Varadero
Varadero
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Discover Varadero
Varadero could be considered Cuba's second most important city after Havana. The two cities are close, but Varadero has the allure of nearby beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and fine white sand. It is a region that is not as exploited as other Caribbean tourist destinations; this is a very important draw.
Located in the northern part of the island of Cuba, with a time difference of five hours less than Portugal. Here, you can enjoy dancing, culture, beach time, and, of course, excellent cuisine. A stroll through its historic centre will give you an idea of Cuba’s architectural heritage: a mix of colonial styles and pre-1960s, the time of the revolution, and when the country seems to have been frozen in time.
How about diving into its warm and transparent waters to enjoy its beautiful marine life and fauna? You can also enjoy some adventures and sports activities like windsurfing on its paradisiacal beaches. Additionally, we must highlight some of the most delicious dishes of Cuban cuisine that you can enjoy on your holiday, such as Ropa Vieja or Moros y Cristianos. In the evening, of course, you can sample the best rum in the world and purchase it yourself at the House of Rum in Varadero. As you can see, at Newblue, we leave nothing to chance to help you plan a dream holiday. Welcome to paradise!
What to see in Varadero?
Welcome to paradise! Varadero is a place full of points of interest that are worth visiting. A destination less frequented than others in the Caribbean, but one that hides many secrets you must discover.
Varadero Beach
Varadero Beach stretches for a total of 22 kilometres and is one of the best beaches in Cuba. It is a beach that actually runs along the entire city and is considered one of the be st beaches in the world. It is a paradisiacal beach with crystal-clear and warm waters where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Avenida Primera
Avenida Primera is Varadero's main avenue and the one that forms the city’s layout. It is lined with numerous restaurants, hotels, shopping centres, and shops. However, beyond that, you can simply enjoy its architecture, which mixes styles from different eras and trends, all steeped in history.
Cueva de Ambrosio
Another essential spot to consider when answering the question of what to see in Varadero is Ambrosio Cave. Inside, you will find a unique pictorial heritage unmatched anywhere else in the Caribbean. Specifically, it consists of archaeological remains from the pre-Columbian cultures that lived in this area, leaving their mark on the walls with scenes of fishing and hunting, among others. It has a total of five interconnected galleries and is a spectacular space.
Casa del Ron
Cigars, along with rum, are among the biggest attractions of Cuba in general and Varadero in particular. Therefore, when considering what to see in Varadero, these must be taken into account. Specifically, we recommend visiting the Casa del Ron (House of Rum), where you can learn about the great variety of rum available and purchase them at a good price.
The best beaches in Varadero
This will coma as no surprise but Varadero’s beaches are one of its main attractions and are known worldwide. For this reason, we will talk about some of the most famous and recommended beaches, considering the vast stretch of coastline in this area.
Playa Varadero
Among the best beaches in Varadero, we must mention the eponymous beach, which is the main one. It is a beach featured in all lists of the best beaches in Cuba, and there are several reasons for that. The first reason is its length: it is a beach stretching over 20 kilometres, with its route lined with shops, restaurants, and everything needed for those looking to enjoy themselves. Secondly, it’s in excellent condition, with crystal clear waters and clean, white sand.
Hicacos Peninsula
Near Varadero is the Hicacos Peninsula and its beaches, which are less crowded yet equally as good as any other beach in the Cuban Caribbean. It is, without a doubt, a paradise where you can relax and enjoy the marvellous surroundings.
Cayo Libertad
Also near Varadero Beach is Cayo Libertad, which is actually at the end of the barrier that forms Varadero. It is also a place of great beauty that has everything necessary for visitors. This is precisely why we could not leave it out of our list of the best beaches in Varadero.
What to eat in Varadero?
It is always essential to also know the cuisine of a place for a complete trip. You can’t leave Varadero without trying some of its most characteristic dishes, which will leave you licking your fingers.
