Varadero City
City in Matanzas Province, Cuba with beaches
A long spit of sandy shore and resort hotels defines Varadero; travelers swim coral‑fringed waters, scuba or snorkel at reefs, explore the Cueva de Saturno freshwater cave and eat fried snapper at roadside paladares away from the hotel strip.
Varadero at a Glance#
Costs: US$70-150 / day - resort rates vary; all‑inclusives raise daily costs significantly.
Safety: Relatively safe, tourist-focused - police presence in resorts; watch belongings and petty scams.
Best Time: December-April - warm, dry weather and peak resort season.
Why Visit Varadero?#
Beaches of fine white sand and warm turquoise water bring sun-and-sea travelers to Playa Varadero, a long peninsula with coral-fringed reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. Resort-lined avenues host live salsa and son music at night, pairing Cuban rhythms with seafood such as grilled lobster and ropa vieja in beachside paladares. For quieter options, day trips to nearby nature parks and short boat rides to smaller keys offer secluded coves and birding along the Zapata Peninsula.
Best Things to Do in Varadero#
Varadero Bucket List#
Varadero Beach - Relax on Varadero Beach’s long white sands and swim in warm Caribbean waters.
Parque Josone - Stroll Parque Josone’s shaded paths, ponds, and riverside cafés within town center.
Varadero Dolphinarium - Swim with dolphins or watch marine shows at Varadero’s Dolphinarium facility.
Varahicacos Ecological Reserve - Explore Varahicacos Ecological Reserve’s trails, endemic plants, and small coastal caves.
Punta Hicacos Lighthouse - Climb to Punta Hicacos Lighthouse for ocean views and historical coastal scenery.
Calle 62 Paladares - Dine at Calle 62 paladares for homemade Cuban dishes and friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
Matanzas city - Take a short trip into Matanzas for Afro-Cuban rumba, colonial plazas, and museums.
Ciénaga de Zapata - Drive to Ciénaga de Zapata for birdwatching, crocodile habitats, and rural landscapes.
Best Time to Visit Varadero#
Varadero is best from November through April when it’s drier, breezy, and more comfortable for beaches and snorkeling. Summer heats up with frequent rains and a real hurricane season risk.
November - April
20-27°C (68-81°F)
Breezy, sunny days and lower humidity - perfect for beach time, diving, and relaxed outdoor meals.
May - October
24-31°C (75-88°F)
Hotter, muggy days with frequent afternoon showers; beaches are quieter but expect sudden storms and higher humidity.
June - November
24-31°C (75-88°F)
Peak season for tropical storms and hurricanes; check forecasts and travel advisories before booking during these months.
Tropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1383 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (182 mm).
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June
June is hot, feeling like 29°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (211 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (175 mm).
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (190 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (181 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Varadero#
Varadero is served by its own international airport (VRA) located minutes from the hotel zone; Havana is the larger gateway for connections and overland travel. For convenience, many visitors use airport taxis or prebooked shuttles; Viazul coaches connect Varadero with Havana for budget travellers.
Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA): Varadero’s airport is right next to the resort area and receives many international flights. Transfer times into central Varadero hotels are typically 15-30 minutes; private taxi fares are roughly USD 20-USD 35, while shared shuttles can be about USD 8-USD 15 per person.
José Martí International Airport (HAV): Havana is the main international airport for Cuba; Varadero is about 140-170 km (3-4 hours) from Havana depending on traffic. Viazul buses from Havana to Varadero take about 3-4 hours and cost around USD 10-USD 12; private taxis are much more expensive (USD 120+).
Train: There is no practical passenger rail service to Varadero for tourists.
Bus: The state coach line Viazul and private shuttle operators run Havana↔Varadero services. Viazul is budget‑friendly (approx. USD 10-USD 12, 3-4 hours). Many tourists use hotel shuttles or prebooked private transfers from Havana or the airport for direct service into the resort.
