Things to do in Varadero

Varadero Cuba is a paradise destination where you can relax and enjoy without a care in the world. The most interesting and outstanding feature of Varadero is its 22 kilometers of beach on the Atlantic Ocean, where you can lie down and admire the contrast of the white sand and turquoise blue waters. Located on the Hicacos Peninsula, this seaside resort has beautiful natural sites where you can discover the wildest side of Cuba. There is no better place in the world to get away and disconnect in a unique environment, surrounded by nature and tradition.

Best things to do in Varadero Cuba

1. Varadero Beach

The whole Varadero is on the coast, and the beach covers 22 km of the 30 km of coastline that the whole city consists of. Varadero Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Cuba. Located in the Caribbean, Varadero beach stands out as one of the best in the world. It is the image of paradise, with immense sandy shores, warm and calm waters, and a striking turquoise blue that is truly beautiful. And it is must be said that is not just like any other beach, but is surely one of the most impressive costlines you will come across.

2. Varadero Museum

This museum is located in a typical colonial beach house from the 1920’s. Its design has surrounding balconies and a wooden terrace, very typical of beach houses during that era. This exhibition offers several curiosities such as the remains of a two-headed shark. You can also walk through the history of Varadero, Cuba without leaving the sea.

3. Avenida Primera

This avenue is the main artery of Varadero, where most of the hotel complexes, restaurants, bars, shopping malls and stores of the city can be found.

4. Ambrosio Cave

Ambrosio’s Cave has one of the most important pictorial collections in the Caribbean. The walls and ceilings are covered with 47 pictographs and 72 drawings. These paintings in red and black tones, according to archaeologists, could represent daily activities of the indigenous people, such as hunting or fishing. Ambrosio’s cave is an essential stop in Cuba and one of the things to do in Varadero. In addition, it has 5 interconnected galleries, where you can observe its remarkable pre-Columbian paintings. You cannot miss the room called Sala de las Claraboyas (Skylight Room), which has a hole in the ceiling through which sunlight filters in, creating an impressive effect on the paintings.

5. La Casa del Ron and Casa del Habano

Another attraction of this unique place is its products, and there are no products more typical of Varadero, Cuba, than its Havana cigars and rum. You can’t leave your trip without trying one of these two. In Varadero you will find the Casa del Ron and Casa del Habano stores where you will be impressed by the great variety of cigars. In addition, at the Casa del Ron you can taste them so you can choose the one you like best.

Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.

6. Craft Market Varadero

Along Varadero’s very long Avenida 1, you can find a great variety and quantity of handicraft markets. Discover traditional food, clothing and jewellery made from coconut or coral, wooden figures, books, antiques or stamps. Cuban handicrafts are one of the country’s main sources of income and one of its most symbolic products. Getting your hands on one of these unique pieces is definitely something you should do in Varadero, Cuba.

• Yarey Hats: Hats are the most symbolic image of the Cuban people. This straw hat has a flat top and straight brim adorned with a ribbon, usually red or black. This type of hat can be found in the street market of Varadero, Cuba.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Things to do around Varadero Cuba

1. Scuba Diving

In addition to being a destination where you can make the most of its 22 km of beach, scuba diving is another activity to do in Varadero, Cuba. In this seaside city there are more than 30 different diving sites established all over the peninsula. It is one of the most popular activities thanks to the beauty of its seabed. This is the ideal opportunity to try scuba diving since there is no better place to discover what these turquoise waters hold.

2. Saturn Cave

This cave is a cenote located near Varadero, in the province of Matanzas, Cuba. The cave features a large opening, as well as a number of caverns, and is one of the most popular spots near Varadero, Cuba. Here you can find a beautiful natural pool full of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as plenty of fish to discover. It is a unique enclave where you can enjoy the purest Cuban nature. It is also located very close to the airport, so it will be easy to include it in your itinerary.

3. Coral Beach

Coral Beach is one of the best beaches to visit near Varadero, Cuba. Located just 30 minutes away, this is the ideal beach for snorkelling, as it is home to a great variety of sponges and tropical fish. Likewise, as its name indicates, Playa Coral has an incredible 2-kilometre-long coral reef, with more than 50 species of fish of all sizes and colours and 30 different kinds of coral. Without a doubt, an exceptional place to spend the day.

4. Jet Ski Rides

In Varadero you can practice all kinds of watersports, and the hotels themselves provide everything from jet skis and boats to the necessary equipment for scuba diving. A ride on a jet ski is one of the most popular activities to do in Varadero and an experience that will enrich your adventure in this paradise.

5. Play golf

Although it may seem strange, Varadero is a great place to play golf. Varadero Golf Club is one of the top courses in the world to practice this sport, since it has an 18-hole course that stretches along the beach. In addition, this club hosts numerous international golf tournaments and has become a renowned destination for golf lovers.

Things to do in Varadero with children

Varadero is a place for rest and relaxation, but it also has several very interesting activities to enjoy with the family, beyond the beach and snorkeling.