What should you eat in Varadero? Best dishes
Ropa Vieja is a classic in Cuban cuisine. As you probably know, it’s typical throughout Cuba, including Havana. However, it originates in the Canary Islands, from where it arrived with the Spanish. The Cuban version has some differences, such as the absence of chickpeas, while also adding some tropical ingredients like bell peppers. Secondly, there’s the famous Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken): another star dish of Varadero and Cuba in general. It’s a round rice, similar to Valencia’s, and besides chicken, this recipe often includes peas and bell peppers. It’s a delicious dish that is highly recommended for building up strength.
The Cuban sandwich has also gained popularity over the years: it’s a type of sandwich made with pork, and from there, it has numerous versions that generally include jalapeños and tomatoes. We recommend trying as many varieties as possible to find the one you like best. Lastly, there’s Vaca Frita: to know what to eat in Varadero, Vaca Frita with its crispy texture is a must. It's similar to Ropa Vieja, but without tomatoes. It also includes lemon, onion, and garlic: something delicious.
Where to eat in Varadero? Best Restaurants
Now, let's talk about some of the best restaurants in Varadero. There are several alternatives, although typical Varadero food restaurants are usually the preferred choice.
We start our recommendations on where to eat with Terracita’s Café: a very cosy place where some of Varadero's Caribbean specialities are served. Secondly, we'll talk about La Gruta el Vino: a restaurant specialising in meat, offering a rustic and welcoming atmosphere with a touch of international flair. For meat lovers, it is, without a doubt, a place to visit in Varadero.
If you're looking for something more family-friendly, you can opt for Salsa-Suárez: a more international restaurant which, in fact, specialises in pizza. It’s a good option for those seeking a taste closer to what they know from their home countries. Lastly, we’ll also mention La Rampa, a place specialising in serving lobster, one of the standout dishes of the Caribbean and Cuba in particular.
Adventure and Sport
Besides its beaches, Varadero offers countless activities related to sports and adventure, mainly related to nature and the sea. Are you ready to feel the adrenaline of Varadero with Newblue?
Jet Skiing in Varadero
Our first recommended sport in Varadero is jet skiing. While there are numerous water sports to try in Varadero, jet skiing stands out for the thrill and the stunning environment it offers.
Scuba diving in Varadero
Naturally, another fantastic adventure activity in Varadero is scuba diving. Dive in to explore the wonders beneath the waves, from vibrant corals to fascinating marine life. Without a doubt, a truly unforgettable experience.
Cueva Saturno
Exploring Cueva Saturno is another must-do excursion in Varadero. It's a cave that resembles a hollow in the ground, accessible by stairs, with an underwater pool where you can view its fish. It’s definitely one of the hidden gems among adventure activities in Varadero.
Windsurfing in Varadero
Varadero is also an ideal location for windsurfing in its pristine waters. If you're looking for things to do in Varadero, don’t miss the chance to enjoy this exhilarating sport in such a beautiful setting. You won’t regret it.
Leisure and Culture
And of course, leisure and culture also play a significant role in a historic country like Cuba. Here are some of the cultural activities you can do in Varadero.
Culture and leisure activities in Varadero
Beyond its cuisine and stunning beaches, Varadero also offers a wide range of cultural and leisure activities. Let’s start by highlighting one of the most significant cultural aspects of Cuba in general and Varadero in particular: the music. At Plaza América Convention Centre, you can enjoy the best of Cuban music, including performances by Buena Vista Social Club, with concerts and opportunities to interact with the artists.
Galería Artecru
Another cultural activity in Varadero is visiting the Artecru Gallery, which showcases works from some of Cuba’s freshest contemporary artists. The gallery features a variety of styles, all with vibrant colours. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the artistic soul of Cuba.
Casa del Ron
This former colonial house, now a rum shop, is where you can learn about and purchase a variety of Cuban rums. It’s a cosy place that feels like stepping back in time, perfect for rum enthusiasts looking to discover an essential piece of Cuban culture and economy.
Cabaret Mediterráneo
This venue offers dance performances set to Cuban music, where you can enjoy a drink while socialising and making new friends. It's one of the most popular spots in Varadero, ideal for those looking to experience the local nightlife.