How to Get Around Varadero#
Varadero has its own airport right by the resort; transfers are short and often arranged by hotels. For arrivals via Havana, scheduled Viazul coaches and private shuttles link the two cities-choose shuttles for convenience and Viazul for lower cost.
- Airport taxi / transfer (USD 8-USD 35) - From VRA most hotels arrange transfers and taxis are plentiful; travel time to hotel zones is usually under 30 minutes. Shared hotel shuttles are cheaper than private taxis and often reliable-confirm prices in advance to avoid overcharging.
- Viazul coach / private shuttle (Havana↔Varadero) (USD 10-USD 40) - Viazul offers scheduled coach service between Havana and Varadero; trips take about 3-4 hours and are a low‑cost option. Private shuttles or shared transfers are faster and drop you closer to hotels but cost more-book ahead in high season.
- Taxi / Private car hire (USD 10-USD 150) - Private taxis give direct transfers and are convenient for groups or if you have lots of luggage. Fares from Havana are high (USD 120+); within Varadero short taxi trips are modest. Agree a fixed fare before travel when possible.
- Collective taxi (almendrón) and local buses (USD 0.25-USD 5) - Local buses and collective taxis serve Varadero residents and nearby towns; they are inexpensive but slower and less comfortable for tourists with luggage. Useful for short trips to local markets if you’re on a tight budget.
- Bicycle rental (USD 5-USD 20/day) - Bikes are available to rent near the resort and are an enjoyable way to explore beaches and nearby small villages. Use marked roads and be cautious of traffic during peak times.
- Walking - The resort strip in Varadero is very walkable for beach access, restaurants and shops; walking is often the easiest way to get around the hotel zone. Carry sun protection and water for longer walks.
Where to Stay in Varadero#
Varadero beach strip - $50-120/night
Varadero has many all-inclusive resorts; cheap deals often come in low season. Budget means shared facilities but big resort amenities.
Meliá Varadero (budget room types) - Large resort with budget room options
Iberostar Selection Varadero - All-inclusive with affordable deals
Central Varadero - $120-220/night
Many mid-range options are full-service resorts offering rooms, pools, restaurants and beach access. Expect reliable amenities and activities.
Royalton Hicacos Varadero - Adult-only, boutique-resort feel
Gran Hotel Vista al Mar - Comfortable, good location
East Varadero resorts - $200+/night
Varadero’s luxury end is well developed with large beachfront resorts offering premium rooms, spas, and water sports.
Meliá Internacional Varadero - Upscale rooms and beachfront facilities
Paradise Varadero Resort - Luxury amenities and premium suites
Where to Eat in Varadero#
Varadero combines resort dining with local paladares-expect seafood, Cuban classics and beachfront restaurants catering to visitors.
- Resort restaurants - Seafood and international menus
- Local paladares (private restaurants) - Homestyle Cuban plates
- Seafood stalls and fish markets - Fresh catch sold near the shore
Beaches and promenades host cafés and kiosks serving snacks, empanadas and tropical drinks for a relaxed seaside appetite.
- Beachfront cafes - Coffee, smoothies and light bites
- Snack kiosks - Empanadas, fritters and cold drinks
- Ice-cream stands - Cool treats on hot days
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Varadero’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Varadero#
Varadero has a wide range of tourist-oriented shopping: souvenir stands, shops selling cigars, rum and local crafts, and several indoor markets near the resort area. Hotel gift shops and stalls on the main strip are the easiest places to buy keepsakes. For state-run or larger craft markets, check opening days and bring cash-the selection varies seasonally.
Nightlife in Varadero#
Varadero offers the most nightlife of these Cuban towns, with many hotel bars, restaurant venues and occasional live music. Even so, most evenings are centered on hotel entertainment and relaxed beachfront spots rather than a large independent club scene. If you’re after late-night dancing or themed clubs, ask hotel staff for current listings and shuttle options.