1. Varahicacos Ecological Reserve

Very close to the Ambrossio cave, there is this ecological park, in the northern part of the Varahicacos peninsula. It is a protected area with a great variety of plant and animal species and is one of the essential things to see in Varadero, Cuba. This reserve stands out for its vegetation, where the hicaco, the local plant that gives its name to the Peninsula, is abundant. This plant is famous for the flavor of its white fruit.

It also stands out for being an ideal place for bird and reptile watching, and there is a main hike that takes approximately 1 hour. In addition, in this reserve you can find native species, such as a 600 year-old cactus over. It is a perfect activity to discover the indigenous nature, as well as to enjoy a unique space with the family.

2. Josone Park

Located in the heart of Varadero, this park stands out for its natural spaces and is one of the most visited tourist spots in Varadero. It is an old neoclassical house built by José and Onelia Iturrioz, which has been converted into a public space. This park consists of about 9 hectares, full of green areas, vegetation and a lake, where you can take a boat ride. It is the perfect place to spend the afternoon. There are also several restaurants serving traditional Creole food.

3. Varadero Dolphinarium

If you are travelling with children, a visit to the dolphinarium is a must. This dolphinarium is one of the most touristy places in Varadero, and consists of a large pool where 13 dolphins live in perfect conditions. You can even swim and interact with them. Located in the Punta Hicacos Natural Park, the Dolphinarium is a good opportunity to enjoy a unique experience with dolphins as a family.

Tours to do in Varadero Cuba

There are several excursions that can be done from Varadero, two of the most popular are the excursions to the nearest key, which is Cayo Blanco, and an excursion to Havana.

1. Tour to Havana

Havana is 140 kilometers from Varadero, which is why visiting the historic centre of Havana is very popular. There you can visit the most iconic monuments of its historic centre, such as the port and the Morro Castle. Also, you can walk the narrow streets of Old Havana, seeing the Museum of the City and browsing in its markets.

It is about a 3 and a half hour trip from Varadero, so take into account the travel time. If you want to make the most of the trip, and stay more days, read our post Things to do in Havana to find out what else you can visit.

2. White Cay

It is a key that is only accessible by boat, and one of the most interesting excursions to do in Varadero, Cuba. It is the perfect place to spend the day, admire the views, snorkel, and enjoy a movie-like day. This is a spectacular deserted island with a white sand beach that will make you feel on another planet. It is the ideal place to use one of the days of your trip and be amazed by its beauty. Varadero’s beach is impressive, but this one will leave you speechless.

3. Underwater Park in Piedras del Norte Cay

Excursions leave from the Marina heading to the Cayo Piedra del Norte Marine Park and its beautiful surroundings, an almost unspoilt islet. On this islet is the underwater park in Cayo Piedras. This park is located northeast of Varadero and is an area where ships, planes and vehicles were sunk, creating an artificial coral reef. It is a very popular area for scuba diving in Varadero, Cuba. Here, you can find hundreds of colorful fish, turtles, sharks and crustaceans.

Things to do in Varadero at night

Leaving aside the sun and beach tourism, in Varadero there are several places where you can go to enjoy live music, shows, and spend time with friends. Here are some of the most renowned and highly rated places.

1. Cueva del Pirata Cabaret

La Cueva del Pirata is a natural cave that is popularly known as a refuge for pirates who crossed the Caribbean. Currently, it has become a cozy nightclub that offers live music shows and Cuban dances. This is a pleasant occasion to enjoy the live shows that are so characteristic of Varadero in an original.

2. Calle 62

It has live Cuban and traditional music. It is an excellent place to share with foreigners and Cubans, and the street is closed so that people can dance in the same place. Here, you can enjoy drinks and typical food.

3. Casa de la Musica

You can enjoy humorous shows and live music. The place offers the perfect atmosphere for dancing and having a good time. It also has performances from national bands.

4. Palacio de la Rumba

It is one of the best known spots located on Las Americas Avenue. It is a very good option to enjoy a typical Caribbean night, with good music and atmosphere. The place is not very big, but it is perfect to share with friends.

5. Continental Cabaret in Varadero

For many the best nightclub, Cabaret Continental is a reference point in Varadero’s nightlife. This place offers a wide variety of shows from its famous cabaret, concerts, even comedy shows. In addition to its shows, this place clears its stage turning it into a perfect dance floor where to finish enjoying the Cuban night.

6. The Beatles Nightclub

To the rhythm of rock n’ roll, The Beatles Bar-Restaurant offers one of the most different nights in Varadero. With an exceptional location, in the centre of the Hicacos Peninsula, The Beatles Bar-Restaurant is one of the most popular places in Varadero. Here, fun is guaranteed for people of all ages.

Varadero Travel Map

Register with Passporter and use this Varadero travel map to help you organise your trip quickly and easily. You can also add important documents such as travel tickets, hotel reservations and even invite your friends to be part of the itinerary organisation. Using Passporter is free of charge and will help you travel in a more organised way. You can register on the website or download the app to keep everything in one place and in your pocket 🙂

How to organize your trip to Varadero?

If you do not know how to organize your trip, or where to start when visiting all the points of interest in Varadero, download the Passporter App and we will help you.

• Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
• Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.

If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Varadero Cuba