What to do in Varadero
If you manage to tear yourself away from the beach, holidays to Varadero will have a few surprises in store. Be sure to dive into Cuban culture in Havana, into the past in ancient caves and, of course, into its irresistible waters.
Havana
Cuba’s beguiling capital is well worth the two-hour day trip from Varadero. A city where 1950s Cadillacs cruise past crumbling Spanish colonial-era buildings, Havana blurs the lines between past and present like nowhere else.
For a general overview of the island’s history, must-sees include Revolution Square, the Malecon, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and La Corona Cigar Factory.
And don’t forget to make time for mojito or two. Bodeguita del Medio claims to make some of the best in the city and counts Earnest Hemmingway as a former regular.
Cueva de Ambrosio
Mix it up with a visit to one of Varadero’s more unusual tourist attractions, Cueva de Ambrosio (Ambrosio Cave).
Discovered in the 1960s, the cave is notable for its ancient wall drawings, which are thought to be more than 2,000 years old!
You’ll find it in the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, a natural oasis set back from the built-up beach drag. Follow the signs to El Patriarca – a remarkable 500-year-old giant cactus tree that is said to be the oldest in Cuba.
Snorkelling and diving
Relatively undiscovered and untouched, Cuba has some of the best diving in the Caribbean. Sites near Varadero include Las Mandarinas, where you’ll come face to face with eels and groupers, and Playa Coral, which boasts an extensive network of coral formations.
About an hour’s boat trip north of the resort, you’ll find Cayo Piedras del Norte. A human-made marine park of scuttled ships, you can explore the various military vehicles that lie some 30m below the surface.
If you don’t fancy the depths, stick to the surface with a snorkel. Most hotels can help arrange an excursion.
Parque Josone
A peaceful, leafy haven among Varadero’s high-rise hotels, Parque Josone makes for a pleasant afternoon away from the beach.
Rent rowboats for a spin around the garden’s lake, admire the local flora and fauna (watch out for the ostrich!) or take a dip in the public pool.
If you fancy a break from hotel dining, there are a handful of places to eat and live music is a regular occurrence in the evenings.
The House of Rum
Mojitos, Cuba libres, daquaris, pina coladas… it’s a given that you’ll become familiar with Cuba’s signature spirit during your holiday in Varadero.
But if you want to up your rum game, take a trip to the House of Rum. Here, you’ll learn about the history of rum in Cuba, the many different varieties of rum on the island, and the process behind making the spirit.
What’s more, the House of Rum deals in obscure brands, some so unique, you won’t find them anywhere else in Varadero.
