Varadero is the most famous beach-city in Cuba. It stretches along the northern coast of Hicacos Peninsula in Matanzas province. Located 140 kilometers to the east of Havana and 32 kilometers away from the City of Matanzas, the beach is one of the most beautiful sites in the Cuban archipelago. It is 700 meters wide and 22 meters long.
Its population nears 4,000 people in the beach area and 6,000 on the outskirts.
An open landscape, peculiar vegetation, warm climate, crystal-clear seawaters, and extremely fine and white sands make Varadero an unforgettable destination. It ranks high among the offers of tourist agents because, aside from natural beauty, Varadero has a lot to give.
The beach provides a wide range of options. Walking or driving along First Avenue is an ideal way of enjoying the sea on one side and the oldest section of the city on the other. The emblematic Internacional Hotel is located in the area where First Avenue and Avenue of the Americas meet. This section of the beach houses luxurious, exclusive facilities that are operated by major national and international tourist companies. A blend of architectural styles, typically Cuban elements, and original and personalized services make every hotel stand out.
Another attraction is the Retiro Josone Park. Opened in 1942, the park has a man-made lagoon where visitors can take boat rides and admire the surrounding vegetation, including huge trees, coconut trees and all kinds of flowers. This is one of the favorite sites in the area.
The Dupont House rises on the highest point of the Peninsula, known as San Bernardino Height.
Finished in 1929, it was originally called Xanadu and built as a resting-place for Irene Dupont, an American chemical-industry tycoon. Today, it is part of an impeccably designed course at Varadero Golf Club. This golf course is considered one of the best in the Caribbean. Specializing in French cuisine, its restaurant has a huge original wine cellar. It is the most sophisticated facility of its kind at the beach.
Submarine rides, skydiving, scuba diving, dolphin shows, discos and ballrooms are also available in Varadero, a tourist area where history and nature harmoniously blend.
There is a tourist road to go from Havana to Varadero. The Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport is just 20 kilometers away from the beach, and handles domestic and international, regular and charter flights. The Central and National highways connect it to neighboring provinces. To facilitate access by boat, the area has three marinas: Dársena, Chapulín and Gaviota.
