casa comes with two bikes! It’s the best way to get around! AND, it also comes with sun hats. AND, free mojitos. The casa is already paying for itself. Oh, and there are dogs as well. Plus! If you don’t like dogs, don’t worry, they are always downstairs and very go up to your private terrace or room upstairs.

Here is the Airbnb link to Guajiro House! Click below to book!

So, once you get settled in its time to hop on your biked and explore the city a bit! If you can’t stay in Guajiro House, then there are some resorts right on the beach. However, I personallyyyyy can’t recommend them because I didn’t even peak inside. There’s plenty of casas though, which I DO recommend, especially if you’re American! #supportcubanpeople

What to do:

Obviously, you need to head to the beach.

If that picture doesn’t convince you enough, lemme break it down for you. This was my first time in the Caribbean. I’m already going back JUST for the beaches. Lemme tell ya, Varadero Beach is stunning. The water is refreshing (not freezing, but chilly enough to quickly cool you from the Cuban sun). The sand is very soft, and although there isn’t a lot of shade, it wasn’t super packed or busy, which is extremely nice!

I went to a handful of beaches in Cuba (no Cayos tho!) and Varadero is hands down my favorite. AND, best of all, it was 3 blocks from my casa! To be completely honest though, I’m actually not much of a beach person. Plus, the water was chilly which is a no for me. Instead, I found one of the few palm trees along the edges and finished my favorite book by a Cuban author.

I think some of the resorts along the water have private sections of the beach??? But I didn’t notice if they were private haha. Just head towards the ocean and you’ll be good. After you get your fill of the beach, just keep heading down the street closest to the beach and you’ll reach a couple of different markets. I prefer to shop in the markets and buy crafts and unique lil knick knacks. Though, some of them aren’t that unique, so you might just have to look around. There were a few booths that sold artwork, but I had already bought a nice painting back in Havana.

Other than shopping, you should also check out Josone Park and Varahicacos Ecological Reserve! Legend has it that Josone Park was built by some dude for a wife. And y’all. It’s a really romantic place for a stroll. There’s gardens and fountains and even paddle boats for rent! On the other hand, Varahicacos Ecological Reserve has hiking trails, caves (there’s a lot of caves in Cuba apparently), a beach, and even a lagoon! If you’re into scuba, you can take a tour to Cayo Piedra Underwater Park. I hear there’s dope wreckage there! Fun fact, the boats, planes, and equipment there were deliberate, as a way to create an artificial reef!

I also passed by a few studios offering dance lessons! Drop by a class (or even as your casa host for teacher recommendations!) to learn some Cuban salsa – better known as casino!

You can use those moves at one of the MANY nightclubs in Varadero, or you can just stick to twerking upside down against the wall, whatever suits your fancy. 

I spent a few days in Varadero, but I only stuck around for like two days. The rest of the time was spent doing excursions! The most popular ones are checking out the nearby cayos,  (like Cayo Coco) which are supposed to be the most beautiful on the entire island. 

I, HOWEVER, didn’t do that of course. Though, it would have been really nice *cry emoji* 

Instead I took a day trip to the nearby town of Mantanzas! There, I explored the city, saw the tallest bridge in Cuba, and uh…went to more caves. 

Again, Cuba is full of caves.

Where to eat: 

Unlike Havana, most of the restaurants in Varadero are pretty tasty. I suspect it is because Varadero is the oldest tourist hub in Cuba.

YES PEOPLE, CUBA HAS BEEN A TOURIST DESTINATION FOR A LONGGG TIME. Youre not the first and you wont be the last.

Anyways, back to the food. You mostly can’t go wrong if you stick to that street by the beach. One restaurant that I try that I recommend is Restaurante Esquina Cuba. My host recommended it to us, and you’ll recognize it by the thatched roof. The food and drinks are good, but the desert is even better! And then of course, you gotta eat at your casa too! If you’re staying at Guajiro House like I did, then you’re in for a DELICIOUS TREAT.

For more options, check out my post on the best restaurants in Cuba, including Varadero!

Is Varadero the REAL Cuba??

This has always been such a weird question to me. What does the REAL Cuba even mean, as a tourist? So many people are so obsessed with living like a local in a certain place that they immediately write off anywhere that has the slightest reputation of being touristy. Which is a strange mindset, especially in Cuba.

For one, you’re never going to TRULY live like a local in Cuba.

Second, what the heck, just enjoy life man. Travel is not that serious. But anyways, back to the question. Is Varadero seeing the REAL Cuba? 

Varadero is a tourist hub, FOR SURE. I mean, 44% of all visitors to Cuba just visit Varadero and the Cayos! The beaches are lined with the resorts and -as I said before- the food is catered to the visitors with money. But, Varadero wasn’t always like this.

Before colonization, Varadero was home to the indigenous Taino people. Once the Spanish arrived in Cuba, they used the Hicacos Peninsula (where Varadero is located), as a pit stop for ship repairs. In fact, the word ‘varadero’ means ‘dry dock’ in Spanish. The name had a ring to it and it stuck around.

Around the same time, a salt mine was discovered in Varadero and was pretty much the first (and definitely most influential) salt extraction sites to be exploited in the New World. Aside from that though…Varadero was a pretty quiet place. 

Until the 1870s.

Ten families from the city of Cardenas, Cuba were allowed to build vacation homes in Varadero. That prompted the wealthy elite of Havana to follow suite, and soon, Varadero gained a prestigious resort reputation and anybody who was anybody had property there. Rich Americans, European royalty, and – well, yes, mobsters joined in on the fun too. Even Al Capone had a spot!

In 1959, during the Cuban Revolution when Fidel Castro and seized power, the vasts mansions and hotels were expropriated from their owners. The government turned these properties into museums, embassies, art galleries, and public centers. The intention was to transform Varadero into a cultural hub that ALL Cubans (and tourists) could frequent. Many concerts, events, and festivals were held in Varadero every year. 

Around the 1990s, Varadero’s direction switched again. Varadero once again pivoted back to tourism, with the Cuban government focusing on building 4- and 5-star resorts in place of the annual festivities.

Yeah yeah, I know, you didn’t ask for a history lesson, but SURPRISE you got one anyway. While it’s not necessary to know every little piece of historical significance about every single place you visit, I like to think a little bit of awareness goes a long way into understanding why and how a destination is the way it is. If you want to know more about Cuban culture, check out my post on debunking some of the most common myths and misconceptions about Cuba!

TLDR ; is Varadero touristy? Yes. Is it still worth a visit? Absolutely. I mean, do I need to remind you of the beach??

I hope you enjoy your time in Varadero! Have you been before? How was your experience? What did you think of Cuba’s little paradise city? 

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